Daimler and Google announced the strengthening of their strategic partnership, giving Daimler programmers full access to the suite of Google application programming interfaces (API) known collectively as Google Maps API for Business. The collaboration will enable Daimler to use Google Maps for their in-car map displays and speed development of other automotive apps.
Mercedes-Benz made technology a focus in the Frankfurt Auto Show with new integration for iPhones and iPads. iPhone Interface Plus mates a glove-mounted iPhone dock with the center stack info system, mirroring both the screen and the video. A companion app provides an interface for common driving tasks optimized on the larger screen, such as map routing, local music, and Internet radio.
Electronics maker Harman this week announced it will work with Mercedes-Benz to bring a flexible navigation system to the German vehicles. It will feel like a built-in, factory issued system as it will communicate with the car's controls and display, but be removable and allow for software updates. Called Becker Map Pilot, the system will make its debut in the SLK and C-Class cars.
German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz USA recently announced a Media Interface Plus (MIP) for its cars that will let smartphone owners play or stream Pandora Internet radio through their vehicle's sound system. A first from a carmaker, the plug-and-play cable is compatible with the iPhone 3G, 3GS and 4 and a variety of BlackBerry devices. The iPhone Pandora streaming is accomplished through a USB cable, while BlackBerry owners will need to stream it over Bluetooth.
Auto maker Mercedes-Benz has announced that all of its 355 US dealerships should soon be equipped with 3G iPads. The company launched a pilot program in June, initially distributing iPads to just 40 outfits. The stated intent was to keep dealers and customers out by the cars, rather than forcing people to retreat back to an office to hash out details.
Regular Mercedes-Benz tuner Brabus today showed off a special package for the S600 that gives it an Apple-focused mobile office. The S600 iBusiness package gives the two rear seats an iPad each as well as a 64GB iPod touch. Both of the iPads can not only be used for work but can control the car's audio, navigation and phone systems.
Apple has placed sixth in a global survey of the "most reputable" companies around the world, says a consulting firm, the Reputation Institute. The results are based on a two-part poll. People in 32 countries were initially asked to rate the 600 largest corporations in their homelands; the top businesses for each country progressed to a second poll, where they were joined in competition by the "most visible and valuable" corporations with an above-average local reputation.
Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz this week revealed that an integrated iPhone cradle is now available as an option on all its vehicles. Allowing drivers to easily switch between standard radio and iPhone functions, it offers full iPhone functionality through the vehicle's driver display and multifunction steering wheel. In addition to helping drivers comply with traffic legislation specific to mobile telephone usage in cars, Mercedes believes that the cradle "enhances road safety, as the driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel, leaving them free to concentrate on the traffic and the other controls in the cockpit."
