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.
AT&T Drive Studio and Ericsson partnered for a survey of people who are likely to buy a car in the next three years. The survey’s global results found that 75% of respondents considered connected car services an important feature in their next purchase. Continue Reading
As spoken-word audio increasingly shares the stream with music, utilitarian content can sit next to entertainment content. As such, it’s not surprising that streaming traffic is a rising category. RAIN News spoke with Frank Rizzo, CEO of GeoTraffic Network, about how his service is differentiating. Continue Reading
Spotify has launched its Android app on MirrorLink, which brings the streaming platform to more connected cars. It was already available on CarPlay from Apple and Android Auto from Google, in addition to in-house systems from BMW and Ford. Continue Reading
A new study from J.D. Power reveals that connected cars might not have much allure to some consumers. The survey seems to weaken an assumption that new-car and future-car drivers will reach for the dashboard for their apps. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Continue Reading
Today, iBiquity announced that car manufacturer Subaru will make HD radio receivers standard across its range of vehicles. Subaru cars with the technology are currently available at dealerships nationwide. The manufacturer joins Bentley, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Rolls Royce, Scion, Tesla, and Volvo in making HR receivers standard. As of the 2016 collection, more than 200 car models across manufacturers will have HD capability. Continue Reading
Roger Lanctot is Associate Director of Strategy Analytics, and a thought leader in the connected-car space. In this guest article, he explains how in-car connectivity is wrongly perceived by car companies, driving both talent and product development to Silicon Valley. It’s not entirely about infotainment, but it explains why Apple and Google are grabbing that initiative.
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Pioneer Electronics has launched a new collection of after-market in-car entertainment systems that feature smartphone connections. The new line is partly targeted to smartphone listeners who are not (yet) in the market for a new car with built-in digital listening. Continue Reading
HD radio is continuing its march into cars across the country. The new roster of 2016 auto models with HD radio capability include makes from several international manufacturers. The 2016 models bring the number of HD-capable vehicles to more than 200. Continue Reading
Toyota announced that it was joining Ford’s SDL project, an open-source solution to connecting mobile apps to digital dashboards. The initiative counters the closed systems from Google and Apple. We spoke to Scott Burnell, Global Lead of Business Development and Partner Management at Ford, for context around this announcement. Continue Reading
Roger Lanctot is Associate Director of Strategy Analytics, and a thought leader in the connected-car space. In this guest article, he notes that VW is slyly moving to the front of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay rollouts. “It is only the latest chapter in the smartphone integration arms race.”
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Android Auto is making its first appearance in new car models this week. The system will debut in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Although this is marks Android Auto’s launch in new cars, it became available as an after-market product through select Pioneer models beginning in March. Continue Reading
IHS Automotive has released a market report covering more than 4,000 vehicle owners planning to buy a new car about the apps they would want in their new purchase. Music was the third most popular app category for use in vehicles, securing 38% of respondents’ interest. The report also included forecasts for three of the primary digital dashboard systems: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and MirrorLink. Continue Reading