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L.A. Auto Show: Mercedes’ myComand Prototype Gives Glimpse of Future
Nov 19 2008 by Lori Hindman
Mercedes-Benz introduced its Comand “infotainment” system in 1994, long before most of us were thinking mommy thoughts. Its latest incarnation, myComand, is going to do fabulous things for the carpool lane; it takes all that techie stuff we use on a daily basis and unifies it into one awesomely easy-to-use internet-based package.
Using a little navigation knob that’s on the center console, you can get navigation help, listen to internet radio, make calls over the internet, access your email or other websites, watch movies, play music and solve world hunger (well, probably). Unfortunately, myComand is a prototype that’s only found in Mercedes’ Fascination concept car. Until wireless internet access is expanded and connection speeds pick up, myComand is just a dream for most of us. Mercedes is hoping to have the support it needs for myComand in about five years. Here’s hoping!
But let’s dream about the future for a few minutes. What’s so amazing about myComand is that it doesn’t use on-board computers or DVD drives like many cars do for GPS navigation and MP3 files. Instead, myComand is constantly connected to the web, so you don’t need to store any information or software in the car. When you want navigation help, it gives you the choice of Google Maps or MapQuest for your navigating pleasure. Using websites instead of software has tons of benefits, not the least of which is you’ll never have out-of-date information again.
MyComand also does away with the traditional AM/FM radio. Instead, you can access an infinite number of internet radio stations. Do you miss your favorite radio station from your college days? If it’s online, then it’ll stream live into your car with myComand. Of course, you can also access your personal music and video libraries with this system. And while you’re online, go ahead and read the latest headlines or check out some videos on YouTube. Whatever you like, it’s all right there.
I can only imagine sitting in the carpool line with myComand at my…um…command. I’d no longer need a cell phone or BlackBerry or iPhone or DVD player to entertain me. In the Mercedes of the future, all of that is seamlessly integrated into the car. I won’t need to dial up or log in, it’ll all be right there at my little fingertips.
that feature reminds me of a touchscreen… that could be so expensive, isn’t it? well, those features are just in-built already and I just can’t figure out how much it costs. how bout installing some floor mats?