Latest news with #soundSystem
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Funky special edition Aygo X offers ‘concert-style sound'
TOYOTA has introduced a funky special edition of its popular Aygo X – with a premium sound system as its USP. Hundreds of hours of work by JBL acoustic engineers went into designing a dynamic and lightweight sound system tailored to the car's interior characteristics. The result is the Aygo X JBL, which provides an interesting option for those seeking a city car with a bit of added appeal. The Aygo X has attracted new style-conscious buyers to Toyota since first hitting Europe's roads in 2022, building on the youthful and fun character of the normal Aygo by introducing a more confident driving position. With a 400-mile round trip on the motorway looming, the delivery of a test car with such small proportions didn't initially look like great timing. The Toyota Aygo X For this is a 'compact urban crossover' best suited to nipping in and out of city traffic and squeezing into tight parking spaces with the minimum of fuss. But I needn't have feared the plentiful motorway miles, as the Aygo X JBL proved a surprisingly good companion on the M1. Indeed, it recorded excellent fuel economy, sitting comfortably at 70mph on cruise control while returning between 45 and 50mpg. At those higher speeds, there was a fair bit of wind noise to deal with, which is where the high-quality audio system played its part. Sharp, crisp audio largely drowned out exterior noises, with speaker location playing a significant role in creating a wide sound stage. The sound system is led by two full-range speakers in the front doors in combination with 25mm tweeters built into the A-pillars. At the rear, a 200mm subwoofer – large for a compact car like the Aygo X – generates powerful bass and dynamic response as well as clear, dynamic sound. A 300W amplifier under the passenger seat has six channels, which JBL enginers used to fine-tune frequencies for what Toyota described as a 'concert-style sound.' The distinctive front end of the car Thanks to Toyota Smart Connect, a driver can select the music of their choice easily, through wired and wireless smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all controlled on a large 10.5-inch high-definition touchscreen display unit. To differentiate the Aygo X JBL from the rest of the range, it has 18-inch alloys finished in black and silver, along with a a bi-tone paint combination consisting of black and silver. You'll also find JBL badges inside and out. On the B-roads, a fairly slick five-speed gearbox makes the car engaging to drive, although the lack of power means it never quite enters the fun category. There's only one engine and it's a 71bhp 1.0-litre petrol unit. With a 0-62mph time of14.9 seconds, it won't set the pulse racing, although the frugal way in which this three-pot sips fuel will put a smile on the face of the thrifty. The interior of the vehicle Also, it should be pointed out that the Aygo X has no problems keeping pace with other vehicles in urban environments. It's only when you get out onto the open roads that the lack of power becomes apparent. Up front, the seats are comfortable and offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller adults. In the back, an adult will really struggle to find enough space to sit behind a six-foot driver, so the rear seats are best-suited to children. Ride quality is good, striking a nice balance between comfort and feel. The premium colour-matched upholstery includes the JBL logo subtly perforated into the front seat backs. In conclusion, the JBL treatment has given the Aygo X even greater appeal. although some may balk at the £21k-plus price tag for a jacked-up city car, albeit a very likeable one. Toyota Aygo X JBL special edition ENGINE: 1.0-litre petrol, three cylinder, 71bhp PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 14.9 seconds and top speed of 98mph TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual, front wheel drive ECONOMY: 57.6mpg/110g/km PRICE: £21,195
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
An October 7 hero: The story of Nova music festival's Janusz Korczak
From his perch amplifying the trance music on October 7, Matan Lior took charge and saved dozens of lives. With his lion's mane of hair, engaging personality, and imposing presence, everyone knew Matan Lior at the desert raves and music festivals that have proliferated in Israeli culture over the past two decades. The 35-year-old former soldier in the Sayeret Golani owned Sound Fanatic, the company he named to describe himself. He was as serious about amplifying the hypnotizing trance music that filled the air like thunder as he was intent on having as much fun as his fellow partyers. By day, he was a brain research student at Ariel University, studying the effects of psychedelic mushrooms on trauma and PTSD. On weekends, he and his workers would provide the sound for festivals throughout the country. Lior would precariously climb scaffolding to check that each speaker was optimally placed for the most striking sonic effect, and greet the gyrating dancers like they were members of his extended family – which they were. On October 3, 2023, he arrived at the Kibbutz Re'im campsite near Sderot along with his staff of a dozen workers to set up the sound