Collaboration with Microsoft
Mercedes Vehicles to Become Mobile Offices
Mercedes-Benz and Microsoft expand their collaboration: more productivity in the car with an improved Meetings App for Teams, Intune integration, and Copilot.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz expands Microsoft integration in vehicles: Teams meetings with camera, Intune for secure business use, and Copilot API for AI-powered productivity aim to attract business customers.
Privileged employees who are allowed to enjoy a company car will soon have even more arguments to make a Mercedes-Benz the vehicle of choice for their superiors. This is because the German OEM is deepening its cooperation with Microsoft and integrating new functions for productivity and collaboration into its own operating system MB.OS. The rollout begins with the new CLA and the fourth generation of the MBUX infotainment system - from summer in Europe, followed by the USA in autumn. Selected vehicles with the third generation of MBUX will also receive the functions in a timely manner.
With the updated Microsoft Teams Meetings App, users will soon be able to use the interior camera for video conferences while driving. According to the manufacturer, the function is legally compliant and is automatically controlled so that no screen sharing or presentations are displayed when the camera is active. The camera can be deactivated at any time.
Additionally, the app offers a new dashboard with upcoming appointments, quick access to contacts, and an extended chat function. Voice control supports text input, and meetings can be started directly from the calendar.
Meetings in the Vehicle: Now with Camera
With the updated Microsoft Teams Meetings App, users can now use the interior camera for video conferences while driving. According to the manufacturer, the function is legally compliant and is automatically controlled so that no screen sharing or presentations are displayed when the camera is active. The camera can be deactivated at any time. Additionally, the app offers a new dashboard with upcoming appointments, quick access to contacts, and an enhanced chat function. Voice control supports text input, and meetings can be started directly from the calendar. To use it, customers need the Entertainment Package Plus, including data volume. The new system aims to provide seamless connectivity while minimizing distractions, in line with the credo of CEO Ola Källenius, who emphasizes: "The integration of modern Microsoft tools like Microsoft Teams into our new operating system MB.OS enables an intuitive and secure user experience that increases efficiency while reducing distractions."
Intune Integration: Strict Separation of Business and Private
For the first time, Microsoft Intune is directly integrated into MB.OS. Users can log in with their business accounts and switch between private and business applications. Intune allows IT administrators to centrally manage access rights and security policies - even remotely and without physical access to the vehicle. The system relies on proven security mechanisms: private and professional content are strictly separated, and apps and data in the so-called work profile remain protected. The prerequisite for use is activation by the respective company IT in the Microsoft portal. The integration includes, among other things, MBUX Notes and calendar applications - with a phased rollout in Europe and the USA.
Data Protection According to Mercedes-Benz Data Vision
Mercedes-Benz emphasises that the use of Microsoft functions is compliant with the GDPR and only the data necessary for the respective service is collected. The basis is the company-wide data model Mercedes-Benz Data Vision, which is based on three principles:
1. Transparency: Customers receive comprehensive information about data processing - including via app, vehicle menu, and terms of use.
2. Self-determination: Services can be individually activated or deactivated; data sharing only occurs with consent, contract, or at the press of a button.
3. Data security: Customer data is protected against manipulation and misuse, and Mercedes continuously develops its security architecture.
In principle, no data is transmitted if the customer does not conclude a Digital Extras contract and does not activate any services in the customer profile. Exceptions only apply to the Mercedes-Benz emergency call and the information and breakdown call.
Copilot in Progress: AI Assistance on the Go
In the future, Microsoft 365 Copilot is also set to be integrated into the vehicle. MercedesBenz is already testing initial features - a market launch will follow after successful testing and quality assurance. With the support of generative AI, users will be able to summarise emails, retrieve customer data, or prepare for meetings using voice support - all directly from the driver's seat. This would make Mercedes-Benz one of the first car manufacturers to make Copilot functions available in this form in the vehicle. Which other models will receive the feature is part of a roadmap for scaling that has not yet been finalised.
This article was first published at automotiveit.eu
