CES 2014, LAS VEGAS – HARMAN today announced it will begin delivering targeted audio advertising to its users through a partnership between its Aha Radio and AdsWizz. A leading global technology provider of advertising solutions for the digital radio and audio industries, AdsWizz will be Aha Radio’s primary technology partner in enabling targeted audio advertising in vehicles and mobile phones through the Aha Radio app.This is the first time that the AdsWizz server-side Audio Injector for Streamers (AIS), built to be compatible with most of the market recognized streaming technologies, will be used in the vehicle audioadvertising space.
Aha converts a wide range of Internet content, including social media updates and music, intoradio stations that drivers can intuitively use and personalize according to their tastes and preferences. Those stations can then be accessed in their cars like AM or FM radio or on their smart phones through the Aha app.
The deal means Aha will be able to monetize its base of over 50 car models by 14 automakers including Acura, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Scion, Subaru and Toyota.At the end of 2013, there were more than two million Aha-enabled vehicles on the road.The partnership will change how audio advertising works in the vehicle. Working with AdsWizz, Aha will test short and long-form messaging in a manner that is driver-appropriate and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compliant.
“At CES, HARMAN is showcasing a number of new solutions that upgrade, connect, or improve both the infotainment and audio experience for vehicles on the road today,” said David Slump, president, Automotive Services. “We decided to team up with AdsWizz because of its advanced targeting and audio content delivery capabilities. The Aha connected vehicle integrations require a unique set up and AdsWizz meets all our technological requirements beautifully.”
AdsWizz offers the world’s only global audio ad exchange as well as other services that make it possible for ad buyers to precisely target audiences based on listening device, location, registration data and context. For digital audio content providers like Aha, AdsWizz provides unique audience insight and targeting capabilities, as well as ad insertion and management technologies, toensure that all possible inventorycan be monetized optimally.
“It’s thrilling for us to partner with Aha,” said Don Albert, president of North America for AdsWizz. “We know that together we’re pioneering the connected car space, one of the most dynamic areas for today’s connected consumers. Aha can now open up a revenue stream from the amazing content they deliver, while still maintaining the highest quality experience for their users.”
HARMAN at CES 2014
Visit HARMAN during CES 2014 for a demonstration Aha Radio’s targeted in-car ad delivery as well as the company’s full portfolio of infotainment and lifestyle audio systems. The ONE HARMAN experience showcase is located at the Hard Rock Hotel. Follow HARMAN online during CES 2014:
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About AdsWizz
AdsWizz is a leading global technology provider of solutions for the digital radio and audio industries. Its server-side solutions and global audio ad exchange offer advertisers unique targeting capabilities and provide audio publishers powerful new ways to monetize their listenership. This has led AdsWizz to quickly become a go-to resource for many of the world’s most prominent ad networks, agencies, and digital audio publishers.
About Aha by HARMAN
Aha is an interactive service of HARMAN International Industries that makes Web content as easy and safe to use as radio. Aha uses the Harman Cloud Platform to organize content from the Web into personalized radio stations that consumers can listen to from anywhere — at home, on the go, or safely from the driver's seat. By the end of 2013, Aha will be installed into vehicles by more than 10 automotive manufacturers, which in total represent more than 50 percent of all cars sold in the USA/Canada and up to 30 percent in Europe, including Acura, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Porsche and Subaru. The Aha platform and service was started in 2008 in Silicon Valley 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 or find Aha on Facebook and Twitter.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon® and Mark Levinson®. 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 14,600 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $4.5 billion for the last twelve months ended September 30, 2013. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.