Mercedes‑Benz has integrated the latest suite of Microsoft business productivity and collaboration tools into its vehicles. Starting with the latest CLA, customers will be able to access the latest version of the Teams app, with the ability to use the built-in vehicle camera to participate in Teams calls on the move. Additionally, Mercedes‑Benz has integrated Microsoft Intune and is working on bringing Microsoft 365 Copilot into the vehicle.
Enhanced meetings
Mercedes‑Benz’s updated Meetings for Teams app enables drivers to use the in-car camera while driving, allowing other participants to see them during a meeting. The use of the camera abides by the laws of each country and has been approved for use on the move. To minimize distraction and maximize safety while driving, the meeting video stream turns off automatically as soon as the camera is activated. The driver cannot see any shared screens or slides, and the camera can be turned off at any time.
There is also a function labeled ‘next meetings for upcoming appointments’ which enables quick access to frequent contacts and an expanded chat function that facilitates reading and writing messages. Integration of voice control for text input and the ability to jump directly from the calendar into a Teams meeting provide a seamless user experience.
Microsoft Intune
Mercedes‑Benz has also integrated Microsoft Intune into MB.OS to create a secure, enterprise-compliant ecosystem for the future of mobile work. Customers can log in with their business accounts and switch between applications. Microsoft Intune enables the separation of private and business data and allows IT administrators to centrally manage access rights and security policies. This ensures that the vehicle meets the same enterprise-grade security standards as mobile devices like company smartphones. The rollout will occur in Europe and the USA.
Generative AI via Microsoft 365 Copilot
Mercedes‑Benz and Microsoft are also working together to integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot into the latest vehicles. This will help users prepare for upcoming meetings with the aid of advanced AI. Using voice prompts, drivers can summarize emails, retrieve or query client preferences and details, and manage daily tasks without distraction.
“Through our industry-leading collaboration with Microsoft, we are making it even easier for our customers to stay productive while on the move. By integrating the latest Microsoft workspace tools, such as Microsoft Teams, directly into our new operating system, MB.OS, we’ve created an intuitive and safe user experience that boosts efficiency and reduces distractions at the same time,’ said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
In related news, Hyundai recently implemented Google Places in its navigation systems
