MERCEDES has come under fire after unveiling a controversial new feature that allows drivers to take part in Microsoft Teams video calls while on the road.
The update lets people in new Mercedes-Benz cars stream live footage of themselves to colleagues during meetings, even while driving.
Mercedes-Benz expands collaboration with Microsoft to boost in-car productivity with Enhanced Meetings for Teams app, Intune integration and Microsoft 365 Copilot[/caption]
The move has sparked widespread concern, with critics branding it ‘dangerous’ and ‘reckless’[/caption]
Mercedes also claims the system is designed to reduce distraction and maintain focus on the road[/caption]
The move has sparked widespread concern, with critics branding it “dangerous” and “reckless”.
The company insists the feature meets local safety laws and that the driver cannot see others on the call or view shared screens.
Instead, the in-car display switches to audio-only mode once the camera is turned on.
“With this update, drivers can use the in-car camera while driving, allowing other participants to see them during a meeting.
“Given the brand’s focus on safety, the use of the camera abides by the laws of each country and has been approved for use on the move,” Mercedes said.
“To minimise distraction and maximise safety while driving, the meeting video stream turns off automatically as soon as the camera is activated.
As a result, the driver will never see any shared screens or slides – and the camera can be turned off at any time.”
Mercedes also claims the system is designed to reduce distraction and maintain focus on the road.
But many are questioning the value of the feature at all – especially as it appears to offer no real benefit beyond showing you’re present in a meeting while behind the wheel.
The broader Teams integration might prove useful.
Mercedes says the update includes a ‘Next Meetings’ section, quick access to frequent contacts, and an upgraded chat function with voice control for composing messages.
Drivers can also jump directly from their calendar into meetings, all using voice prompts – so hands stay on the wheel.
As part of the same software update, Mercedes will be the first carmaker to bring Microsoft’s AI tool, Copilot, into its vehicles.
“This will be one of the world’s first application of its kind in a car and will help users prepare for upcoming meetings with the aid of advanced AI.
“Using voice prompts, drivers can summarise emails, retrieve or query client preferences and details, and manage daily tasks without distraction,” the company added.
But while Mercedes hails it as a cutting-edge innovation, safety experts warn that combining live video, AI prompts and driving may be a high-tech recipe for disaster.
The Teams video call feature is just the latest in a string of headline-making moves from Mercedes.
The German carmaker has recently launched the all-electric CLA with a class-leading 492-mile range, introduced AI-driven in-car assistants via Microsoft and Google partnerships, and unveiled an electric G-Class “popemobile” for the Vatican.
Mercedes is also pushing ahead with new lidar safety tech through a deal with Luminar, and continues to lead hybrid sales in parts of Europe like Spain.
With 21 new models due over the next two years, from budget compacts to high-performance AMG saloons, the brand is clearly steering full throttle into a tech-heavy future — even if some of its innovations raise more eyebrows than applause.
Drivers can also jump directly from their calendar into meetings, all using voice prompts – so hands stay on the wheel[/caption]
