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Mercedes will debut new “DualView” technology on its S-Class, when the luxobarge receives its 2009 face lift, reports Motor Authority. The system, developed by Bosch and Blaupunkt, allows driver and passenger to view different content on the same screen. The eight-inch display has touchscreen functionality for the driver side only, while the passenger side is controlled by a mini remote. Passenger audio can also be routed through headphones, so your pride and joy can watch Dora the Explorer in peace while daddy swears at the GPS. No word on pricing yet, but it’s an option on an S-Class. If you have to ask, it ain’t gonna happen.
14 Comments on “Mercedes Serves Up Distraction For Two...”
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Uh, wouldn’t this also be a distraction for the passenger who is trying to watch TV while the driver’s hand is operating the touch-screen?
jeezus… can we stop with the gizmos already?
Focus on making reliable cars, OK. Hell we know Mercedes-Benz actually KNEW how to do that at one time (unlike so many manufacturers!) Their S-class machines of the 70s & 80s were legendary for reliability. Todays? Total crapshoot.
–chuck
What do you mean? Modern mercedes are perfectly reliable until the DAY AFTER they go off lease.
It is either a very short set of drivers or cowl is very high. Never mind watching DVD, driving it will be a chore.
Mercedes tries to prides itself on innovation. Air suspension, fiber optic electronics, air suspension, brake-by-wire, etc. Reliable cars would probably cut into their margins, since people would just hold onto the cars instead of getting new ones all the time.
I think a Japanese company already sells a dual view in-dash head unit and Delphi has something similar in the pipeline.
I don’t really care if it’s a distraction, this is still really cool.
Uh, wouldn’t this also be a distraction for the passenger who is trying to watch TV while the driver’s hand is operating the touch-screen?
I’m not sure I understand that concept either. Someone feel free to explain.
See article on texting while driving. Any questions?
Right, wrong, or indifferent, if you want to see what will work it’s way to the mass-market car in 10 years, there are two sources – MBZ and Porsche.
Between ABS, passive safety, and every electronic nanny that is necessary to keep the Uber-Beetle out of the ditches – their cars show you where the future lies.
Minivans? Yeah, the Euros did that first too.
Sad part is when you get to things like EFI. The initial idea (and patents) were American. But the ‘Big 3’ saw no need. Sold all that useless tech off to those suckers at Bosch. Why would the Big 3 ever need to look to the future?
But, true dat, the pinnacle of reliable Benz product was about 1995. Give or take.
The HUD on the Corvette, I think, can also show directions when the car is equipped with the nav system. I’ll take that, personally. At least you won’t look totally distracted…
This system stands in direct contrast to one of my favorite traits of my Dodge Magnum – utterly minimalist controls.
I have 3 knobs for climate control, 2 knobs + 15 buttons for the stereo, 3 controls for the lights, and that’s it for the dash. It’s precisely what the driver needs to control the essential functions of the vehicle.
There is no extra switchgear to fumble with or break, and I find that fantastic for my driving needs!
chuckgoolsbee :
December 11th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
jeezus… can we stop with the gizmos already?
Focus on making reliable cars, OK. Hell we know Mercedes-Benz actually KNEW how to do that at one time (unlike so many manufacturers!) Their S-class machines of the 70s & 80s were legendary for reliability. Todays? Total crapshoot.
–chuck
Fear for the worse, when u have to vait for Dr Hook to arrive, u have plenty of entertainment.
I do hope that the car has emergency power supply to keep the screen going.
I hope is a hear say, somewhere in Asia an armoured plated BMW Panzer wagen somehow her computer circuit kind of went bananas so it decided to keep her dignitary occupants confined inside for quite a while. I guess they can re-write Claustrophobia again.
Shouldn’t somebody invent a “screen” that displays on personal eye glasses? That would save the passenger the distractions from the driver fiddling with Sat Nav controls and the other way round.
Just thinking
I see the safety restrain and crash protection systems on the S-class are going to get a thorough workout…..