Can Family Guy make Windows 7 cool?

It seems Microsoft really is pulling out the big guns to get people interested in Windows again, having hired Seth MacFarlane of Family Guy fame to stir up the interest surrounding Windows 7.

According to Advertising Age, the Big M is set to sponsor a variety-style show on the Fox network in the US that will feature MacFarlane and his famous Family Guy characters in animated shorts and comedy musical performances, as well as featuring celebrity guest appearances.

However the show, currently known as "Family Guy Presents: Seth's & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show", will not be simply sponsored by the company – Microsoft has said the OS will be "deeply integrated into the content".

Gayle Troberman, general manager of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft said: "You'll hear a lot about how Windows 7 can help you simplify your PC.

"Think about metaphors and examples we might use, talking about how simple things are. We'll be evoking the cast of Family Guy in some interesting ways that integrate the product messages."

Rules about product placement on British TV mean we would never see such a programme over here, but it will be interesting to see exactly how MacFarlane pulls it off in the States without losing Family Guy's quirky, offbeat and sometimes even offensive humour.

For me, it just doesn't seem to fit with what Family Guy is all about. Family Guy pokes fun at society - people, companies, even advertising - so for it to try and adopt the positive vibe surely necessary to advertise a product, it seems somewhat out of place.

I'm certainly intrigued as to what Seth has up his sleeve to keep the show in line with its roots - here's hoping Family Guy keeps it tongue-in-cheek humour we all know and love.

What do you think - is it a smart move by Microsoft, or a bad move by MacFarlane? Let us know below.