system for the Supernova festival, set to take place on October 6 and 7 over Simchat Torah. Following is the chilling story that took place over those next fateful days, told in the words of his parents, Opher and Sara'le, who raised Matan and his sister, Hila, in Sde Hemed, near Kfar Saba. Since October 7, Opher and Sara'le have told Matan's story to dozens of groups at the site of the festival, in front of a giant display featuring photos of their son and an explanation of the heroics that took place on October 7, which they gathered from piecing together 19 months' worth of eyewitness reports from those who had attended the festival. Opher called Matan 'Matana,' but I called him 'Tarzan.' His friends called him 'Matan Yanoush Korczak' for always putting others before himself [after the renowned educator who, as a principal of an orphanage in Warsaw, refused to abandon the children to the Nazis]. He had an extraordinary gift to give of himself, and he knew everyone. I didn't realize just how many people knew him until later. Matan wore two hats. He loved music and loved feeling it physically. But he also did very interesting research at Ariel University on the brain and music. On weekdays, he would put his hair in a bun and work and study with professors. But then he would let his hair down, and his life became music. He loved action He would place his speakers – special ones he brought in from Sweden and London – up high in trees. He could talk about sound for hours. He told me that the special speakers created other-worldly sounds – like gusts of wind. I never understood what he was talking about, but I could see how passionate he was about it. The night after Yom Kippur, he visited us in our home [in Sde Hemed] and said, 'You guys are getting old; I'll put up your sukkah.' I told him that he had to come during Sukkot, but he said he was so busy because he had to get ready for the Nova. But he surprised us and showed up exhausted. He came, and we put on trance music in the sukkah, and he danced with his niece. I don't know how we got on the subject, but we started talking about the sukkah and the transience of life and death. Our daughter said that if she died suddenly, she would want us to mourn and cry, cry, cry. I said that when I die, you can do what you want, just don't put on trance music. But Matan said, 'I don't want you to mourn my death, I want you to celebrate my life.' Matan left our sukkah to set up the festival sound at the Nova. After having been at the site for five days, on October 7, at 6:27 a.m., Matan was standing on top of his Range Rover and surveying the scene at the Nova. He had just spent the last hour photographing his speakers, his workers, the sunrise. At 6:29 a.m., he suddenly saw rockets overhead – not just one or two, but an enormous amount. He understood immediately that something extraordinary was happening – it wasn't a 'normal' terror attack. Matan stopped the music and ran onto the stage and began to yell into the microphone for everyone to leave immediately. 'Everyone, please leave at the emergency gates,' he kept shouting. He yelled until he lost his voice. At first, not many people understood or took action, but so many people knew Matan from past events because of his hair and personality, they began to understand that something was wrong, and because of him they started to run. He directed dozens of people to head across Road 232 toward Nahal Grar, which leads to the community of Patish. All of those who got there were saved. He forced his girlfriend into a car, and she begged him to come with her, but he said, 'No, I have things to do here.' Then the pickup trucks with the terrorists began to arrive at the entrance. After the missiles, we were in the area for about an hour. And then the massive gunfire began. Matan yelled my name, and he grabbed me by the hand and started running – and he could run fast. I had no idea where we were going. We headed toward the road. e pushed me into a car and said, 'Zohar, I love you.' It was like a Hollywood film in which you realize the gates of hell had opened. We knew that Matan was at Re'im, and when we began hearing about the attack there, we kept calling him and trying to get in touch with him. He began organizing as many people as he could because so many were freezing from fear due to the bullets and the rockets. It was chaos. He was putting people in cars, and he ran groups of people to Nahal Grar and ran back a number of times. Then Matan got shot in the back. He was down for a few minutes, then got up and got his bearings. He was a stubborn sort. Someone put a towel over his wound. He continued what he was doing, herding people into cars, leading people to Nahal Grar, all of this under fire. Saving, saving , saving – that's what he did. Back and forth. Bringing people to cars, taking people from cars. Moshe was a social worker who, together with a group of other health professionals, was part of Anashim Tovim. They go to all the festivals and help attendees who have bad trips or need psychological assistance. Matan has known him for 15 years. Moshe was driving his car, and Matan stopped him and said, 'Moshe, we have to fit 15 people in you car,' and he began loading them in, even as Moshe said it was impossible. At the last second, Matan squeezed into the trunk, and Moshe took