Mercedes Simplifies Inputting a Destination Into Your Nav
Mercedes-Benz has announced the world’s first in-car, three-word address voice navigation system thanks to a collaboration with what3words.
If you have never heard of what3words, it’s an innovative global addressing system that has divided the world into 57-trillion 3×3-meter squares. Each square has its own unique three-word address, making it easier than ever to enter in your destination instead of fumbling around with touchscreen and controls. For example, ///genau.freundin.tagebuch refers to the exact 3×3-meter square at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing plant entrance in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.
Full Coverage of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show
The technology will arrive in the German automaker’s next-generation infotainment system set to launch next year, but those attending the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show get to see it in action on a demo unit.
The German automaker says the three-word addresses are more reliable than street addresses or postcodes, and since they cover the entire world, drivers will be able to get to areas that don’t have fixed street addresses.
Essentially, when a driver enters a three-word address by voice or text, the what3words technology converts it to a coordinate. Currently, what3words is available in 14 languages with more in development.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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