First there was the automatic. Then cruise control. And now, voice activation. Microsoft (MSFT) announced last week a deal with automakers Hyundai and Kia to bring in-car voice activation software to cars. This will be the software giant's second attempt to infiltrate the automotive industry. Last year, Ford (F) signed a one-year agreement with Microsoft to use "Sync," software that lets drivers control mobile phones and stereos.

Hyundai and Kia announced that the new software can be installed in cars as early as November. Most industry experts, however, believe it will take longer due to development delays. Neither company has divulged exactly which features the software will control, but analysts predict similar functionality as Ford's Sync.

So will voice activation take-off? Or will it sputter out? Hoofy and Boo take a closer look at the ups and downs of this new technology.