off. The terrorists began to shoot at the car, and Moshe yelled for everyone to get out and run; otherwise, he knew that everyone would be killed. Everyone ran in different directions, and the terrorists were shooting at them like sitting ducks. On the morning of October 7, as we were home, glued to the news, a group of Matan's friends – all from elite combat units – came to our house. They said, 'We want to go with you to Re'im and bring Matan home.' I was a career [lieutenant-colonel] officer, responsible for security in all of the communities. I had retired 12 years before, but I knew the area like the back of my hand. I told them, 'Listen, the whole region is a closed military area; there's no chance we could get in. The area is full of terrorists, and the last thing I want to do is bring one of you home in a casket.' Then they said two things to me that convinced me. They said, 'Matan would have been the first one to come rescue us if we were there. He would already be there.' Then they said, 'We're going to go, with or without you.' I asked myself, from a moral point of view, how could I let them risk their lives for my son, and I stay home in safety? I agreed to go, and we got organized, got out our army uniforms and boots. My one condition was that everyone going with us had to have a handgun in his possession. I have to admit that I didn't understand the scope of what had happened until we started getting closer to the site. We drove south and we began seeing the shot-up cars, the bodies in the road, and all of us began to understand the magnitude of what had happened and was still taking place. We passed army checkpoints easily – and when we got to Re'im, the army was in staging areas. My only fear since we were not there officially was that we would be caught in friendly fire or be mistaken for terrorists masquerading in IDF uniforms. I saw unspeakable sights, with bodies and blood everywhere, but we focused on the task at hand. We huddled and went over general guidelines of why we were there and what our mission was. We tried to put ourselves in Matan's mind, what he would have done, where he might be hiding. Matan was in Sayeret Golani, he was experienced, and I really believed that he was alive and we were going to find him. One of the first things I did was to take a photo of Matan and show it to the ZAKA people who were already there and collecting bodies and body parts. 'Is there any chance you collected this person?' They answered no, that they recognized everyone that they had picked up, and he wasn't familiar. I took that as a positive sign that he must be alive. I got a message that there were some unidentified bodies at Soroka Hospital, so I left half of our makeshift unit at the site and went with the others to Soroka. There, too, I saw sights nobody should ever see, but no Matan. We returned to the Nova and continued searching. We were there for five days. We brought in dogs from Oketz that had been retired from the service, along with their handlers. We brought in drones. We were more efficient than the army – bringing both of those in before they did. Moshe ran to a field and hid behind a tree. After an hour and a half, he decided to try to return to his abandoned car. On the way, he saw the bodies of three social workers he had been with, naked and hanging from a tree. Then he got to the car and saw Matan – lifeless – in the open trunk. He cried, 'Matan, I love you,' and he started running. On Thursday afternoon, more than five days after the attack, we received a message from someone who said he had been with Matan in a car. 'Listen, my boss forbade me to say anything because I'm not an official source, but Matan was with me in the car, and I'm sorry but he's not alive.' I sent two of Matan's friends, whom I trusted, to question him and make sure he was reliable. They returned, and pne said, 'Opher, he knew Matan, and he was telling the truth. I asked him a simple question: 'Did you signs of blood?' He said, 'I don't remember.'' So, from my perspective, if there were no signs of blood, then it left the window open that Matan was still alive. So I kept searching. That night, a representative from the local council told me that the medical staff had found DNA that matched Matan's DNA. He was gone. This is what happened that day, and nobody can ever say that this isn't what happened. Opher and I are still, to this day, fitting the pieces together about what happened, as more survivors come forward to tell us what they saw. It's very difficult for some of them - they're not capable of talking about what happened and what they saw. But so many survivors have gotten in touch with us and told us similar stories – how Matan saved their lives. I was here while terrorists were still here…. For five days, looking for Matan. The earth here is sacred. There's not a centimeter of land that wasn't drenched with blood. Nearly 400 people who came to dance to music were murdered, and Matan was one of them. We're very proud of Matan's decisions and how he helped people. But I'd be very happy if he was here today with us. We lost the most precious thing to us, but as a people we can't be broken. We can't let these monsters break us. Our answer is to rebuild. We drove past Kibbutz Be'eri and saw a new section being built. That's our victory. We're staying here, building our country. Today, a friend of Matan's sent me a photo of him dancing and happy. He was a happy person and lived a good life. What's left is for us to tell his story and the story of what happened at the Nova. We're telling that story around the world. We're going to Toronto, we've been in New York and Washington talking before audiences who want to know what happened. It strengthens us to talk about Matan, and it strengthens people to hear his story. Because of what Matan said that night in the sukkah less than a week before his death, Opher and I have chosen life. Zohar Ma'aravi's and Michal Margolin's testimonies were taken from a film on Matan Lior's life ■
