INDIANAPOLIS — TagStation, owner of the NextRadio app, announced April 2 that its hybrid radio app is now available on new JVC and Kenwood head units, putting an interactive, visual AM/FM radio experience into the car dashboard.
The new head units come enabled with Abalta Technologies’ WebLink software platform, so that when a driver connects a smartphone to a JVC or Kenwood WebLink-compatible head unit, the phone’s Internet connection allows NextRadio for WebLink to download album art, station logos and other images to the head unit screen. Local AM/FM radio broadcast audio comes over-the-air via the head unit’s tuner.
[Read more about the NextRadio-Abalta collaboration.]
The WebLink for JVC and WebLink for Kenwood applications are available for download in the Android Marketplace and Apple App Store. Once the app is downloaded and Internet connection established, drivers can use NextRadio and other apps, including popular traffic and navigation app Waze.
“We are excited to be the first enhanced AM/FM radio experience in the connected car through our relationship with JVCKENWOOD,” said Paul Brenner, President at NextRadio. “The ability to provide an interactive, in-car experience is a huge victory for the radio industry and offers a great experience for radio listeners.”
“As we continue to build out all aspects of the connected car experience within our WebLink platform, we are prioritizing those apps that generate the greatest mobile experiences for everyday drivers. That includes Waze, Yelp, YouTube, Weather and NextRadio,” said Michael O’Shea, CEO and founder of Abalta Technologies. “NextRadio represents the evolution of radio that consumers expect, and provides an in-dash visual experience like no other.”
Model numbers for the JVC and Kenwood head units that support WebLink can be found at NextRadioApp.com.
