Harman Automotive Transforms In-Cabin Experience at CES 2024

Showcasing with Samsung and other industry partners at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Harman’s new automotive products redefine possibilities inside the car. At CES 2024, the multinational unveiled its latest lineup of automotive products that will equip OEMs with the ability to deliver new in-cabin features and content. In the audio front, Harman introduced SeatSonic, a new approach to traditional in-cabin audio, moving speakers into the seats. New entertainment experiences that will be in-market in 2024.

SoundHound AI unveiled Dynamic Interaction With Generative AI, further extending the capabilities of the company’s real-time, multimodal interface by granting users hands-free access to a vast wealth of ideas, information, and sophisticated search functionality. A newly released demo showcases how Generative AI platforms, like ChatGPT from OpenAI, would work in-vehicle for the automotive industry.

Microchip Technology launched a new maXTouch Knob on Display (KoD) controller, the first automotive-grade touchscreen controller family to natively support the detection and reporting of capacitive rotary encoders, as well as mechanical switches on top of a touch panel. Unlike traditional mechanical rotary encoders, this new technology enables the mounting of the knob directly onto the display without an opening in the panel or any customization of the touch pattern, increasing design flexibility.

SoundHound, a leading technology company with its unique voice AI platform, available across 22 languages, and Archimedes Tech SPAC Partners Co., a blank check, special purpose acquisition company, announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. The combined company will be called SoundHound AI, Inc. and is expected to be publicly listed on Nasdaq under the symbol SOUN following the closing of the transaction.

Synaptics Inc from San Jose, CA - the same company that in 2017 acquired Conexant, one of the industry's leading audio and voice technology specialists - expanded even more it's connectivity lead with the just concluded acquisition of DisplayLink Corp., a leading supplier of universal docking solutions and high-performance video compression technology. This strategic expansion of Synaptics business happens just a few days after the acquisition of assets and manufacturing rights associated with the wireless connectivity business of Broadcom.

Senseg, a leading manufacturer of electrostatic sensors based in Finland, announced that it has created a new category of flexible electronics by launching a family of roll-to-roll manufactured actuators for use in traditional flat actuator applications as well as for new applications, such as wearables, soft robotics, VR/AR devices, and interior integrated sensors. Called Senseg ELFIAC (for Elastomeric Film Actuator), the new product will deliver large-scale manufacturable actuators that are far less expensive to produce than comparable traditional actuators (such as piezos) and use cheaper, non-toxic materials.

The market for anything related to far-field voice solutions has never been hotter, and acquisitions are a natural result of the increasing demand for those cutting edge technologies and engineering talent. Conexant Systems, a leading provider of audio and voice technology solutions based in Irvine, CA, announced an agreement to be acquired by Synaptics. Meanwhile, Synaptics also acquired the video and audio processing division of Marvell Technology Group.