Radio once ruled the car. Now, digital dashboards, smartphone interfaces, and new “infotainment” systems are disrupting the car-listening experience … for broadcasters and car-buyers.
Drive Time Metrics (DTM), a connected car tech startup, announced that it has been awarded a patent for its core technology which collects, measures, and analyzes in-car media use. After four years in process, the patent positions DTM to provide a key measurements and in-car audience behavior insights to audio publishers such as broadcast radio and music services. Continue Reading
Results of a major new consumer research study performed by Edison Research, supported by Pandora and Omnicom MediaGroup, has been released today. top-line takeaways include frequency of station switching among AM/FM listeners, and desire for digital technology in dashboards. Continue Reading
Audioburst, an audio search platform powered by AI, announced a new deal to bring its technology into cars. The company is working with LGE on a vehicle infotainment system that it plans to unveil at CES in January. The deal relies on Audioburst’s Deep Analysis API for additional metadata categorization. Continue Reading
Voice assistants and smart devices are one of the hottest topics for the audio industry, and a new report from Voicebot.ai, PullString, and the RAIN Agency traces the trend’s progress. According to the report, voice assistants have moved out of their first phase, marked by availability across platforms and languages and access to core features. It suggested that the second phase of voice will be marked by more nuanced features, use in more contexts, and availability on more connected devices. Continue Reading
Radioplayer has introduced a prototype touchscreen radio for car dashboards. The Reference Radio is a hybrid technology that can play DAB digital radio, FM broadcasts, and Internet radio streams. All of the varied sources appear on one list rather than separated by format. Continue Reading
The navigation app Waze has integrated seven audio streaming services into its mobile app as part of the Waze Audio Player. The additions are Pandora, Deezer, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, NPR One, Stitcher, and Scribd. Waze already had a deal with Spotify, which will continue to be available alongside the new partners. Continue Reading
Google Maps has long been the gold standard for navigation, and the platform’s latest update includes a musical angle. The maps service added integrations with Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music. Continue Reading
Voice assistants have a steadily growing presence in smartphones and at-home entertainment. Now the technology is making a decisive move out onto the road with industry-leader Amazon. Continue Reading
Radio is the top choice for Canadians’ in-care listening, according to the Infinite Dial Canada report. When asked about what audio sources they ever use behind the wheel, AM/FM took an 83% share. Radio also took the lion’s share of responses for the most commonly used in-car audio. Continue Reading
AM/FM radio is holding onto its strong lead as the most-used source of audio in cars. According to the latest Infinite Dial results, 82% of respondents ever tune in to AM/FM radio. That rate is the same as was reported in 2017, and down from the 84% in 2016. Continue Reading
Apple is collaborating with two car manufacturers to encourage adoption of both its in-vehicle infotainment system and its streaming music service. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is offering an Apple Music deal beginning May 1 in the United States. Volkswagon also announced an Apple Music deal in Europe. Continue Reading
Ford made several announcements about its Sync 3 AppLink connected car platform during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Podcasting company Acast will have its mobile app made available on the service. Continue Reading