Multiple Automakers to Offer Aha by Harman in 2013
Jan 7, 2013 12:22 PM, By Doug Irwin, CPBE DRB
Las Vegas – Jan 7, 2013 – Harman has announced multiple automotive and content partnerships that will expand driver entertainment and information in the car with its Aha system. Ford, Chrysler and Porsche today join Acura, Honda and Subaru in publicly announcing their integration of the Aha service, which uses the Harman Cloud Platform to enable Web-based entertainment and information in vehicles in a radio-like format familiar to drivers.
Ford added Aha to its Ford Sync Applink platform, which is now live in more than one million vehicles. Chrysler announced that it will add Aha to its acclaimed UConnect Access suite of in-vehicle features. Porsche recently announced it will offer Aha radio integration as an option across its 911, Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman and Panamera model lines.
In recent weeks, Aha expanded upon the 30,000 stations of audio programming available to its customers, spanning from the most popular mainstream media to unique long-tail content. Aha’s new media partners include leaders in music such as AccuRadio, Deezer, Rdio and SomaFM.
By the end of 2013, Aha will be installed into vehicles by more than 10 auto manufacturers which in total represent more than 50 percent of all cars sold in the USA/Canada and up to 30 percent in Europe.
Aha also expands its aftermarket presence. Alpine Electronics will become Aha’s third major aftermarket partner with the introduction of the ICS-X7HD, its first in-dash app receiver to feature Aha and other connected services (available March 2013). Kenwood is launching 12 cloud-connected head units featuring Aha, with more to follow throughout 2013. Kenwood is the first manufacturer to launch a single-DIN Aha- enabled head unit, the KDC-X897. Pioneer was the first company to ship an Aha-enabled product back in 2011 and currently it offers Aha in three new AVIC head units, AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-X950BH and AVIC-X850BT.
In addition, iPhone accessories maker Griffin Technology integrated Aha into its iTrip Auto.
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