We’ve said it before: modern cars are essentially smartphones on wheels. And everyone knows that the best thing about smartphones is the apps we can use; some are already invading our cars thanks to Android Auto, but this is only the beginning.
[Analizamos el nuevo Android Auto con la interfaz multiventana]
Mercedes-Benz just demonstrated what’s next. In the same way that our mobile has an integrated webcam to be able to make video calls, why not have it also in the car?
Mercedes-Benz with built-in webcam
It’s the strange addition that brings the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Announced this week, accompanied by what the German manufacturer calls a “Superscreen”; And for good reason, as it’s one of the biggest we’ve seen in production cars so far, combining the center panel with a second passenger-facing screen.
The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is full of screens
Unlike other cars, it shows the new E-Class has been designed from the ground up with these screens in mind; They are much better integrated into the interior design, with the air conditioning outlets acting as the upper edge of the screens, all with integrated ambient lighting capable of changing color as we please or according to the driving mode we have chosen.
But the part of the cabin that really stands out is ironically quite small: it’s a “bump” in the center of the dashboard, which hide a webcam. No, it is not a DAS camera, as it is intended for the driver and not for the road. Indeed, this webcam can be used by applications to record video and make video calls while we are in the car.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class will offer access to applications such as mobile phones
Several applications preinstalled on the screen can use this webcam, such as TikTok or Zoom; although the company clarifies that these advanced functions can only be performed when the car is parked or in Level 3 autonomous mode, which allows you to take your eyes off the road on certain types of roads, provided you are ready to take control at all times.
Although the new MBUX infotainment system isn’t based on Android Auto; but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your favorite Google apps. Mercedes-Benz and Google have entered into a collaboration agreement to adopt Google Maps technology for car navigation, including features such as traffic information and automatic rerouting. The collaboration also involves the integration of the YouTube app, which will allow us to watch videos with the same limitations as other apps; i.e. never when we are driving.
Google apps like Maps and YouTube will be integrated into Mercedes-Benz systems
This agreement differs from the one that Google has signed with other manufacturers such as Renault; Mercedes-Benz prefers to keep control over its platform, which will not use Android Automotive.
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