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Staying true to their legacy of holding fast to their place the upper echelons of the automotive world, Mercedes-Benz has gone and done it again. This time, they’ve expanded their collaboration with Microsoft in order to introduce a suite of productivity tools into their vehicles. Meaning, we’re about to see a new era where the car becomes more than just a mode of transport—it transforms into a mobile workspace.
Curious? So are we. So let’s see what this collaboration is all about and what drivers can expect.
**Enhanced Meetings for Microsoft Teams App**
Mercedes-Benz already manufactures its own equipment (parts) for its vehicles. This is known as an “original equipment manufacturer” (OEM), and will now include an an in-car camera compatible with the Microsoft Teams app, allowing for meetings to occur while driving. With this innovation, drivers will be able to participate visually in conference calls without compromising safety. Yep, that means no skirting those video calls just because you’re mid-commute! 
You may be wondering about safety and distraction – so are we. But this camera is designed to shut down the video stream automatically when the camera is activated, meaning that while the driver will not have the live video and picture feed, the rest of the meeting participants can see the driver. So…for the workaholic, this could be considered perfect.
The updated Meetings for Teams app offers business users a pretty streamlined interface, complete with a “Next Meetings” dashboard and expanded chat functions. All functions – including voice control and calendar integration- are aimed at making appointments management and communication effortless, thus enhancing productivity on the go.
**Microsoft Intune: A Secure Mobile Workspace**
Of course, if you’re doing business in your car, you’d want to know that any sensitive information is secure, right? Well, by embedding Microsoft Intune into MB.OS – Mercedes-Benz’s new operating system – it seems they’ve created a strong, secure environment similar to that of high-end mobile devices. Furthermore, this system allows users to switch easily between private data and business data while maintaining strict security protocols.
Folks dedicated to working from the road will be privy to secure productivity apps like MBUX Notes and Calendar, essentially turning the vehicle into a connected, compliant workspace. And it seems we can expect to see this product rollout rather soon in both Europe and the US.
**Microsoft 365 Copilot: AI-Driven Productivity**
By incorporating Microsoft 365 Copilot into its vehicles, Mercedes-Benz means to employ generative AI in a driving context. This technology will allow drivers to manage different tasks using voice commands, such as accessing emails or retrieving important client information. As such, we think a daily commute could feasibly be counted towards working hours, right? 
**Enhancing the Driving Experience**
Of course, these advanced Microsoft tools are about enhancing functionality, but Mercedes-Benz has worked hard, it seems, to make this about more…about transforming the driving experience as a whole. In combining advanced technology with state-of-the-art safety features, it is the manufacturer’s promise that productivity does not come at the cost of driver attention or road safety.
Mercedes-Benz Group chairman, Ola Källenius, has stated: “By integrating the latest Microsoft workspace tools directly into our new operating system, MB.OS, we’ve created an intuitive and safe user experience that boosts efficiency and reduces distractions.”
**Looking Ahead**
As the first collaboration of its kind (and the first in-car camera to be used as such), the relationship between Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft is a pretty big milestone on the road towards smarter, more connected vehicles. While this ultra connectivity may not be everyone’s cup of tea, certainly there is a huge market for it, and no doubt more than a few CEO’s are signing up for that first rollout. In the meantime, for all your title and tag needs (Mercedes or otherwise!) come visit us at eTags.com, because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
