NaviGadget

Mercedes unites Google Maps, Yahoo Local, and GPS navigation

Sep 4, 2007 gps navigation 6 Comments

It looks like people at Google were working with just more than BMW in Germany to make their service available in high-end vehicles.

We just got the news that Mercedes introduced a service called “Search & Send” that lets drivers search for a destination in Google Maps or Yahoo Local Maps and send this directly to their vehicles.

However it is not going to work on every Mercedes – only on 07 S-Class, CL-Class, and 08 C-Class with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System so far. And the part that actually send this information to your car from your PC is called Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid System which is complimentary for first year’s subscription.

Mercedes-Benz Search & Send is a new and convenient way to plan your trip destinations ahead of time. Using familiar Yahoo Local Maps and Google Maps web sites from the comfort of your home or office computer, you can search for a destination online, then send it right to your Mercedes-Benz.

Once you’re in your vehicle, simply push the i-button and your destination will be downloaded directly to the vehicle’s navigation system via your Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid System. You’ll be prompted to either start route guidance immediately or save the information for later use in your navigation memory. Instead of spending time inputting data into your navigation system, your destinations will be available whenever you need them.

Unlike BMW, this service is already available in the U.S. Congratulations Mercedes, you’re the first…via

BMW GPS navigation with Google Search

Sep 2, 2007 gps navigation 3 Comments

Back in March we had talked about BMW navigation systems working with Google Maps. It looks like the system is ready to go and available to consumers already. Only in Deutschland though.

BMW is the only automobile manufacturer to offer the Google local search in the car – available now. For the first time, you can use this search function to look for local information everywhere in Germany with the world’s most famous online search engine. When you find what you want, the details are transferred to the navigation system and car phone at the touch of a button. The system identifies the location and destination of the vehicle automatically and displays the results in the vicinity with details of address, phone number and distance.

Apparently this is called ConnectedDrive and is different than the ’send-to-car’ function we talked about before but they are all building blocks of all individual online, assistance and service systems in the car.

We hope they get good feedback in Germany so they would consider bringing this to the U.S. Yet another reason to buy BMW… via

send google maps directions to your BMW

Mar 7, 2007 gps navigation 6 Comments

We have some info on Google Maps working with BMW to setup a system where one can send Google Maps directions from a computer to a BMW navigation system. It looks like the video was found on personal blog of Google Italy Communication Manager, Stefano Hesse. Stefano says that this is a “project, for the time being related to Germany only, which I have personally coordinated and about which I am really proud. Any other car companies soon?”

That’s all the details we have now. Updates to follow… via