BMW Counters Mercedes Pebble Smartwatch Integration
Giancarlo Perlas January 7, 2014
The Pebble smartwatch integration to cars is among the key projects of Mercedes that is expected to be implemented this year. Currently, this is also one of the groundbreaking technologies that the German automaker is highlighting at the ongoing Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this January.
Not to be outdone, Mercedes-Benz’s fiercest rival, BMW, has announced its own app for a Samsung smartwatch.
According to USA Today, BMW revealed a special app for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch which can be integrated to its i3 electric cars. The app would enable drivers of its electric cars to send navigational directions. Then, it can monitor the overall condition of the vehicle and its components. The app would let the driver control the AC or heater of the car as well said the source.
Basically, most of its functions are similar to what the Pebble smartwatch can provide to Mercedes drivers (except the heater and AC control thing).
That’s not all. Getting into the mix between the two giant luxury car manufacturers is Hyundai. At CES, the brand revealed its plans to integrate the Google Glass to its 2015 Genesis cars. But then again, the R&D division of Mercedes at Silicon Valley is already pursuing a similar plan for the Google Glass.
However, it should be noted that the integration of wearable tech to cars is no longer new. Last year, during the Frankfurt Auto Show, Nissan announced the incorporation of the Nismo Watch to its new generation of cars..
Benefits of Wearable Tech Integration to Cars
Many experts believe that such technology will not significantly boost the sales of car manufacturers. However, the incorporation of wearable tech to cars definitely holds a lot of benefits in terms of convenience, security and safety of car owners. The partnership of car companies with tech firms is also very important in paving the way for more enhancements in future cars and in providing each driver a more personal relationship with their cars.
