Mercedes Joins the iPhone Party
8:32 am, June 20th, 2008, Lonnie Lazar
Following on the heels of competitor BMW’s optional iPod dock, Steve Jobs’ preferred German automaker Mercedes Benz announced a custom cradle for the iPhone available as an option on nine classes of its vehicles. The interface will allow seamless integration between the iPhone’s music and telephone functions and the vehicle’s systems, Mercedes says.
Placed in the Mercedes’ onboard cradle, the iPhone’s music and phone functions can be controlled with the help of multifunction steering wheel controls, while the vehicle’s display indicates phone status, music functions, etc. The cradle features automatic recharging as well as increased reception with the help of the vehicle’s antenna.
More pics after the jump.
Posted by Lonnie Lazar in Music, Quickies, iPhone | Comment on this article
Mercedes has had ipod integration for years (truth is that it kinda sucks). If you reread your own post you will notice that this is the iPhone cradle, which is different from BMW’s iPod integration (and Mercedes as well). Controlling the iPod features via the steering wheel controls is not a big deal, uploading the phone’s address book to the car is a nice thing to have, although my iphone already does this via the bluetooth handsfree in my 2007 mercedes. I have read several of these stories and I can’t figure out what is new about this other than the cradle… the bluetooth interface in the car already deals with the iphone and the ipod integration kit already does that. I’d be hard pressed to spend another $300 just to get a custom charging cradle.
jeff, on June 20th, 2008 at 9:52 am
In reply to jeff:
If you read the details more careful, you will see the differences to the iPod solution. Also they are more technical and probably won’t matter in most cases. I see it just as a more elegant solution in comparison to the old iPod dock. I guess it’s a good consideration when buying a new car or if you don’t have an iPod dock.
The biggest advantage I see is the integration of the iPhone into the vehicle aerial which will certainly increase signal reception. Probably won’t matter in urban areas, but when going a 200 km/h on a german autobahn, you will appreciate the better signal.
mmnw, on June 20th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I currently have a HTC TyTN II and it’s been difficult getting bluetooth integration going. AU is finally getting the iPhone in the form of the 3G version. It would be great if this kit would fit my E240…
Nicholas Orr, on June 20th, 2008 at 7:00 pm