- New Solution Provides Upgradeable and Adaptable Platform for Vehicles Globally
HARMAN, the premium global audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group (NYSE:HAR), announced today it has expanded its scalable embedded infotainment platform offerings to address the full spectrum of vehicle segments, including entry- to mid-level cars, with a feature-rich, automotive-grade platform that leverages the latest smartphone integration technologies such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink for best-in-class connectivity for the world’s automakers.
In addition to its industry-leading scalable, next-generation infotainment platform that addresses mid- and high-segment vehicles, HARMAN’s newest platform addresses the other end of the spectrum, and gives automakers a connected car solution with global application. HARMAN’s latest infotainment solution enables automakers to leverage HARMAN’s proven scalable infotainment platform to affordably address a diverse range of international markets and vehicle classes and to support the latest in smartphone connectivity including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink for comprehensive device integration. Together with connectivity to off-board cloud services, future-proof software solutions and a unique set of audio entertainment options, HARMAN’s infotainment platform brings global perspective and affordable design to next-generation infotainment.
“The era of the basic AM/FM/CD radio is essentially dead, and automakers are upgrading their in-dash offerings to incorporate connectivity,” said Sachin Lawande, president, HARMAN Infotainment Division. “Whether automakers want to offer a ‘bring your own device’ solution that leverage the smartphone, or a more integrated and seamless solution, our scalable infotainment platform offers the essential building blocks for a connected car solution together into a flexible, cost effective design.”
Using the latest multi-core system-on-chip hardware, the platform is designed using a flexible Linux OS framework. It leverages today’s smartphone experiences, including CarPlay and Android Auto, and supports MirrorLink integration for familiar and simple use of popular mobile applications. To support a dynamic visual dashboard interface, the new platform includes a 6.5- or 7-inch WVGA touch display with 800×480 resolution. The user experience is further enhanced with integrated Bluetooth telephony, voice echo cancellation and noise reduction, and CAN bus interfaces for ECU and steering wheel button controls. HARMAN has also ensured that rearview backup camera support is part of the standard platform offering, and supports the latest U.S. Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standards and Regulations.
HARMAN’s Aha Analytics, which aggregates and analyzes information collected through opt-in data sharing from the car’s infotainment and on-board diagnostics, can also be integrated. The generated vehicle data can support a wide array of applications, including reliable safety and lost vehicle services, location services and even remote vehicle diagnostic monitoring capabilities. This software-rich platform can also be kept up-to-date and future-proofed via HARMAN Cloud Services over-the-air (OTA) updates.
For automakers seeking to offer a more enriched user experience, HARMAN’s scalable platform offers a number of design options to enhance connectivity, driver safety, usability and enjoyment. Connectivity can be enhanced with WiFi support and display options can be scaled to support multi-touch and swipe capabilities as well as 720p HD experience with 1280×720 resolution. Safety and convenience features can be added including on-board 3D navigation and speech recognition.
As the industry leader for in-car audio solutions, HARMAN also included several music and audio features into the new scalable platform. Device connectivity is supported via a USB port with up to 2.1A charging in addition to a standard auxiliary stereo audio input jack. Best-in-category audio support includes an integrated amplifier, AM/FM tuner with scan diversity and off-band TMC capability. For a more premium experience, automakers can also choose to offer a wide range of audio options ranging from SD card slots to satellite radio extensions. HARMAN’s revolutionary Clari-Fi™ audio restoration technology can also be supported for a premium audio experience throughout the vehicle cabin.
HARMAN’s scalable platform is adaptable to a variety of vehicles ranging from entry to lower mid segment, and provides automakers with the best feature-to-cost ratio, with a range of options that meets virtually all global market-specific requirements.
HARMAN’s entry-level infotainment solution is available to automakers immediately.
