Automobile manufacturers are all dashing forward with plans for connected cars, bringing about a whole new era in dashboard infotainment systems. Radio execs will be interested in this screenshot from Hyundai.
To say the least, the introduction of streamed audio into vehicles is not a welcome development for AM and FM radio stations.
That’s why the fact that the star of the show in the Hyundai promo is none other than WCBS-FM New York.
Of course, the new dashboard will bring in a wealth of competition for terrestrial radio, but on the plus side, it helps to assuage fears that the new dashboards will abandon radio completely.
Here is Hyundai’s description of the audio system:
“The Display Audio system brings the newest smartphone integrations into Hyundai vehicles using an easy-to-access USB port. Once the connection is made, users can access their smartphone for phone calls and contacts, music, navigation, messaging, and optimized third-party apps. Display Audio will have navigation capability through smartphone integrations and will also offer entertainment apps for music, news, sports, and Podcasts. Apple CarPlay offers third-party audio app support, such as Beats Music, iHeart Radio, MLB At Bat, Spotify, Stitcher, CBS Radio News and Podcasts, among others. Android Auto’s initial app roster includes iHeart Radio, MLB At Bat, Spotify, SoundCloud, Pandora, TextMe and WhatsApp. Each partner plans to add additional third-party apps in the future and these will not require any vehicle software updates. The Display Audio system will also incorporate Hyundai’s latest and most innovative in-vehicle technology by offering a simple, multi-use home screen, HD Radio® capability and mixed AM, FM and SiriusXM presets.”
RBR-TVBR observation: In-vehicle is a must-win battleground for terrestrial radio, so this encouraging report from the front lines is welcome news.
