What is the Aha platform?
Aha is a cloud-based platform that brings the broad spectrum of rich internet content safely into the vehicle. It has been developed to leverage the flexibility of a cloud-computing platform to bring the ever-increasing wealth of web content into the specialized automotive environment. The Aha platform enables automotive OEM and Tier 1 partners to create programs that are scalable, dynamic and most importantly “future-proofed.”
The Aha platform has been architected to bring web content into the vehicle without distracting the driver. By combining audio conversion with images, intuitive controls, and inter-activity, Aha achieves a “radio-like” experience, making rich web content as easy and as safe to use in the car as a radio.
How can Aha easily bring personalized, dynamic, Internet content into the car?
For automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, Aha dramatically reduces the burden of app integration, maintenance and regression testing by providing a single, stable integration point for the full spectrum of web content. Aha effectively “future-proofs” the hardware and software in the vehicle by moving integration and interaction, with thousands of potential web content sources, from the car to the cloud.
As a result, Aha can provide dependable service for the extended (10+ year) vehicle life, with the unique ability to introduce compelling, new, web services and content into vehicles already on the road. All without the need for costly hardware or software updates to the head unit.
The Aha platform has been designed from the start as a broad industry solution, achieving the scale necessary for commercial viability by providing a solution for multiple manufacturers across a wide range of head units. Low, mid, and high tier devices from any tier 1 provider will be able to access Aha using a variety of connectivity technologies.
How do I enable my customer’s “digital life” in vehicle?
As a cloud-based platform, Aha is a leader in unlocking the potential for true “digital life” transparency. By providing users with easy access to their favorite content wherever they may be (in-vehicle, home, office or on the go) with a consistent infotainment experience across multiple platforms, users can seamlessly transition their experience from one platform to another. Drivers will no longer need to wait in their cars for a great segment to end. Instead they will be able to simply move into the home and pick up the same show right where they left off on a home multimedia system.
The Aha platform already offers an expansive array of web content that customers enjoy, including:
- Social Media Integration (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Internet radio stations & music services
- News, sports, talk, social, and comedy podcasts
- Real-time, customized, traffic reports
- Location-based search for restaurants, coffee, etc.
- And much, much more…
Which devices is Aha available on?
The Aha service is available through apps for iOS and Android, and the first automotive hardware integration was launched at CES 2011 in Pioneer’s AVIC-X930BT and AVIC-Z130BT aftermarket in-dash navigation systems (available now). Additional factory-installed automotive OEM integrations with Subaru and Honda are expected in the near future, along with more aftermarket systems from Kenwood.
Who is Aha?
Aha was founded in 2008 in Palo Alto, CA and was acquired by Harman International in Sept 2010. Aha operates as an independent business unit within Harman, continuing its efforts to enable integration partnerships with all automotive OEMs and their Tier 1 suppliers. Aha’s main offices will remain in the heart of the Silicon Valley to facilitate rapid engagement with emerging trends.
