The Latest Dashboard Developments and What It Means for Radio
Regular readers know that I’m fascinated by the automobile’s new infotainment frontiers, largely because I’m a car freak and a gadget geek, but also because I’m also a diehard radio person and I’m concerned for the future of the medium.
The car remains one of radio’s most important sources of listening. But as infotainment systems become more sophisticated and easier to use, standard AM and FM stations stand to be increasingly marginalized when it comes to in-car listening.
Before you read any further, understand the following:
1. It takes anywhere from 7 to 10 years for a manufacturer to design, built, market and sell a new model. Technology operates on a much faster time scale, so it’s pointless for the automakers to play in the tech games involving entertainment and communications systems.
2. Many companies–Ford comes to mind–are opening calling their vehiciles “platforms.” They’re providing SDKs (software development kits) and APIs (application programming interfaces) to third parties who are free to develop new and innovative infotainment-related progams for the car.
3. We’re not far from the era when everyone will plug their smart phones into their cars, either with a cable or Bluetooth. Smart phone penetration is now well above 50% and is only going to rocket higher. We’re all getting extremely comfortable with the notion of apps on phones, tablets and computers. It’s just a matter of time before we see real app-ification of auto systems.
4. The average age of a car on North American roads right now is 10 years. People will need new vehicle sooner or later and manufacturers know that dashboard gizmotry sells cars.
Now let’s look at some of the latest manufacturer developments.
First, Chrysler has lined up with Spring in a system called “Velocity,” which we’ll see this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The possibilities of a partnership between a car maker and a wireless provider could be endless. See Wired for more.
Chevy, meanwhile has introduced an updated version of their MyLink infotaiment system. See World Car Fans for more.
Here’s another video from GM. Notice that smart phone integration is moving just beyond plugging in a cable and listening to music. They’re actually adressing the issue of where to store your device!
So I ask one more time: where’s terrestrial radio’s role in this brave new world?
AM-FM survival is rapidly becoming a dinosaur if it isn't already. The only survival point for them is content and online. Streaming and podcasts with real content is about the only way to survive. I can see a day where there is no more OTA radio. It will be cheaper to run internet-based.
Since cntent is so scarce, you can bet there will be a housecleaning in order. They won't know how to survive. A content will mean people delivering it. Personalities. Since music is available everywhere, quality and cheap (or somehow free) streaming with real shows could be a way. Or not. I am torn between sad and relieved to see radio die. I've complained bitterly for years on the corporate bullshit that is radio. For many of those corporations, bankruptcy can't come too soon in my mind. Too many good people thrown out for the sake money.