How Audi is Bringing the Office to Your Car with Webex

For many people, driving is a chance to escape from screens and take a break from emails. However, for business professionals with endless meetings to attend, being stuck in the car for hours can be a major inconvenience. Fortunately, Audi has found a way to bring the office – and your meetings – right to your dashboard.

Starting in July, drivers who order a new A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, A8, Q8 e-tron or e-tron GT can download the Webex app from Cisco. This app allows drivers to seamlessly switch from Webex meetings on their phone or laptop to a matching setup inside their car. The app is available in the Audi Application Store, which was developed by Harman and VW’s software arm Cariad and is accessed through an Audi’s infotainment system.

The Benefits of Webex in Your Car

While talking on the phone while driving can impair your concentration, Webex switches to audio-only mode when the car is moving. AI noise-removal ensures that other meeting participants back in the office can still hear you clearly. When the car is parked, you get the same experience as hybrid workers attending a virtual meeting from home. This includes closed captions, the ability to share content, and see who else is on the call.

Webex isn’t exclusive to Audi; both Ford and Mercedes are also getting their own versions of the app. This technology is designed to capitalize on the spread of super-fast 5G and the massive shift away from the office and to a hybrid work setup that was fast-tracked by the Covid pandemic.

The Pros and Cons of Webex in Your Car

While this technology may be useful for many people and lead to improvements in productivity, it also means that work is taking yet another bite out of our personal lives. With Webex in your car, there are fewer places where you can escape from work-related questions and concerns. However, for those who need to attend meetings while on the go, this technology is a game-changer.

Conclusion

Audi’s Webex app is a great example of how technology is changing the way we work and live. With more people working remotely or on the go, it’s important to have tools that allow us to stay connected and productive. While there are pros and cons to having a virtual office in your car, it’s clear that this technology is here to stay. As we continue to adapt to new ways of working, it will be interesting to see how technology continues to evolve and shape our lives.