As reported by Mercedes-Benz
Stuttgart – When Apple's iPad hits European markets in a few days' time Mercedes-Benz will be ready for the launch with a whole range of free programs available through the App Store. Already available for the iPhone, the applications have been technically optimized to ensure that fascination for the brand with the star is just as good an audio-visual experience on the new tablet device too. In addition, from the end of May there will also be a catalogue app including brochures on the E-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Coupé, as well as a version of the website www.mercedes.mobi specifically optimized for the iPad and featuring a comprehensive range of information and entertainment offerings relating to the entire Mercedes-Benz product portfolio.
"Based on our overall positive experience with iPhone applications, we also see the iPad as forming an integral part of our online communications. It was therefore important for us to be able to offer users of the iPad a substantial range of products and services relating to our brand from the very moment of its release", explains Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Mobile devices enable a new form of communication with different target audiences, allowing them to enjoy their fascination for the brand in a more specific way and also to obtain information on our products. We are therefore monitoring this market very closely and if necessary will extend our activities to other mobile devices."
Entertainment and support – iPad-optimized iPhone apps
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is one of the first museums in the world to make use of the iPad from the moment of its commercial release. As part of the current special exhibition on super sports cars, the "Mercedes-Benz Sports Cars" iPhone application has been optimized into a universal version for the iPad, and a lounge containing iPads has been set up in the exhibition hall. Visitors have been able to test out the tablet device using this app since the end of April, enabling them to experience the exhibition interactively.
Other available iPhone applications have also been adapted in terms of their size and resolution to make them suitable for the new tablet device. These include the "SLS AMG HD App" which allows you to go for a virtual drive in the new SLS AMG super sports car, and also the forthcoming car card games "Mercedes-Benz Quartet" and "Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow," featuring 64 original racing cars spanning 75 years of motor racing history. The new "Star Helper" app from Mercedes-Benz Bank, available on the App Store since the beginning of May, was developed directly as an iPad-compatible version. As a mobile first-aid app for use when damage occurs to a vehicle, it provides important tips in the event of an accident, helps with reporting damage and also has additional practical functions such as a car park finder and fine calculator.
iPad website with soft configurator, dealer search and Mercedes-Benz TV
From the end of May, a version of the Mercedes-Benz website adapted for the iPad will be available, providing a whole host of information on the different model series. In addition to impressions, highlights and technical data for all model series, it also includes a soft configurator with which iPad users can build their own dream Mercedes, as well as a dealer search function with contact details and location maps. Furthermore, the web app also already contains the latest mixed tape compilation as well as a selection of videos from Mercedes- Benz TV. The complete TV programme will be gradually optimised for the tablet device. The catalogue app will also be continually extended with the addition of further brochures. The premium brand from Stuttgart is even currently working on an iPad-compatible version of the Mercedes magazine, which will be available from the end of the year and will be free of charge, as are all of the other apps.
Stuttgart – When Apple's iPad hits European markets in a few days' time Mercedes-Benz will be ready for the launch with a whole range of free programs available through the App Store. Already available for the iPhone, the applications have been technically optimized to ensure that fascination for the brand with the star is just as good an audio-visual experience on the new tablet device too. In addition, from the end of May there will also be a catalogue app including brochures on the E-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Coupé, as well as a version of the website www.mercedes.mobi specifically optimized for the iPad and featuring a comprehensive range of information and entertainment offerings relating to the entire Mercedes-Benz product portfolio.
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| Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
"Based on our overall positive experience with iPhone applications, we also see the iPad as forming an integral part of our online communications. It was therefore important for us to be able to offer users of the iPad a substantial range of products and services relating to our brand from the very moment of its release", explains Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Mobile devices enable a new form of communication with different target audiences, allowing them to enjoy their fascination for the brand in a more specific way and also to obtain information on our products. We are therefore monitoring this market very closely and if necessary will extend our activities to other mobile devices."
Entertainment and support – iPad-optimized iPhone apps
The Mercedes-Benz Museum is one of the first museums in the world to make use of the iPad from the moment of its commercial release. As part of the current special exhibition on super sports cars, the "Mercedes-Benz Sports Cars" iPhone application has been optimized into a universal version for the iPad, and a lounge containing iPads has been set up in the exhibition hall. Visitors have been able to test out the tablet device using this app since the end of April, enabling them to experience the exhibition interactively.
Other available iPhone applications have also been adapted in terms of their size and resolution to make them suitable for the new tablet device. These include the "SLS AMG HD App" which allows you to go for a virtual drive in the new SLS AMG super sports car, and also the forthcoming car card games "Mercedes-Benz Quartet" and "Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow," featuring 64 original racing cars spanning 75 years of motor racing history. The new "Star Helper" app from Mercedes-Benz Bank, available on the App Store since the beginning of May, was developed directly as an iPad-compatible version. As a mobile first-aid app for use when damage occurs to a vehicle, it provides important tips in the event of an accident, helps with reporting damage and also has additional practical functions such as a car park finder and fine calculator.
iPad website with soft configurator, dealer search and Mercedes-Benz TV
From the end of May, a version of the Mercedes-Benz website adapted for the iPad will be available, providing a whole host of information on the different model series. In addition to impressions, highlights and technical data for all model series, it also includes a soft configurator with which iPad users can build their own dream Mercedes, as well as a dealer search function with contact details and location maps. Furthermore, the web app also already contains the latest mixed tape compilation as well as a selection of videos from Mercedes- Benz TV. The complete TV programme will be gradually optimised for the tablet device. The catalogue app will also be continually extended with the addition of further brochures. The premium brand from Stuttgart is even currently working on an iPad-compatible version of the Mercedes magazine, which will be available from the end of the year and will be free of charge, as are all of the other apps.