Apple developing navigation system for Mercedes?

[LaArtist]

Without so much as citing an "unnamed source" or "someone close to the negotiations," German magazine Focus is claiming that Apple -- they of the iPod, Mac, and several other consumer products -- is secretly developing a navigation system to debut in Mercedes vehicles during 2009. Focus goes on to promise that we'll see other manufacturers adopting the hardware once Mercedes' six-month exclusivity period has ended, and that we can likely expect Apple board member Eric Schmidt to toss in some Google Maps on the front end. With the company clearly expanding its reach as of late (Apple TV, iPhone, dropping Computer from the branding), it's not entirely out of the realm of possibilities that we'll also see an expansion into navigation devices, but we're certainly not taking this particular rumor seriously until we see some spy shots of a 2009 or 2010 S-class sporting some of this supposed iNav action.

I hope this is true.. and engadget doesent have clue on when the new S class will be here..lol
so maybe this can debut in the new E..or SL

 

[Deutsch]

I thought I read a post by Eni saying that BMW and Mac collaborated for development of navigation systems? Or maybe they were inspired? Not sure.

 

[LaArtist]

More Info

As recently published by the German (not BBC) magazine Focus, Apple will be making an in-car system for Mercedes. This mystery unit will tackle "maintenance entertainment, communication and navigation". From Focus (translated):

Mercedes will exclusively offer the new Apple set for six months. On an introduction on the market presumably 2009 are to be counted. Unclear it is still whether Apple - similar as with iPhone - on Google will trust maps as navigation aid.

So this is what we "know" from the article:

1. Apple is making a Mercedes computeresque option
2. This system will handle car functions and navigation
3. Released in 2009
4. It's a 6-month limited edition
5. There is no mention of "entertainment" or MP3
6. No mention of Google Maps (yet)

If anyone out there speaks German better than Google, please hit the link and see if you can squeeze anything else out of cleaner diction. How could this be true? Apple has been made its way into the vocabulary of most car manufacturers/buyers through highly saturated integrated iPod support. And Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to roll out a complete iPod system in their automobiles.

Still, we're gonna take this with a grain of salt, no matter what Jobs may be driving.

PS

here is the german article for our german friends to translate:
FOCUS: Apple baut Navigationssysteme - Computer - Digital - FOCUS Online

Ohh and this is what Steve drives.. who could blame him

View attachment 9c421811a906ac727dadf431149bfe94.jpg

 

[Zonda]

As an Apple fan, this sounds awsome!

Buy a Merc, and get an iPhone for free?

 

[LaArtist]

^that would be so baller..haha
and it could be possible..heck you get an ipod when you buy a laptop..
so why not an iphone when you buy a top dollar benz..

 

[SDNR]

Interesting. I wonder why they went with Apple when there are other companies who specialize in navigation systems already. As far as I am aware Apple don't already offer any kind of nav system -- am I wrong?

 

[RICHBOY]

If true good going Mercedes, forever changing the game!

 

[LaArtist]

Interesting. I wonder why they went with Apple when there are other companies who specialize in navigation systems already. As far as I am aware Apple don't already offer any kind of nav system -- am I wrong?

i think they are getting in that game with google now..for the iphone..
where google provides the maps..and apple does the UI..
according to jobs using gmaps on the iphone is a heck of alot better than using it on a pc..
but ofcourse he wants to boost his product..
come june 29th we will know

 

[Zonda]

Would be cool to see an Apple interior or at last multimedia console with everything in one. Apple design + Merc design = very promising!

 

[bmer]

It's a 6-month limited edition

What does this mean? They stop offering the nav system after that?

 

[Giannis]

or you have to pay after the first six months of use?

 

[wltsm]

This sounds a great idea, Apple are very good at making things simple to use, and that's what cars need to be, and many aren't!

I can see command 4 is going to be a cracker!