MB.OS
Mercedes-Benz uses the CES in Las Vegas to show some of the first functions of its new MB.OS infotainment system. For example, there is a ‘smarter’ voice assistant thanks to ChatGPT and you can immerse yourself in music thanks to Will.i.am.
The CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas has traditionally been a trade fair where car manufacturers mainly present technology news. The 2024 edition is no exception, not even at Mercedes-Benz. That presents MB.OS, or rather, a few fragments of that new self-developed infotainment system that succeeds the currently well-known MBUX system. Broadly speaking, it looks familiar for now, although there are some novelties that Mercedes would like to highlight.
Mercedes-Benz is proud of its new MBUX Virtual Assistant, among other things. Thanks to AI (artificial intelligence), it should be much better able to respond to personal wishes. Furthermore, calling the assistant should be more natural and you no longer necessarily have to say ‘hey Mercedes’. Using generative AI, the assistant learns the driver’s habits and anticipates them, but it can also take action if the driver is likely to be late for an appointment. Then, for example, the suggestion comes up to call that person. To make the assistant less abstract, it can also be placed on the screen in the form of a kind of avatar (a Mercedes logo). Then you can see, for example, whether the assistant is listening, wants to make a suggestion or warns you. Naturally, the degree of ‘interference’ and presence of the MBUX Virtual Assistant can be adjusted extensively.
Enjoy ‘composing with your accelerator pedal’
But there is even more digital treats. None other than artist Will.i.am was present in Las Vegas to present a new chapter in his collaboration with Mercedes-AMG. It’s called MBUX Sound Drive and lets your music match your driving style. This should turn the ride in a Mercedes-AMG into a ‘dynamic musical journey’. Accelerating, braking, steering, it all affects how your music sounds, so that you can use your car as an instrument, according to Will.i.am. We would like to try that out in due course, because we are curious about the effect it has on your driving style…
Not only the composer of hits such as ‘I gotta feeling’, ‘My humps’ and ‘Where is the love’ provides entertainment for the ears in the Mercedes of the future. Dolby Atmos also comes into play. A new sound system (for which you can probably pay an extra amount) should turn a Mercedes-Benz into a ‘moving concert hall’. Not only that, but together with Audible, Mercedes-Benz will offer audio books, among other things. If you prefer to be more active and are nostalgic, you can eventually start streaming retro games. Want to play Duck Hunt in your Mercedes? Who knows!
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl