Harman dropped us a press release today saying that its latest generation MMI 3G feature will debut in the new Audi Q5. Harman says that the new platform sets a benchmark for automotive navigation, communication and widescreen entertainment.
Quick loading and smooth transition of the navigation maps is enhanced by a high-performance NVIDIAr graphics processor. So that means when you make a sudden right or left turn, the little arrow that display your car on the navigation will turn quickly as well. The system also displays 3D landscape view with true-to-scale terrain. Taking it a step further, the navigation also display “photorealistic depiction” of points of interest and identifies commercial points of interest with brand logos. Available maps cover 43 European countries, the U.S. and Canada.
The MMI 3G technology for the Audi Q5 also comes with voice command functionality, Apple iPod connection or USB storage, and an integrated four-band GSM cell-phone which supports Bluetooth connection and accepts a SIM card from a driver’s personal cell phone. So basically you never have to leave your car; ever.
Click through for the press release.
2009 Audi Q5:
Press Release:
Harman International Unveils New Infotainment Platform With Audi
KARLSBAD, GERMANY – Harman/Becker Automotive Systems, a unit of Harman International, (NYSE:HAR) announced today that its latest generation MMI 3G infotainment system will debut in the new Audi Q5 compact crossover vehicle during the fall of 2008. The launch continues a close relationship between Harman and the German luxury automaker that began in 1989.
“The exceptional performance spectrum of this new platform is a tribute to the cooperation and team spirit between our two companies’ specialists,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to apply our leading-edge technology with Audi to create an exciting new experience for drivers.”
The Harman/Audi platform sets new benchmarks for automotive navigation, communication and wide-screen entertainment. A high-performance NVIDIAr graphics processor ensures that navigation map images transition smoothly, even when the vehicle quickly changes direction. Driver orientation is enhanced by a three-dimensional landscape view that reproduces true-to-scale terrain. Photorealistic depiction of points of interest allows visual matching of key landmarks to the in-car display, and identification of commercial points of interest is enhanced with well-known brand logos. The display offers a bird’s-eye view of more-distant destinations and features automatic close-up zoom at intersections.
Available map media cover 43 European countries, the United States and Canada. Precise audio route instructions and voice commands for audio, telephone, address book and navigation functions are supported in eight languages. The system supports connection of external devices such as USB storage media or an Apple iPod; a jukebox function allows for creation of personal music playlists. The digital radio accepts both European Digital Audio Broadcast signals and U.S. satellite services. An integral four-band GSM cell phone supports Bluetoothr connection and accepts a SIM card from a driver’s personal phone.
More than 250 Harman International personnel from Germany, the U.S. and Canada contributed to development and systems integration of the platform.
Harman/Becker is the automotive division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated (www.harman.com) which designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and employ more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman International family of brands includes AKG, Audioaccess, Becker, BSS, Crown, dbx, DigiTech, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson, Revel, QNX, Soundcraft and Studer. Harman International’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
