Mercedes-Benz has joined hands with Microsoft to launch a feature that allows drivers to take video meetings while on the road. As surprising as it may sound, the luxury carmaker will now let users access Microsoft Teams Meetings from inside their vehicles, even while driving.
The new feature is being introduced through the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MBOS), which debuts with the newly unveiled CLA model. It marks the first time a car manufacturer has offered in-motion video call capabilities without distracting the driver with any content.
How does it work?
Mercedes-Benz says the Teams Meetings integration will allow drivers to join calls using an in-built camera. This means drivers will be visible to other participants during a meeting. But to ensure safety, the driver will not be able to see video footage of other participants when the vehicle is in motion.
“Given the brand’s focus on safety, the use of the camera abides by the laws of each country and has been approved for use while the vehicle is in motion. The meeting video stream turns off automatically as soon as the camera is activated to prevent driver distraction,” Mercedes-Benz said in an official press release.
Internet can’t stop laughing (or complaining)
Another posted, “Can’t even have peace while driving now. Insane. Bring back the days of travel without constant connection.” “Peak integrating solutions into nobody’s problem,” someone else said.
A person wrote, “I think it is one of the funniest things I ever heard. We are going to make your commute more of a pain.”
The jokes continued on Team BHP, one of India’s most popular car forums.
“Looks like it was specially made for Bengaluru. Anyway, people are stuck in traffic, let’s make the most of it,” an individual jokingly shared.
Another said, “Oh that’s great! Now they’ll get to see me curse at the traffic all the way to my office now!”
Microsoft 365 Copilot also onboard
Beyond Teams video calls, the collaboration is also bringing Microsoft 365 Copilot to the Mercedes-Benz cabin. This will allow drivers to use voice commands to manage emails and manage daily tasks. The idea, as Mercedes-Benz puts it, is to create a “third workspace.”
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