Automotive giant Mercedes-Benz has announced a partnership with Silicon Valley Company, Pebble Technology. On the week the doors open at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, it's a go for wearable tech. The partnership gives Mercedes access to the Pebble watch hardware and, more importantly, early adopter access to APIs (computer-speak for software that allows applications connect).
Now the dream of connecting your Mercedes via a wearable technology wristwatch is finally here. Mercedes is, in effect, turning its cars into networked vehicles. Still in the proof-of concept (POC) phase, the alliance potentially makes many things possible. For example, owners will able to remotely check door-lock status, the car's location and even fuel levels by using their Pebble wristwatch. Once inside the car, owners will be able to receive alerts on traffic reports by the vibrating wristwatch. No doubt this opens the door to future targeted alerts. These could be service interval warnings and original dealer specific information and even offers. As ever, where there is connectivity, there's targeted demographic advertising coming down the road.
Due for roll out in later in 2014, Mercedes has already invested in smartphone connection via its Digital Drive Style. It appears its partnership with Pebble will strongly leverage this connectivity.
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Mercedes says it was the first auto maker to establish a research facility in Silicon Valley. This continued approach of early-adopter appears to be paying dividends. With the world's tech leaders located nearby, it provides Mercedes with 'open source' access to the latest innovations and trends, right on its very doorstep.