Mercedes reveals myCOMAND internet-based infotainment at LA Show
Mercedes-Benz presented myCOMAND, an internet-connected infotainment concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, promising always-current navigation, media and communication services.
Mercedes-Benz introduced its myCOMAND infotainment system at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, marking an early move towards fully internet-based in-car connectivity. The concept system integrates navigation, media, and communication functions, updating itself automatically via the internet each time the car is started.
Unlike the fixed hardware and software of most infotainment systems at the time, myCOMAND relies on a permanent internet connection to deliver its services. There is no need for manual updates, as both software and content are refreshed automatically, keeping navigation and information current without dealer visits or user intervention.
Navigation and live information
The navigation system is entirely off-board, meaning route calculations and map data are handled remotely. This allows the system to use the latest maps and to incorporate real-time traffic information from online sources. Drivers can search for destinations using free text rather than rigid formats, and the interface can display both conventional maps and satellite imagery. The system can also combine navigation with live data, such as fuel prices, to help drivers find the cheapest filling stations along a route.
Trip Assist, another feature of myCOMAND, automatically gathers information from the internet and presents it as needed. This includes live weather updates along the route and details of hotels or leisure facilities at the destination. The system is designed to handle hotel bookings or restaurant reservations directly from the car, streamlining travel planning for the driver and passengers.
Media and communication features
myCOMAND gives access to internet radio stations worldwide, allowing drivers to search by genre or region. Users can also store their personal music libraries online, making them accessible in any myCOMAND-equipped vehicle. For communication, the system integrates internet telephony using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), enabling calls and messages to be sent via the car’s data connection. A built-in browser allows conventional web surfing from the car as well.
- Off-board navigation with live traffic and satellite imagery
- Trip Assist for weather, hotel booking, and local services
- Internet radio with global station access
- Cloud-based personal music library
- Integrated VoIP telephony and messaging
- Web browser for in-car internet access
Concept and future direction
At launch, myCOMAND was presented as a concept rather than a production-ready system. Mercedes-Benz positioned it as a preview of how internet connectivity could change the way drivers interact with their vehicles, with all services accessed through a single, unified interface. The company highlighted the system’s ability to deliver up-to-date information and services without the limitations of traditional in-car hardware.
