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Mercedes Introduces iPhone Siri To The A-Class by

  • February 27, 2012
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Following the integration of Facebook into its cars, Mercedes Benz announced that their engineers are working on integrating Apple iPhone’s Siri voice recognition technology into the Mercedes A-Class electronics system. This integration would enable drivers voice control of their iPhone and hands free access to its apps.

Photo: maypalo.com

The system, dubbed Drive Kit Plus will sync with Mercedes-Benz’ Digital DriveStyle App, and will transfer the user’s iPhone screen to the monitor built into the car. When the two technologies synchronize, the driver will be able to listen to music stored on their iPhone, send text messages, or, thanks to the Drive Kit Plus preinstalled apps such as Twitter, Facebook and Aupeo Personal Radio, they will be able to change radio stations, or even update statuses on social networks. Garmin navigation system will also be controllable through Siri.

Photo: psfk.com

Voice control in Mercedes cars is nothing revolutionary, though. The company pioneered in this field by introducing Linguatronic, a voice command technology back in 1996. However, it remained an expensive feature, reserved mainly for the company’s most luxurious models. A-class is generally a small car intended for younger people – the same ones that are most likely to use iPhones – so combining the two was a logical step further in conquering the market. And once again, Mercedes made sure to be the first car manufacturer to do so. Drive Kit Plus is rolling out as a standard feature – it will be built in all A-Class vehicles starting of this fall. For those people impatient enough to wait for it to start coming of the production line, the feature will be unveiled at the 2012 Geneva auto show in March.

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BY David Brbaklic

Staff Writer

David Brbaklic
Jack of all trades, master of none. Enrolled in an architecture course at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade in 2009, has been introduced to a variety of fields ranging from art, graphic design and 3D visualization to architecture itself. Has been trying to figure out how to make them all work together since.
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As an independent online daily brand journal, Branding Magazine represents an insightful source of news and opinions from the industry. A dedicated team of writers strives to keep its readers up-to-date with the biggest and freshest news about global brands, while concentrating on successful brand strategies, corporate and brand identity work, brand development and brand evolution.
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As an independent online daily brand journal, Branding Magazine represents an insightful source of news and opinions from the industry. A dedicated team of writers strives to keep its readers up-to-date with the biggest and freshest news about global brands, while concentrating on successful brand strategies, corporate and brand identity work, brand development and brand evolution.