Auto Express
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Toyota Aygo X JBL 2025 review: plenty of appeal but it comes at a cost
With so many manufacturers shying away from the city car market, the Toyota Aygo X is a refreshing option and one the Japanese brand is reassuringly investing in with the JBL special edition. It retains the simple, likeable approach of the regular car while adding a genuinely decent sound system - although, given the price, we're not sure if it matches the ethos of a budget city car. Advertisement - Article continues below If you wanted a big, shiny sound system in your car (from the factory, at least), you used to have to stump up the money for a car from an out-and-out premium brand like Mercedes or BMW, who have long partnered with the likes of Sennheiser and Harmon Kardon. Toyota is looking to prove these preconceptions wrong, however, because it's launched the new Aygo X JBL special edition. According to Toyota, this version of its entry-level car focuses on giving its owners a 'concert-style sound'. That's quite a bold claim when many of us know that even top-rung sound systems can struggle to replicate a live performance. It's worth remembering that an affordable city car teaming up with an audio firm is a path that has been trodden before. Volkswagen offered the 'Beats edition' of the up!, and more recently, in other markets in 2022, there was a 'La Prima by Bocelli' special edition of the all-electric Fiat 500e. This also had a JBL sound system, but the Fiat's was developed in partnership with iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Instead of the 320W system in the 500, the Aygo X's set-up has a 300W power output and five speakers. There are two 'full-range speakers' in the front doors with 25mm tweeters in the front pillars. And under the boot floor you'll find a 200mm subwoofer, which Toyota says generates a 'powerful bass, dynamic speaker response and a clear sound'. The amplifier is mounted under the front passenger seat - with six channels that fine-tune the frequencies. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Aygo X View Aygo X View Aygo X View Aygo X That's a pretty impressive system for a car the size of the Aygo X. However, Toyota hasn't just slapped it into its tiny city car and called it a day. It might not have input from Bocelli, but Toyota says 'hundreds of hours of precision work and adjustments' went into the bespoke sound system for the Aygo X JBL. Start the Aygo X JBL special edition and you'll hear the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine as in the standard car with 71bhp and 93Nm of torque. Unlike some similar units from VW Group and Stellantis models, the Toyota engine is naturally aspirated and because it's coupled with a long-geared five-speed transmission, you have to rev it hard to make any significant progress. On the other hand, the engine is actually one of our favourite bits of the standard Aygo X. The busy little unit is communicative and responds well to the throttle while the engaging gearshift balances precision with smoothness. The car is light too, with a kerbweight of under a tonne, so that engine feels pretty well matched to the job in hand. Although a thrummy three-cylinder engine in a lightweight city car doesn't bode well for premium sound quality, the Aygo X JBL special edition is very good overall on that score. There's a punchiness to the subwoofer in the back, a clear sound throughout the cabin (even with no speakers in the rear doors) and no matter what kind of music you're listening to, it's pretty immersive. On the move the engine does interfere with the ambience a tad, given its penchant for revs, but tyre roar isn't too much of a problem because the Aygo X has narrow 175-section tyres. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Instead, wind noise is more of a factor when it comes to the kind of refinement you need to properly enjoy a car's sound system. At motorway speeds there's a bit of wash over the windscreen, though there's no extra sound deadening in the roof or doors - areas which we expect could have made a big difference to the overall sound quality. While the focus was on the car's audio experience, Toyota also says: 'JBL engineers prioritised weight-saving to contribute to the car's overall fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions', so don't expect the fancy new audio system to harm the Aygo X's frugal economy figures. Weighing just five kilograms more than the regular Aygo X, the JBL special edition returns a 57.9mpg average - 0.9mpg worse than the Exclusive variant. Putting the subwoofer in the rear also has an impact on the