In-vehicle infotainment specialist P3 Digital Services has joined forces with cross-platform audio solution company Audiokinetic to enhance in-vehicle audio.
Autokinetic’s Wwise Automotive, a sound design and spatial audio development solution designed to enable enable auto makers to create and deploy customized sounds that accompany car functions, now comes pre-integrated into the Sparq OS infotainment platform from P3 powered by Android Automotive.
Featuring a run-time sound engine and audio authoring application, Wwise is an audio middleware solution for auto makers looking to deliver immersive cockpit audio experiences.
With the integration of Sparq OS, OEMs are able to create custom engine audio, simulating the feeling of engine performance inside the vehicle; outside the vehicle, this real-time sound generation (AVAS) helps safeguard pedestrians and provides a unique branded sound signature for the vehicle.
It can also be used for bespoke alerts and chimes, which are a useful complement to a vehicle’s heads-up display information as the audio can assist a driver with directional alerts inside the cabin and deliver a 360° perspective of what’s happening outside the car.
“Audio delivers critical 360° directional cues and situational awareness, communicating spatial information that complements front-focused visual interfaces, while reinforcing a distinct brand signature,” said Martin H. Klein, CEO at Audiokinetic.
“We’re extremely pleased to join this dynamic ecosystem and collaborate with P3 to empower car makers by giving them all the tools they need to transform the soundscapes of their vehicles, while providing drivers with enhanced driving experiences and increased safety.”
“Audio UX is an important part of a car’s brand, and OEMs invest a lot of time and energy in ensuring that functional sounds are a harmonious part of the car’s brand identity,” commented Marius Mailat, CTO and managing director of P3 Digital Services.
The Wwise Automotive platform offers a flexible sound design workflow that enables OEMs to adjust in-vehicle audio without requiring code changes from Tier 1 suppliers. The system is designed to be integrated early in development and can be updated throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, removing the need for retrofits or major modifications. Audio elements are customizable to match the OEM’s branding. The Sparq OS cockpit platform complements this by offering features such as an app store, smart navigation, voice assistants, charging support and media services. It also includes over-the-air updates for both software and firmware, ensuring the system remains current over time.
“We are tremendously excited to welcome Audiokinetic to the Sparq OS platform, and we look forward to working with OEMs to help them craft custom in-cockpit soundscapes that elevate the experience of driving and enhance safety,” Mailat added.
In related news, Audi recently integrated the DAZN sports streaming app into its new models in collaboration with Cariad, the Volkswagen Group’s software company, enabling live sports, highlights and documentaries to be viewed directly on the MMI touch display or MMI passenger display of the vehicle. The app has been specifically optimized for in-car use. Click here to read the full story
