HARMAN announced a new audio technology that enables clear conversations between occupants in the front and back of the car as well as for incoming phone calls at CES 2019.
Premium Communications offers three key features to improve in-car conversations
The first is In-Car Communication (ICC)
It combines microphones, voice processing and in-vehicle audio signal processing. The system creates an ideal environment for conversation within the car cabin. It enhances the sounds you want to hear as well as reducing those you don’t. HARMAN’s In-Car Communication allows the driver to communicate directly with passengers in the back seats. And that is also possible without needing to turn around or take their eyes off the road. Alternatively, second and third row passengers can now communicate easily with the first row. That eliminates the need for them to raise their voice or strain forward in their seats.
The second is ClearChat with Far-End Noise Cancellation
The system uses world-leading beamforming microphones, echo cancellation and noise reduction algorithms. It removes unwanted cabin noise for listeners on the receiving end of a call. These include air conditioning, road noise as well as rear seat passengers.
The third is Personal Communication Zones
This gives every occupant the freedom to simultaneously interact with their voice assistant of choice. It also enables a phone call with confidence that call recipients won’t hear the music or entertainment from others in the vehicle.
“With the regular use of voice-enabled devices, coupled with consumers’ always-on connected lifestyle, communicating clearly on the go, particularly in your car, is more important than ever before. As a result, in-vehicle communication is evolving to be a critical component of the overall passenger experience,” said Michael Mauser, President, Lifestyle Audio for HARMAN.
He added that HARMAN’s new Premium Communications leverages the latest advancements in smart audio. This way the systems “personalise the sonic environment and improve all communication occurring in vehicles”.
“Whether it’s with a voice assistant, someone on the other end of a phone call, or between passengers. At HARMAN, we’re focused on innovating smart, scalable and seamless solutions that provide the personalisation consumers today crave, and Premium Communications is no exception.”