special edition's boot capacity. The standard car can accommodate 231 litres, but that figure is reduced to just 189 litres here. If you want to showcase the fact you're a bit of an audiophile in buying the Aygo X JBL special edition, then you'll be happy to note Toyota has added JBL branding on the seats, rear hatchback, tweeters and windows. It's not quite as eye-catching as the old VW up! Beats edition, which got exterior decals too, but the Toyota also gets a two-tone black paint matched with a new 'Jasmine Silver' body. Plus there are relatively large 18-inch alloy wheels as standard on this little runabout. The JBL special edition sits at the top of the Aygo X range, costing £21,195 – £1,450 more than the Exclusive. Given that you're really only getting a sound system and the odd badge for the extra outlay, it's difficult to make a case for the JBL model in the Aygo X range, especially when the entry-level £16,845 Pure edition seems to best represent the little Toyota's wallet-friendly attitude. Model: Toyota Aygo X JBL special edition Price: £21,195 Powertrain: 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol Power/torque: 71bhp/93Nm Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 14.9 seconds Top speed: 98mph Economy/CO2: 57.6mpg/110g/km Size (L/W/H): 3,700/1,740/1,525mm On sale: Now Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it's a 'monster' Confirmed: New VW Golf GTI will be electric – and it's a 'monster' VW is taking the iconic hot hatchback brand into the electric era with the new Golf GTI EV already in development…
The Drive
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Ford Actually Got the Patent To Turn Cars Into Roving Surround Sound System
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Autonomous technology is often marketed as a way to reduce accidents, make long-haul trucking more convenient, and generate more cash for ride-hailing companies. However, Ford's engineering team sees a cooler way of putting self-driving cars to good use. In 2023, we uncovered that the Blue Oval had filed application US2023/0121724 A1 with the patent office to link multiple vehicles together to create one huge sound system. After reviewing it, the U.S.P.T.O. granted that patent in October 2024. So, Ford got the patent. What's next? It's easy to connect the dots and conclude that Ford is up to something with all these different technologies it's tinkering with. Another thing worth mentioning is that these filings not only discuss sound systems, but also self-driving technologies. As the documents show, this tech could teach two or more self-driving cars how to park themselves to set up an outdoor surround sound system. The technology that could make something like this possible has advanced considerably since the original filing, and not to mention, Ford has been busy applying for other patents involving different sound systems. One of them aims to turn an F-150 into a rolling movie theater, while another depicts SUV tailgates with built-in movie projectors and speakers. U.S.P.T.O. Imagine if you didn't have to bring your own speakers to the party. Your car would play music through each car's factory-fitted sound system and know where to park to position the speakers for optimum sound. For example, one car could play left-channel data, and another parked across from it could play right-channel data. The cars could move around depending on the song they're playing, and they would know when to open their doors and windows. Pair this with a projector built into your SUV, or the ability to turn your pickup truck into a movie lounge or game-day central, and you've got quite the outdoor party. Autonomous technology isn't a must. Ford's patent highlights that the cars 'may be controlled by a master device that is external to the vehicles, such as an external service, smartphone, tablet, or laptop.' All told, the tech detailed in the patent doesn't sound overly futuristic, given that the building blocks are mostly there. Will it happen? A patent application never guarantees that the feature it details will reach the market, but this one doesn't seem that far-fetched, does it? Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Fast Company
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Fast Company
Radio still rocks: Here's the new tech driving this nostalgic medium into the future
Driver's license acquired. Windows down. Sound system blaring. When I first hit the road as a teenager, it was the radio that set the soundtrack to my newfound independence. 