According to a German magazine Focus, Apple is teaming up with Mercedes-Benz to develop a navigation system .This technology is expected to debut for the model year 2009 for Mercedes automobiles exclusively. This will give Mercedes a head start.
Other automakers will be allowed to license this technology only after six months. Apple-designed navigation system would probably be like Apple iPhone featuring an innovative touch screen-based interface, eliminating need for any mechanical buttons. The phone uses advanced software for making sense of multifarious movements and input from multiple fingers, making it spontaneous and giving it a natural edge.
When BMW, arch rival of the Mercedes introduced iDrive it was severely criticized for its pointless complexity and awkward control. I just hope the navigation system for Mercedes will be responsive and will be according to what is expected from Apple.
Since Map application for iPhone is powered by Google maps, it is expected that the same technology would probably be used for the upcoming Apple Car navigation system. The other features from iPhone which may also be included in the system are e-mail, calendar, iTunes and even the internet access. Integration with iPhone or with some other wireless handsets can also be expected.
When Apple and BMW teamed up in the year 2004 for seamless integration between car audio and iPod, BMW had a head start over other auto maker’s. Let’s just wait and watch to judge whether Mercedes gains the same edge over the others giving Mercedes a head start and giving its customers user-friendly systems with more and more sophistication.
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