CTIA The Wireless Association gave Aha by Harman a CTIA Emerging Technology (E-Tech) Award. The Aha service is currently live in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe.
Aha aggregates different forms of audio, from Internet audio from CBS Radio or NPR or pure-play Internet stations, to on-demand music, live news, podcasts, audio books, Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds and personalized points of interest information.
When Aha’s app is connected to a compatible in-car entertainment system, the users’ top stations become radio preset buttons, so drivers can put down the phone and switch between stations — just like traditional radio, the company says. When listeners arrive at their destination and leave the car, they can continue listening to their content from their smartphone.
At last week’s International CTIA Wireless 2012 trade show, a panel of industry experts, media and analysts awarded Aha the best mobile application in the category of “Social, Content, Media & Entertainment” where it competed with apps by AT&T, Disney, Doro and T-Mobile.
Submissions were judged on innovation, functionality, technological importance and implementation.
Aha is currently working with five automotive manufacturers who will be launching model 2013 vehicles with consumer services based on Aha’s cloud-based platform later this year. Aha recently announced integration deals with Acura, Honda and Subaru as well as Kenwood and Pioneer.
