Times have changed, and now cars are outfitted with high-tech gadgets once confined to luxury models. This leap in infotainment is leading us to an interesting feature from Mercedes-Benz: soon, you’ll be able to participate in video calls on Microsoft Teams while driving—if you opt for the right subscription.
Sounds a bit bizarre, right? Let’s dive deeper into this innovation that’s tailored for a very specific kind of driver.
According to Mercedes, this new setup allows drivers to be seen on camera during meetings. It’s compliant with local laws and has safety protocols in place. If the camera is activated, the driver won’t be able to see any shared content on screens to avoid distractions—pretty safe, huh?
So, this clarification on the use of the car’s camera makes it clear that it’s aimed at those who need to be ‘on’ all the time for work. But the question arises: will coworkers really be comfortable knowing you’re cruising down the highway while they’re sharing screen content?
But here’s where the catch comes in: this camera-on Teams access isn’t free, of course. You’ll need to subscribe to something called the Entertainment Package Plus, though the cost has yet to be revealed in the U.S. Considering the standard features already rack up about $150 annually, don’t be shocked if this top-tier service ends up costing even more when the trial period ends.
To be honest, this plan has me scratching my head a bit. I mean, sure, it might appeal to a few high-profile executives, but most everybody else just wants their car to be a haven away from work stress—a place to unwind and belt out those off-key tunes as you roll down the street. Let’s be real: driving is no time to worry about emails and meetings
Of course, technology is a double-edged sword. Working remotely or enjoying flexible hours does bring a lot of advantages, and believe me, I’m all for it. But at what point will we run out of nooks where we can simply disconnect? Should our cars really become another working space? Just something to ponder.
Images provided by Mercedes-Benz.
