Aha by HARMAN Cloud Platform 'Future Proofs' Vehicles with Next-Generation Services and even more Content
New Aha Updates and Aha Analytics services extend HARMAN’s expertise in cloud infrastructure and offer new possibilities for OEM partners and customers
GENEVA– HARMAN, the premium global audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), unveiled two new services for the automotive market that leverage the Aha by HARMAN Cloud Platform and HARMAN’s infotainment system design leadership to ensure safe, personalized and connected driving experiences throughout the life of the vehicle. Extending beyond the popular Aha Radio interactive content service, the new Aha Updates and Aha Analytics services take HARMAN’s expertise and investments in cloud infrastructure into new directions. Additionally, HARMAN’s new Map Updates service helps OEMs extend the lifespan of the navigation systems onboard their vehicles.
The new Aha Updates service allows automakers to easily upgrade existing infotainment and audio systems to extend the lifespans of their vehicles. This service will allow carmakers and drivers to upgrade in-car audio and infotainment systems, connect to cloud-based content more easily and consistently improve embedded software features. Aha Updates will offer consumers a convenient and reliable way to keep vehicle software current, and actually extend system functionality – with emerging applications ranging from toll collection to parking assistance.
In addition, the new Aha Analytics vehicle and driver insights service will aggregate and analyze information collected through opt-in data shared from a car’s infotainment and on-board diagnostics. By also connecting and uploading that data through the Aha by HARMAN Cloud Platform, HARMAN can offer automakers, insurance companies, and other service companies the ability to analyze usage patterns, enhance vehicle maintenance and improve driver safety. The new Aha Analytics offering will aggregate vehicle-specific data to support a wide array of applications, including reliable safety and lost vehicle services, location services and map updates, and even remote vehicle diagnostic monitoring capabilities.
Recently, HARMAN also announced nearly $100 million in new infotainment services business from automakers BMW and Jaguar Land Rover to provide navigation software and map database updates for installed HARMAN infotainment systems.
For BMW, HARMAN will compile and customize third-party map data to create incremental, mid-cycle updates for installed premium navigation systems. HARMAN will also perform regional and country-based testing and verification services. For Jaguar Land Rover, HARMAN will develop comprehensive navigation software and map data updates for installed systems via SD Card storage media. The Company will deliver the SD Card media directly to Jaguar Land Rover dealers on the automaker’s behalf, for installation in customer vehicles.
“At the Geneva Motor Show, HARMAN will be showcasing exciting new solutions that upgrade, connect, and improve the infotainment and audio experiences for vehicles on the road today,” said David Slump, President of HARMAN Automotive Services. “Today’s vehicles have long lives. HARMAN is leveraging its systems integration expertise far beyond installation to extend the lifecycle of installed infotainment systems, keeping cars current and creating new revenue streams for OEMs and their dealers. As the systems integration leader in Automotive, HARMAN is uniquely positioned to ‘future-proof’ vehicle technology systems for drivers who want the most up-to-date information and technology in their cars.”
The benefits of these automotive services for automakers include lower warranty and customer care costs by reducing dealership visits, increased consumer software update take-rates and higher customer satisfaction through a more convenient update process, higher quality software and access to new features, as well as a longer lifecycle.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of infotainment and audio solutions for the automotive, consumer, and professional markets. It is a recognized world leader across its customer segments with premium brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, and Mark Levinson® and leading-edge connectivity, safety and audio technologies. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of 14,800 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.7 billion for the last twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
For further information please contact:
HARMAN
Nicole Mehr
Director Corporate Affairs and Communications Europe
Becker-Göring-Str. 16
D-76307 Karlsbad
Phone: +49-7248-71-1272
Text 100
Robert Zormeier
Nymphenburger Str. 168
D-80634 München
Phone: +49-89-998370-17
© 2014 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
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