January 10, 2012 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subaru Selects Aha to Deliver Web Content Safely to Drivers Through the Radio
- Future Subaru vehicles will have optional web-enabled
infotainment systems integrated with Aha -
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Subaru
of America, Inc. and AhaTM
by HARMAN, the first interactive platform that makes web content
safe for drivers, have announced a partnership that will use the Aha
platform to seamlessly bring Web-based content into Subaru vehicles,
letting drivers interact with Web-based content right through their
radios. Subaru is one of the first automotive manufacturers to integrate
Aha's service into its vehicles.
Aha is powering the Web-connected "fourth band" of radio, alongside AM,
FM, and satellite radio. Offered on future models, Subaru owners will
have instant access to tens of thousands of stations of Web-based
content such as: on-demand music from MOG® and Rhapsody®;
Internet radio from SHOUTcast Radio, CBS RADIO™, and Slacker®;
live news; the latest information, news and entertainment podcasts from
NPR® and others; free audio books; personalized traffic
reports; Facebook® and Twitter® newsfeeds;
personalized restaurant recommendations from Yelp®; and much
more. Aha will be easily accessed through the Subaru's optional in-car
radio/infotainment system. Aha's app for iPhone® integrates
with the vehicle, allowing Subaru owners to enjoy Aha while driving. In
early 2012, Aha will launch an Android app, which will also integrate
with future Subaru vehicles. Users will be able to customize their Aha
stations from their iPhone, Android device, or the Web.
"Smartphone activity is at an all-time high and the consumer is looking
for a safe interface to interact with the content in their vehicle.
Subaru has been evaluating connected car solutions for some time, and
Aha is the first product that meets our criteria for safety, great
design, and broad content options that can be personalized for each
driver," said David Sullivan, Car Line Manager, Subaru of America, Inc.
"Without having to touch their smartphone, Subaru drivers will safely be
able to access content like traffic, nearby restaurant information,
music, and a growing wealth of web-based information now available
through their Subaru optional infotainment system integrated with Aha."
"Buyers of new Subaru cars will be able to enjoy their favorite Internet
content on-demand just as safely as selecting a radio station thanks to
Aha," said Robert Acker, HARMAN VP and General Manager of Aha. "We have
built a cloud-based platform that will be continuously updated in the
future, so as the Web changes and new services emerge, Subaru drivers
will always have access to the most up-to-date content through Aha. With
an Aha-enabled radio at their fingertips, Subaru drivers will be among
the most well-connected drivers on the road."
At the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show, booth # CP32 located in the CES
central plaza, Aha and Subaru will demonstrate a concept implementation
of the integration in a production 2013 Subaru BRZ. Media who would like
to schedule a live demo can email press@aharadio.com
to book an appointment.
Aha is currently available in aftermarket head units and as a free
app for iPhone. Aha will soon update its iPhone app to include even
more stations and content, and will also launch its app for Android™
smartphones. Aha is currently working with additional automotive and
consumer electronics manufacturers on multiple integrations that will
launch throughout the year.
Aha is a part of HARMAN International (NYSE: HAR) the premium global
audio and infotainment group. For logos, product videos and more, visit
Aha's online
press room.
Follow the Subaru
of America Facebook page and subaru_usa
on Twitter.
About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the
company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600
dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured
in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc.
is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard
wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional
information visit www.subaru.com.
About Aha by HARMAN
Aha, a unit of HARMAN International Industries, is the first interactive
platform that makes web content safe for drivers. Aha organizes content
from the Web into personalized, live and on-demand radio stations that
consumers can listen to from anywhere -- at home, on the go, or safely
from the driver's seat. Aha has won new business with five premium car
manufacturers to implement consumer services based on its cloud-based
platform. The Aha Platform and Service was started in 2008 by a group of
web and multimedia veterans with a shared passion for delivering an
"always-on" audio experience to connect drivers to the content they
really want. HARMAN, the company that designs, manufactures and markets
a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive,
consumer and professional markets, acquired Aha in September 2010. For
more information, visit www.aharadio.com.
"Subaru", all model names, and the Subaru logo are registered trademarks
of the Subaru division of Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd, Japan. Features
and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ
in other countries.
"iPhone" is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries. "Android" is a trademark of Google Inc. "CBS RADIO"
is a registered trademark of CBS Radio, Inc. "Facebook" is a
registered trademark of Facebook Inc. The "Twitter" name is a trademark
of Twitter, Inc. in the United States and other countries. "Slacker" is
a registered trademark of Slacker, Inc. "Yelp" name is a registered
trademark of Yelp!, Inc. "INRIX" is a registered trademark of INRIX,
Inc. "MGM Grand" is a registered trademark of MGM Resorts International.
"MOG" is a registered trademark of Mog, Inc. "SHOUTcast Radio is a
registered trademark of AOL, Inc". "Rhapsody is a registered trademark
of RI."
Media
Aha Radio
Hillary
Murphy, 415-309-5061
press@aharadio.com
or
Subaru
Press Information
Sean Maynard, 248-805-1656
sean.maynard@subiepr.com
Source: HARMAN International Industries
News Provided by Acquire Media
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