Mercedes to Bring the Power of the Internet into the Vehicle ... Eventually

On the eve of the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated an in-car Internet system called myCOMAND in the company's ConceptFASCINATION vehicle. Unlike current in-car Internet applications, which have grown in the past few months from none to about a half dozen, Mercedes plans to use MyCOMAND to provide access to media, communications and navigation functions -- and dump the hardware traditionally associated with those technologies.

Instead of CDs or even an iPod, music would be accessed from an online library. Instead of using a mobile phone, calls would be made via VOIP. Instead of directions and information from an outdated in-dash or portable nav system, drivers would use Google Maps. And instead of a DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system, passengers would watch videos on YouTube.

MyCOMAND would also bring all of the power and function of the Internet into the car, including searches for everything from gas to garage sales, reviews and rating for restaurants and other services and the ability to find parking spaces, the cheapest gas, movie show times or almost anything else that can be done on the Web.

Mercedes has no immediate plans to make the system available in production vehicles. Dr. Ralph Guido Merrtwich, director of infotainment and telematics research and advanced engineering for Mercedes, said at the unveiling that myCOMAND won't be ready until cellular networks literally get up to speed, which he predicted will be "rolled out starting in 2012."

That's eons in the fast-paced world of technology.

Categories: Car Tech,LA Auto Show