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Mercedes-Benz Showcases Google Services Integration At I/O

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Google to integrate the internet giant's services into its next-generation COMAND infotainment system, this time for Android devices. Already available for iPhone owners in some markets, the service has this wee


Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Google to integrate the internet giant's services into its next-generation COMAND infotainment system, this time for Android devices.

Already available for iPhone owners in some markets, the service has this week been previewed at Google's I/O developers conference, pointing to an upcoming Android debut.

The new Drive Kit Plus package works like Apple's Siri Eyes Free, bringing tighter integration between your smartphone and the car's on-board systems. 

In Merc's COMAND system, the Drive Kit Plus package also integrates social media, music and video, and places of interest - drawn from Google's popular Maps service. 

Mercedes demonstrated the features on a current-generation SL convertible, but the carmaker says the features will soon be available across its line-up. 

The carmaker also showcased a new 'Digital DriveStyle' display, demonstrating the capabilities of Google's 'Places' service, enhanced specifically for in-car use.

In the preview, Mercedes showed off a destinations-on-the-go function, which points motorists to popular locations nearby, while also offering live traffic updates via Google Traffic. 

Digital DriveStyle remains a concept for now, but Mercedes expects to package it with Drive Kit Plus this year. 

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