Abalta Technologies, announced that the enhanced mobile radio solution powered by NextRadio, a hybrid radio app, will be available across select vehicle platforms on in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems powered by Abalta’s WebLink software platform. NextRadio is not a streaming app, but a visual aid that shows album art and song data on the radio. WebLink is best known for bring Waze to the dash.
TagStation, LLC, owner of the NextRadioapp, announced that the 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 for the first time.
Next Radio is Available on the Following Infotainment Systems:
- Kenwood
- DNX995S*
- DNX875S*
- DDX9905S*
- DDX9705S*
- DMX905S*
- DDX9018BTS*
- JVC
- KW-V940BW
- KW-M845BW
The NextRadio audio/visual experience is designed to keep consumers moving instead of searching. Drivers can easily browse stations with an “at-a-glance” view of what’s playing on the radio right now with NextRadio’s Live Guide™. Seeing familiar logos or album art makes finding content much quicker than reading, especially when consumers’ eyes need to be focused on the road. NextRadio automatically updates based on the vehicle’s location to show all AM, FM and HD stations broadcasting in the area.
The first iteration of NextRadio for WebLink will be available in select aftermarket head units from JVCKENWOOD, and will begin shipping in early 2018. NextRadio for WebLink enables drivers in any vehicle to have a rich in-dash AM/FM radio listening experience by connecting a smartphone to a compatible WebLink-enabled car head unit, which requires minimal smartphone data and battery usage.
The NextRadio app is creating rich audio/visual experience consumers expect with in-car entertainment and keeps consumers moving instead of searching. Browse stations with an “at-a-glance” view of what’s playing on the radio right now with NextRadio’s Live Guide™. Seeing familiar logos or album art makes finding content much quicker than reading, especially when consumers’ eyes need to be focused on the road.
“NextRadio represents the evolution of radio that consumers expect, and the NextRadio app provides an in-dash visual experience on par with those expectations,” said Michael O’Shea, CEO and Founder of Abalta Technologies. “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.”
Abalta brings all the pieces of the connected car experience together in one platform. Using the company’s WebLink solution, carmakers and suppliers can bridge the gap between consumers’ smartphones and IVI systems, giving car owners access to all their favorite apps in an easy-to-use, customizable and platform-agnostic environment.
“JVCKENWOOD chose to work with Abalta because our goal is always to deliver a more informative, entertaining experience. With a connected iPhone® or Android™-powered smartphone, WebLink lets us offer more of the apps consumers trust and use daily, in a way that’s safer in the car,” said Rick Noetzli – General Manager Product & R&D, Consumer Product Planning at JVCKENWOOD. “Drivers rely on Waze, Yelp and Weather to make decisions on products, services and places to go. NextRadio enriches radio listening with relevant content, and YouTube provides visual firsthand content that informs and entertains. With Abalta as a content aggregator, we can focus on creating a premium, safe interface through our receivers.”
The WebLink for JVC and WebLink for Kenwood application will is available for download in the Android Marketplace and Apple App Store. Once the app is downloaded, users can connect to select WebLink-enabled car head units to enjoy NextRadio and other apps, including popular traffic and navigation app Waze.