Mercedes-Benz Apps - now for S, GL, ML-Class, AMG cars

Mercedes-Benz introduced cloud-based apps in India when it launched the E-Class cabriolet and the CLS 250 CDI last month. Now the company has announced that apps are now available with other models such as the S, ML, GL-Class and all AMG models. App will be available on even more models in the future.

At present, all new and existing models equipped with the company's COMAND Online system - New Telematics Generation 4.5 and above (NTG 4.5, 5.1 and 5.2), will be able to use Mercedes-Benz Apps.

The COMAND Online system provides unrestricted internet browsing. The following apps are currently a part of the Mercedes-Benz Apps service portfolio in India based on app content relevance.

Mercedes-Benz Radio: It is an exclusive web radio for Mercedes-Benz owners.

TuneIn Radio: It offers the ability to listen to radio stations and podcasts from around the world. TuneIn covers over 100,000 real radio stations and four million on-demand programs and podcasts.

Weather: Customers can view a daily or a 5-day forecast for their current location or any location they specify. They can also view a nationwide weather map and move the map to display weather to a specific location.

News (audio news with text-to-speech function): This app has a news-reading function allowing the customer to access on-the-go worldwide news. The one-click read out aloud (text–to–speech) feature allows the owner to listen to the news without having to look at the screen and take his eyes off the road.

RSS Newsfeeds: This app enables subscribers to scan headlines of news items to mark for future reading or listen to full articles that can be read aloud to them while they are driving.

HRS Hotel search: This app allows search and selection of accommodation according to various hotel categories in the current location or at any specified location. Details like price and address of the hotels can be seen with the navigation option.

Morningstar® Finance (available only with CLS-Class): Customers can get global market data from Morningstar, Inc., a provider of investment research and services. Searches can be done for information from over 416,000 investment offerings including stocks, currencies and commodities. Customers can also create a "Watch List" as well.

The use of cloud-based connectivity means updates and access to the latest apps is available and sent to the vehicle over-the-air. The vehicle does not need to visit the dealership for updates.

These apps can be accessed via internet data connectivity through a Bluetooth tethered smartphones including Apple iPhone, BlackBerry and Android or Windows-based smartphones.