Mercedes-Benz “mbrace” the BlackBerry. Yes, on that other phone too..
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Mercedes-Benz announced today a new platform for its current navigation system that allows BlackBerry users to lock or unlock their cars.Â
The new platform, called mbrace, will handle online communications through its servers, and will replace Mercedes’ current Tele Aid system.  There is a  basic mbrace package that will be standard on most Mercedes, which will support built-in GPS capability and two-way data communications on Verizon’s 3G network. The standard system will offer safety features such as automatic collision notification and emergency calling for users involved in serious accidents. Additional features include route planning using Google Maps and having the route sent directly to the car.
The best new features is the software applications for the  BlackBerry. There are actually 2 applications, the first app will lock or unlock your vehicle remotely. There is nothing really new about that, but because the BlackBerry app sends commands to the car on the data network, you could be in Miami and open your car for your other half in New York.Â
The other app will will locate your car and provide directions, for those of us who seem to always forget where you parked at the game. There are other BlackBerry apps that do this, but this one does not require you to remember to pinpoint your car’s location when you park. And if you need a Mercedes dealer, well it will locate that for you as well.
mbrace is free for the first 6 months on a new Mercedes purchase, after that, it will run you about $280 a year for the basic service. There is an “mbrace plus†package that adds that personal touch of a live concierge service which can find a good restaurant and even make reservations. The plus package will run you an extra $20.00 a month. Current Mercedes Tele Aid subscribers can switch to mbrace at dealerships, which will provide a software upgrade, according to the company.
The telematics service is provided by Hughes and Verizon, but you can use a BlackBerry from any wireless carrier.
[...] So our hero is being chased by bad guys and needs to make a quick get a way. He whips out his trusty BlackBerry, hit a few buttons, the door unlocks, the car starts up and is ready to whisk him away to safety. Sounds like a great intro for a Bond movie, but in this case our hero is you. For most of us, on any common day we’re not being chased by bad guys. But life does dictate that there are times when remote door unlocking and car starting can really come in handy. Well the team over at Viper has come to the rescue with the Viper SmartStart App for BlackBerry. With Viper SmartStart you can now remote start, lock, and unlock your car. You can also take control of your car’s alarm system with an additional few clicks. The fun part is that you can do this from anyplace in the world if you choose. Now you can kiss goodbye the days of getting into a hot car during the summer, or waiting for the heater to warm up in the winter. I give Directed Electronics credit for developing this solution for the masses, since the Mbrace BlackBerry remote start solution is for Mercedes-Benz customers. [...]
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