HARMAN and ARD collaborate to enrich in-vehicle multimedia experience

HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, announced on July 11 that it has partnered with ARD to offer the ARD Audiothek app in the HARMAN Ignite app store.Focused on delivering connected technologies and solutions for the automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, HARMAN's Ignite App Store is the leading connected car platform that enables automakers to develop, manage and operate their own in-vehicle app stores.Starting in Germany, HARMAN and ARD will enable automakers to easily and safely deliver the ARD Audiothek app in vehicles, enabling millions of drivers to experience ARD audio content in their vehicles.

Image credit: Harman

Enthusiasts and discoverers of audio products have access to a wide range of content from ARD Audiothek, including podcasts, audiobooks, documentaries, reports and PBS live broadcasts.In addition, they get background information on the latest topics in politics, science, and society, as well as live and ARD-exclusive content.Users of the app will be able to easily access their favorite podcasts via personal playlists when they get into the car.

The HARMAN Ignite App Store brings users’ favorite content into the vehicle, making the vehicle a seamless extension of consumers’ digital lifestyles.The Ignite App Store optimizes the driving experience by accessing a rich ecosystem of cloud-based applications and services.This means automakers, dealers and service providers can easily import and manage new cloud applications and services into a vehicle's infotainment system to meet the comfort, information and entertainment needs of customers around the world.The HARMAN Ignite App Store also includes a growing collection of media content, point-of-interest solutions and messaging apps.

"Since the launch of the HARMAN Ignite App Store, our goal has been to provide automakers, drivers and passengers with the richest possible content and continue to expand," said Albert Jordan, vice president of the HARMAN Ignite App Store. It is increasingly important to provide comprehensive entertainment and information within the Internet, and we are delighted to partner with ARD to enrich our platform. ARD’s high-quality audio content has a strong reputation in Germany and further complements our offering.”