Archive for the ‘telematics’ Category

Here at TheCarConnection.com, we see a lot of gadgets designed to enhance the driving experience. Like the Mercedes-Benz mbrace system we mentioned yesterday, most are telematics devices offering directions, traffic news, and other familiar data. But MIT's SENSEable City Lab envisions something different: an onboard robot capable of giving drivers feedback on their driving style, reminding folks to buckle up, and generally providing a more "symbiotic" relationship between vehicle and driver. Most curiously, the Affective Intelligent Driving Agent -- code-named AIDA -- also conveys expressions via its Wall-E-esque, stylized human face. MIT...

The intersection between technology and daily life became slightly more seamless yesterday with the launch of Mercedes-Benz's new "mbrace" telematics system. It features a lot of the bells and whistles we've come to expect from such gadgetry, like roadside assistance, real-time traffic, and the ability to sync smartphones with in-dash entertainment systems. As you might expect from Mercedes, however, mbrace also includes luxury amenities like a concierge service that can make dinner reservations and book hotel rooms. The system comes standard on most new vehicles and as an option on others; subscriptions run $280 per year, with an...

The results are in and by the looks of things GM is doing alright since emerging from bankruptcy back in July. The revitalized company may have posted a net loss of $1.2 billion for the third quarter of 2009 but revenues are up more than $4.9 billion on the preceding quarter. [Motor Authority]

From today onwards Mercedes-Benz customers will be able to enjoy a new level of service in their cars. Together with Hughes Telematics, Mercedes-Benz the new system offers everything from a vehicle locator for crowded car parks, somebody to direct you if you get lost and even full connectivity with smart phones--all whilst sitting in the...