LAS VEGAS -- Here's a short video of Microsoft's Velle Kolde demonstrating new features of Ford Sync, the in-vehicle entertainment and information software that Microsoft has helped the car maker develop. Check out this story for more details on the Seattle-area companies involved in the effort.

A year after Microsoft launched a bus service to ferry employees from communities around the region to its Redmond campus, the company is expanding the Connector again.

On my way back to Seattle from Redmond Thursday evening, I watched as Microsoft Connector shuttles streamed by in the carpool lane. Saving time, and, if Highway 520 gets tolls in two years, saving money. In any case, those who want to share their two cents on the tolls will have five opportunities in the coming weeks.

Driving to work could get significantly more expensive for Microsofties and others heading from Seattle to Redmond, or vice versa. A new state study released today lays out four options for tolling to raise some of the cost of replacing the Highway 520 floating bridge. Afternoon peak tolls could range from $2.95 to $3.25 starting 2010. Morning peak tolls would be $2.15 to $2.60.