Mercedes offers new Media Interface Plus allowing Pandora streaming and more from smartphones

Mercedes-Benz has announced a new media interface for some of its new vehicles that will allow the driver or passenger to connect a smartphone to the car to stream content from the phone to the vehicle audio and entertainment system. The interface is called the Media Interface Plus or MIP.

The MIP plugs into the media interface outlet inside the glove box or console of the vehicle and allows use with multiple smartphone apps while in the car like streaming Pandora radio content to the cars audio system. The MIP will work with Pandora on the iPhone 3G, 3GS, and iPhone 4.

The device allows Bluetooth audio streaming of personal music libraries and for control of those tracks from an iPhone. A special video cable is also offered that lets the iPhone or iPod user stream video content to the cars display when the vehicle is not moving. The steering wheel controls in the car can be used to switch tracks when used with the iPhone or iPod.