Text 18853, 75 rader
Skriven 2007-06-18 22:53:02 av mike (1:379/45)
Ärende: Report: Apple developing navigation system for Mercedes
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From: mike <mike@barkto.com>


http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-apple-developing-navigation-system-for-merce
des.html

===
Apple is developing a navigation system for Mercedes-Benz, according to German
magazine Focus. The technology will debut for the 2009 model year, exclusive to
Mercedes automobiles.


Six months later, other automakers will be allowed to license the technology,
the report claims.

The first 2009 models are likely to show up in mid to late 2008 — roughly 12 to
16 months from now. With 2008 models already finalized and either at dealers or
arriving this fall, Mercedes is likely already testing the technology in 2009
prototypes, if the rumor is to be believed.

iPhone similarities more than likely

Apple's iPhone is probably a good indicator of what an Apple-designed
navigation system would be like. iPhone features an innovative
touchscreen-based interface that eliminates the need for any mechanical
buttons.

The iPhone goes on sale this month, so firsthand experience with the handset is
limited, but Apple promises it's unlike any normal touchscreen device. The $500
phone uses advanced software to make sense of complex movement and input from
multiple fingers, resulting in a very intuitive and natural interface.

While "iDrive" from Mercedes-Benz archival BMW has been harshly criticized for
unnecessary complexity and cumbersome controls, an Apple-designed
navigation/control-center might be better received by the press and general
public.

iPhone's Maps application is powered by Google Maps, and chances are the
Apple-Mercedes navigation system would use the same technology. Other
automakers have made use of Google's software, but none have wrapped it in an
interface as slick as that of the iPhone.

Since most modern "navigation" systems offer much more than the name implies,
the Apple nav would probably include other features from the iPhone as well.
E-mail, calendar, iTunes, and perhaps even internet access are all possible.
Integration/syncing with iPhone or other wireless handsets should also be
expected.

For an overview of iPhone, click here.

Apple exclusives highly coveted

In 2004, Apple and BMW teamed up to offer the first seamless integration
between iPod and a car audio system. Eventually, other automakers — including
Mercedes — launched similar technologies, but BMW had the jump on the
competition.

If true, the navigation deal with Mercedes would be a blow to BMW, especially
considering its iDrive problems.
===



I avoided the awful iDrive on the BMW.   It's really, really bad.
http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=idrive+problems&sourceid=ope
ra&num=100&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

The salesman tried to convince me that the UI was improved, but I told him it
went from absolutely horrible to partially horrible.   He was not
amused.

 /m

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