Mercedes-Benz offered a closer look at the new E-Class sedans interior and fancy dashboard earlier this month. Car looks great so far! It boasts an electrified powertrain and tons of technology, including support for Level 3 autonomous driving and tons of apps you’ll have to pay extra to use. The car seems to be a comfortable way to get around, too. Maybe it’s so comfortable that you want to turn your car into a mobile office.
If so, you’re in luck. Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Cisco to release the new E-Class with Webex Meetings and Calling and Webex AI audio capabilities — everything a busy workforce needs to keep calm. They announced the collaboration at the E-Class event last week and revealed more details at the Mobile World Congress. “This partnership will help people get work done safely, securely and comfortably in their vehicles,” the companies said in a press release. That seems better than getting things done at the office, home or coffee shop.
If you really need to jump into a meeting while you’re behind the wheel, which is hopefully a rare occasion, the companies claim to offer “best-in-class noise cancellation” thanks to Webex’s audio intelligence tech . Meetings and calls are audio-only unless you’re parked, where you can access video meetings, AI-powered transcription, content sharing functions and emoji reactions. There is a Webex app in the Mercedes Benz Car App Store, while the built-in WiFi and cellular data connection means you don’t need your phone to get into a meeting. At least for one person, I’m sure that’s the embodiment of living the dream.
In fairness, there are some use cases where Webex in a car might make sense. Mercedes and Cisco suggest that an architect should check in with colleagues immediately after leaving a job site, while someone should jump into a meeting immediately after dropping the kids off at school. Conference calls take place in cars.
This isn’t exactly the first time a meeting app has invaded cars. Webex already supports CarPlay, as does Microsoft Teams. Webex is also available on some Ford models. If you’ve been wanting to experience Webex meetings behind the wheel of a 2023 E-Class, you might be happy to know you’ll get the chance when the sedans hit dealerships in the spring.
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