Montvale, NJ and Palo Alto, CA -- Mercedes-Benz
USA (MBUSA) today announced the availability of the Media Interface Plus
(MIP), an innovative new vehicle accessory which enables drivers to
retrofit their Mercedes-Benz to play and control Pandora (the leading
personalized radio application) as well as other streaming audio content
from their Smartphone, using the vehicle´s premium audio system.
Media Interface Plus expands the basic functions of the vehicle's Media
Interface (standard or optional depending on model), enhancing
in-vehicle connectivity. A plug-and-play device, MIP seamlessly
integrates with the Mercedes-Benz mbrace suite of services and
Smartphone apps. It requires no installation: customers simply connect
MIP to the existing Media Interface outlet (in the glove compartment or
center armrest) and enjoy an unprecedented range of new features using
the existing intuitive user interface.
"Media Interface Plus is an exciting extension of our commitment to
provide cutting-edge, versatile entertainment solutions for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles," said Christian Treiber, general manager of
after-sales business development for MBUSA. "We were the first vehicle
manufacturer to fully integrate the iPod and launch mbrace Smartphone
apps that control vehicle functions from the iPhone and Blackberry and
extended Mercedes-Benz Concierge beyond the vehicle. We are always
looking to push the boundary of in-vehicle connectivity to keep pace
with our customers´ lifestyles and expectations."
The MIP provides an easy-to-use interface with the Pandora application
running on any iPhone 3G, 3GS or iPhone 4. For BlackBerry devices, the
MIP enables Bluetooth wireless audio streaming of Pandora as well as
simple control of the currently playing track. A Bluetooth wireless link
is also used to stream and control audio tracks from iPod, iPhone or
any other consumer electronics devices supporting Bluetooth audio
streaming.
The result is seamless integration of outstanding sound quality, the
ability to charge an iPod or iPhone, and the convenience of using
familiar interfaces to access the new features it offers through radio
and steering wheel controls for music playback.
Additionally, when connected using a special video cable, the Media
Interface Plus enables customers to play iPod or iPhone video content on
the vehicle display when the vehicle is at a standstill.
The Media Interface Plus was developed in collaboration with
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) in
Palo Alto, California, the heart of the Silicon Valley. Johann
Jungwirth, president & CEO, MBRDNA commented, "Once again
Mercedes-Benz demonstrates its technological leadership with this
product as first-to-market integration of Pandora Internet Radio by an
automotive OEM. We continue to embrace trends and drive innovations
which enable our customers to wirelessly access additional mobile
applications and stream preferred content into Mercedes-Benz vehicles in
an intuitive and easy manner with future upgrades and next generation
products."
The Media Interface Plus is an original Mercedes-Benz Accessory and is
now available for purchase for a one-time cost of $298 at Mercedes-Benz
authorized dealers.
About Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc.
(MBRDNA) headquartered in Palo Alto, California, was founded in 1995, to
focus on research, advanced engineering, product development and
testing, as well as new advanced design concepts. Innovations include
the integration of the iPod and iPhone into Mercedes-Benz models. As
well as the "Search and Send" feature, which is an easy and convenient
way to plan your trip destinations with Google Maps and send them to the
vehicle equipped with mbrace. One of its most recent product
innovations is the smart drive app for the iPhone. The company continues
to deliver the innovation that extends the technological leadership of
Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is
responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for
all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA
offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12
model lines ranging from the sporty
C-Class to the flagship
S-Class
sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.
Source:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/about_us/press?id=6e0a171ce61bb210VgnVCM1000007c184335____
