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Apple's iPod for
Mercedes-Benz
by Jenny McLane
In May 2005, the Apple iPod Interface Kit will be integrated in its passenger
cars.
Mercedes-Benz is set to become the first car manufacturer to integrate the
Apple iPod. The user-friendly system, developed by Mercedes-Benz Accessories
GmbH, will be introduced in the European market initially for the new B-Class.
By July, it will be available for the A-Class,
C-Class,
E-Class, M-Class, CLK-Class,
CLS-Class and SLK-Class model series, and will be available later in the year
for the new R Class.
Operating the intelligent iPod Interface Kit is just as easy as navigating
through the iPod's menus and selects items such as "Playlist", "Artist", or
"Album" using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The volume is
controlled in the same way while the central display on the dashboard indicates
the song title or whichever menu item has been selected and provides details
about the files saved on the MP3 player. The driver keeps his or her hands on
the steering wheel and does not need to look away from the traffic situation
ahead. It helps ensure that the driver's attention is not diverted from the
road.
Another advantage of the
iPod Interface Kit is that the vehicle and the MP3
player are linked up "plug and play"-style. The user has only to is connect the iPod to the specially provided interface in the glove compartment. Configuration
is automatic.
The Mercedes-Benz system is compatible with the iPod from Generation 3, the iPod
mini, the iPod photo and the iPod U2. The mobile MP3 players can store and play
up to 10,000 songs.
Mercedes-Benz sales partners in Germany offers the iPod Interface Kit at a price
of € 183 plus installation costs.
Mercedes-Benz also offers free "Mixed Tape" music downloads on the internet as
an additional service for MP3 owners. Every eight weeks, 15 specially selected
songs are made available as a compilation at www.mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape.
The songs can be accessed using data streaming or downloaded in the usual
download way, and they can be burned onto a CD-ROM free of charge or transferred
to an MP3 player - either individually or as a complete album.
Up-and-coming musicians submit their songs online and are rated by Mercedes'
music panel. Every artist or band whose song makes the final cut is profiled
online in an illustrated feature. The result is "Mixed Tape" music. The download
service also offers additional functions such as a cover or title generator, an
e-mail newsletter with details of each compilation and an eCard facility.
About the Author:
Partstrain offers an
extremely extensive inventory of parts for Mercedes-Benz Benz automobiles. We
offer OE, OEM and aftermarket Mercedes-Benz parts. We have a large selection of
Mercedes-Benz parts in stock. Just click your mouse to
http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/MERCEDES_BENZ and you're on your way to
great online parts shopping to make your Mercedes always the legend that it is.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on
cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market
Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today. |
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