By Telecom Lead Team: Automobile major Daimler and Google
announced that they have strengthened their strategic partnership to provide
Daimler with access to application programming interfaces (APIs) known as
Google Maps API for Business for the use of cloud-based, map-related
applications in Daimler vehicles.
These applications significantly accelerate
time-to-market in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The existing services, which
include the Google Maps and Places APIs, will create an enhanced motoring
experience for Mercedes-Benz drivers across the world.
The association will enable Daimler to
use Google Maps for their in-car map displays, and significantly improve their
ability to quickly and seamlessly integrate useful Google services into
Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. By making innovative Google products
available directly within its cars, Mercedes-Benz is able to accelerate the
adoption of cutting edge technologies.
Google
and Daimler have been working in close partnership for many years.
In 2007 Daimler was the first automotive manufacturer in
the United States to launch the Google “Send-to-Car” functionality in
a vehicle. This gave Mercedes-Benz customers the opportunity to easily send
destinations from Google Maps to their in-vehicle navigation systems.
As of 2011, Mercedes-Benz offers COMAND Online, a
telematics system with cloud-based Mercedes-Benz apps that brings Google Street
View, Panoramio and local search technologies to most Mercedes-Benz passenger
cars. Mercedes-Benz customers also have the opportunity to send individualized
routes from Google Maps to their vehicles, as Daimler is first-to market with
the implementation of this Google service.
In the second quarter of 2012 all these services will
also be available with mbrace2 to Mercedes-Benz customers in the USA.
