Cisco says it is working with Mercedes Benz to add its Webex conferencing tools to the dashboard of cars to make them function as mobile offices.
– A key point to note
The design will be added to the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E Class arriving at dealerships in the coming weeks. The model will be equipped with Wi-Fi and a cellular data connection.
With that, drivers will not need a mobile phone to be able to download the Webex application. The app will appear directly on the screen of the vehicle’s infotainment system.
– Know more
Cisco announced the move at the Mobile World Congress that opened on Monday at Barcelona, Spain.
“Hybrid work is centered on the work you do, not where you do it – whether it’s in the office, home, car, or anywhere in between,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Security & Collaboration, Cisco.
“The mobile office cannot progress without the reliable and secure collaboration technology that only Cisco can provide. This partnership with Mercedes-Benz, a leader in automotive luxury, marks a big step forward in delivering the flexibility that the hybrid workforce demands.”
WebEx is a multi-functional desktop video/audio conference call application first developed in 1995. Cisco took over WebEx in 2007.
The application allows users to meet people virtually in real-time so long as there is internet access. It also offers automatic transcription, content-sharing and reactions.
As a safety precaution, drivers using the new app will only be able to access the audio features of WebEx when the car is in motion. The video function will be available when the car is parked.
Services such as WebEx, Google Meet and Zoom saw a surge in popularity after the 2020 Covid pandemic forced global lockdowns, leaving workers with the option of virtual meetings and remote work.
Zoom is partnering with Tesla to equip its vehicles with conferencing tools and Cisco plans more partnerships with Samsung for Webex integration in its phones and another with Intel for private 5G, according to Reuters.
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