| Wednesday, June 25, 2008 |
07:45 - The next wave
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/25/mercedes-rolls-out-iphone-integration/
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Just when we'd all more or less become used to iPod integration being available on the vast majority of new cars, seems it's time for the next curling crest to overtake us consumers bobbing in the surf: iPhone integration.
While many carmakers have worked seemless iPod integration into their vehicles – a surprising make-it-or-break-it factor for many buyers – Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will offer iPhone integration in its automobiles.
The feature will include a docking cradle in the center armrest between the driver and front passenger seats, with the device's phone and audio functions navigable via controls on the steering wheel. The kit will be offered starting in August, can be retrofitted to previous model-year vehicles and will be offered on new vehicles as an option. Although US pricing has yet to be announced, the feature costs the equivalent of $389 in Europe.
Now that more and more states are enacting hands-free laws (California's goes into effect July 1), cellphone integration will become increasingly important—and Apple, it seems, has once again managed to position itself perfectly to ride the swell.
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Brian Tiemann