'Let's Go Crazy,' 'Born in the U.S.A.,' 'Hotel California'—that music sends me immediately back. We probably all have fond, even visceral, memories of listening to the radio, the medium that informed our grandparents that World War II had ended, introduced our parents to rock 'n roll, dedicated songs to our crushes, and—to this day—keeps us plugged into our local communities. Remarkably, despite the rapid rise of shinier media, radio keeps drawing us in: About 82% of Americans still listen weekly. But like any long-standing technology, radio isn't immune to competition and the need to evolve. As the leader of a company that has driven innovation in sound for decades, I've seen this firsthand. In fact, this year marks the 20th anniversary of HD Radio, a subscription-free technology we acquired in 2016. It was originally launched to deliver clearer sound and more channels than its analog predecessor. It's a milestone that speaks to the enduring legacy of this medium and marks an inflection point in how radio will further adapt to an increasingly digital world. Here's what keeps us reaching for the dial and how game-changing technologies are disrupting radio to ensure its continued relevance. With so many infotainment options today, how has radio remained so enduring? For starters, it's ubiquitous. Nearly every car in the U.S. has a radio. We know it's going to be there waiting for us in the dash—a trusted, reliable companion. About 60% of drivers consider it the most important entertainment feature in the vehicle. Unlike some newer technologies, it's also familiar and easy to use. Radio is inherently local, too. As many local newspapers decline around us, radio still provides an essential link to our communities. Stations reflect their regions' people, history, and climate, thereby helping to promote and preserve culture. Through news programs, talk radio, and advertising, they efficiently deliver locally relevant information at no cost to listeners. In a world of pre-recorded podcasts and perfectly edited videos, radio also remains the ultimate real-time connector: impromptu call-ins are welcome, conversations are spontaneous, and word travels fast. Amid highly polished, on-demand alternatives, radio still feels genuine. UPPING THE GAME WITH HD The advent of HD Radio, currently found in nearly 60% of new cars sold in North America, marked a turning point in radio's evolution. HD Radio enabled listeners to access digital broadcasting over traditional radio waves by creating crystal-clear sound—no more hiss, pops, or static. A single frequency could be digitally split into up to four distinct stations, allowing local broadcasters to provide audiences a wider range of content. Another key feature? Audio can be complemented with a variety of on-screen imagery: information about the artist and album, traffic, weather, sports and even advertising. This ability to include imagery alongside audio programming remains significant, considering that radio is a critical conduit for quickly and dependably disseminating timely information during emergencies. For example, during wildfires, if cell towers are down and power is out, digital radio can still provide maps and audio alerts with the latest evacuation routes and other essential information. For more than a century, broadcast radio has been a 'one-to-many' medium, delivering information from a single tower to many listeners. This one-way data flow has limited broadcasters' ability to decipher the programming consumers like best, a growing disadvantage in recent years as people demand more personalized entertainment experiences. Some competitors, like streaming services, are starting to deliver on that demand using their abundant data. But fresh technology is transforming the radio model by opening a two-way channel for the first time between a station and its listeners in their cars. Connected car platforms can now provide stations with feedback on consumer trends, such as top song preferences in their listening areas. Compiled into intuitive dashboards, this information can help stations better understand audience preferences and fine-tune their offerings accordingly—a win for both parties. Automakers stand to gain here, too, by satisfying car buyers' expectations for more personalized entertainment experiences. Eventually, information gleaned from these platforms may also enable stations to generate ever-more individualized content recommendations and more effectively monetize their programming by providing highly relevant, targeted advertising, pairing audio and visual elements. These technological developments are emerging just as our relationship with cars has started to evolve: Two-thirds of consumers now consider the car a 'third space' for socializing and relaxing. As people spend more time charging electric vehicles, and autonomous cars turn us all into passengers, consumers will have more opportunities to take advantage of infotainment systems, including cutting-edge radio that knows them well enough to suggest programming they love. ONE FOOT IN HISTORY, ONE IN THE FUTURE A few hurdles stand in the way of quickly implementing some of this new technology. First, radio stations will need to invest in infrastructure upgrades and envision new, mixed-media advertising strategies. It will also necessitate a shift in consumer behavior; listeners will need to become aware of and embrace new features. The reality, though, is that change in this industry is certain. Still, emerging technologies can preserve this nostalgic medium and extend its prominence well into the future. What could the next-generation radio experience be like? As you drive the kids to school, the radio automatically starts playing their favorite station. The music is vibrant, and so are the visuals accompanying it on the large in-vehicle screens. You drop them off and head to work. The station flips to your favorite talk radio show. As you're laughing at the DJ's joke that only someone in your town would understand, a coupon pops up on screen for the local coffee shop where you sometimes stop on your way. Why not pull over for a cappuccino?
