Mercedes-Benz Cars Getting Pandora Radio via the Media Interface Plus

Modern cars are evolving a lot faster that we might have expected a few years ago, the most advanced vehicles providing a very advanced level of connectivity and compliance with all sorts of third-party products, one of the coolest developments is this field we've come across lately being the Media Interface Plus, an accessory that will allow the lucky owners of a Mercedes-Benz to retrofit their vehicle in order to play and control Pandora as well as other streaming audio content from their smartphone, using the vehicle's premium audio system.

The Media Interface Plus expands the basic functions of the vehicle's Media Interface (standard or optional depending on model), enhancing in-vehicle connectivity.

A plug-and-play device, MIP seamlessly integrates with the Mercedes-Benz mbrace suite of services and Smartphone apps and requires no installation, since customers simply connect MIP to the existing Media Interface outlet (located in the glove compartment or center armrest) and enjoy a wide range of new features using the existing intuitive user interface.

The MIP provides an easy-to-use interface with the Pandora application running on any iPhone 3G, 3GS or iPhone 4.

Furthermore, for BlackBerry devices, the MIP enables Bluetooth wireless audio streaming of Pandora as well as simple control of the currently playing track.

A Bluetooth wireless link is also used to stream and control audio tracks from iPod, iPhone or any other consumer electronics devices supporting Bluetooth audio streaming.

Additionally, when connected using a special video cable, the Media Interface Plus enables customers to play iPod or iPhone video content on the vehicle display when the vehicle is at a standstill.

"Media Interface Plus is an exciting extension of our commitment to provide cutting-edge, versatile entertainment solutions for Mercedes-Benz vehicles," said Christian Treiber, general manager of after-sales business development for MBUSA.

"We were the first vehicle manufacturer to fully integrate the iPod and launch mbrace Smartphone apps that control vehicle functions from the iPhone and BlackBerry and extended Mercedes-Benz Concierge beyond the vehicle.

We are always looking to push the boundary of in-vehicle connectivity to keep pace with our customers' lifestyles and expectations."

The Media Interface Plus is an original Mercedes-Benz Accessory and is now available for purchase for a one-time cost of $298 at Mercedes-Benz authorized dealers.