The Mercedes-Benz COMAND system was widely considered as groundbreaking technology when it debuted in 1998, but today it faces stiff competition from other infotainment systems. The company’s new @yourCOMAND system, however, may put it back in front of the pack.
Some of the tech – shown here in the F125! research vehicle -- is still in a conceptual stage, but others are destined to appear in vehicles within the near future. According to Mercedes, @yourCOMAND stands for seamless experience, natural handling, sensory perfection, and remote experience. One of the more far out features is a retractable, computer-monitor sized screen that is mounted on the passenger side of the dash and is controlled solely by hand gestures. The screen can display a number of items including traffic around the vehicle and DVD movies for the rear passengers. The F125! vehicle also shows off a larger COMAND screen, which incorporates a 3D display that’s controlled by a touchpad.
In the meantime, Mercedes is set to release a few tech items that make a little more sense today. For example, Near Field Communication (NFC) simplifies the phone pairing process, as it simply allows you to hold a smartphone next to the select area. No more Bluetooth searching and PIN entry. This NFC feature is scheduled to debut in production Benz models by 2013.
Next year, Mercedes is releasing an iPhone-specific app which will mimic the iPhone’s functionality through the COMAND interface. The automaker also plans to launch more apps and allow more remote control (via smartphones or personal computers) of COMAND. Mercedes already offers remote communication to vehicles via its MBrace and Send2Benz feature so we expect it to be an extension or improvement of the system.
Infotainment systems have proven they can make or break a deal for customers, so these upcoming changes should keep Mercedes in the front of the pack among its competitors.
