2015 Hyundai Genesis to feature Aha Radio

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aha-radioHARMAN and Hyundai Motor America say the 2015 Genesis will offer the Aha Radio service in North America. Aha Radio will be a part of the next generation infotainment systems also debuting in the car. Hyundai has integrated the Aha Radio service into Genesis to give its U.S. drivers the ability to access over 100,000 music, entertainment and news stations as well as location-based services in an intuitive manner using their connected iPhone.


Aha Radio delivers Web-based entertainment and information in vehicles using a radio-like format familiar to drivers. With Aha Radio, Hyundai drivers can access their favorite podcasts, radio stations, news, entertainment, audiobooks, music, Facebook and Twitter feeds. Aha also includes personalized location-based services such as weather and fuel prices, as well as searches for nearby restaurants, hotels, parks and coffee shops. Aha Radio will seamlessly deliver content from around the world to Genesis drivers.

“Our partnership with Hyundai reflects a common goal to create innovative solutions for the connected car that remain intuitive to use for drivers,” said David Slump, executive vice president at HARMAN and president of its automotive services. “Aha Radio will not only deliver on demand global audio entertainment in the car, but will also enhance the overall user experience and dashboard interface for the connected Hyundai driver.”

Aha Radio also recently announced it will begin delivering targeted audio advertising to its users, thanks to a new partnership announced with 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.

Aha converts a wide range of Internet content, including social-media updates and music, into radio 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 Hyundai, Acura, Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Porsche, Scion, Subaru and Toyota. At the end of 2013, there were more than 2 million Aha-enabled vehicles on the road.

RBR-TVBR observation: Going through Aha Radio, it aggregates a heck of a lot of online-only radio stations, from all formats and across the globe. It seems to have less traditional broadcasters’ streams than other competing services such as TuneIn and iHeartRadio. Understandably, these services likely keep their streams to themselves in this increasingly competitive marketplace.