Drivers of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will be able to hold meetings via Zoom and Webex.
The motoring giant has showcased its new “Superscreen”, which combines multiple screens into a single curved glass panel that covers the entire width of the dashboard.
Using its new technology, Mercedes-Benz is allowing users to access third-party apps, including Zoom and Webex.
Video Conferencing from the Car
The details on deploying Zoom and Webex in the 2024 E-Class are slim at the moment; however, Mercedes-Benz did provide some insight into what users can expect.
For drivers to participate in Webex or Zoom video calls and meetings, the car must be parked, meaning a video call cannot be joined while the user is driving.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that audio-only calls and collaboration will be supported while the car is moving.
Drivers can use the dashboard camera to capture photos, record videos, and use it to participate in Zoom and Webex meetings.
Access to Zoom or Webex doesn’t require a user to connect their smartphone to the vehicle, meaning the apps are hosted within the E-Class’ built-in third-party app space.
Mercedes-Benz also revealed that the apps will be available on both the passenger side and the central screen, which allows the user to pick the optimal place in the car for their meetings.
Tesla
Mercedes-Benz is following in the footsteps of Tesla, who announced in late 2022 that it had partnered with Zoom to bring its video conferencing platforms to the company’s cars.
The announcement was revealed by Nitasha Walia, Group Product Manager, Zoom Meetings, during Zoomtopia 2022.
A brief video demonstration was played during the event, and Walia was candid with how much she revealed about the partnership with Telsa.
She stated:
“This will be available on all new Tesla models soon.”
During the 45-second video clip, Zoom showed its platform used in a Tesla Model Y while it was parked for charging.
It is expected that the video conferencing platform will use Tesla’s built-in in-cabin camera above the rear-view mirror to allow the user to participate in Zoom meetings.
As previously mentioned, Mercedes-Benz has said that the 2024 E-Class needs to be parked for a user to access the video conferencing platforms; however, there is speculation that Tesla will allow users to access Zoom while the car is moving.
This is down to Tesla’s Autopilot technology which provides a suite of advanced driver-assistance features to allow the car to essentially drive itself.
