August 30th, 2007
Mercedes offers computer-to-car map interface
Mercedes-Benz USA will offer the ability to send directions from Google or Yahoo Maps directly from a computer or mobile device to one of their cars. The Search & Send service was developed in conjunction with Google, Yahoo! and DaimlerChrysler Research, Engineering and Design North America, based in Palo Alto, CA, and will be available starting September 5 in cars that have Tele Aid, the company’s telematics and emergency response system. Currently supported cars include the S-Class sedan, CL-Class coupe and the 2008 C-Class model line. 
This should become a standard feature for any car with a navigation system. Several times a week check for directions online and then laboriously enter my destinations into my Prius navigation system. However, I am not desperate enough to buy a $35,000 Mercedes C-Class to achieve a direct computer-to-car interface today.
Dan Farber, editor-in-chief of CNET News.com, has more than 20 years of experience as an editor and journalist covering technology. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
