Tech

Neil Young’s Pono System Strikes a Deal with Ford

Last week, I was asked for any predictions I may have regarding music and tech for 2015. My reply? That next year could be when we once again get serious about high-fidelity music. The industry term is “High-Res Audio,” and everyone from Sony to Deezer is getting into the game.

One of the first guys to push proper digital audio was Neil Young through his Pono system. The company just got a big boost with the announcement that they’ve struck a deal with Ford–who recently broke up with Microsoft over their under-performing SYNC system–to install Pono in the 2016 Lincoln Continental.

And there’s more, too. Pono systems will also be available in future generations of Teslas.  Both deals are being executed with the help of Harman, a company that’s been involved with high-end audio for generations.

As a music guy and a car guy, this does my heart much good. The quality of a car’s audio system can be a dealbreaker for me. Will other manufacturers play along?  Let’s hope so.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39154 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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