HARMAN sets the tone for 2019 at this year’s CES

CES is one of my favorite annual events, and this year’s edition is shaping up to be every bit as ambitious and exciting as I had hoped it would be. HARMAN is giving visitors a taste of what we have in store for 2019 with an array of innovative solutions designed to make the connected lifestyle more accessible, more intuitive, and more enjoyable. Part of what makes CES a key event in our industry is its emphasis on delivering the ultimate consumer experience through technology. At HARMAN, our primary focus when designing new products and solutions is also the same and our devotion to creating cutting-edge technologies is on full display at CES 2019.

HARMAN defines the big picture, but we also know how to fine-tune the details that make all the difference. For example, amid the ever more audacious innovations surrounding the connected car, it is essential to not lose sight of fundamental user needs such as the ability to carry on clear conversation within the vehicle cabin. With the rise in regular use of voice-enabled devices coupled with consumers’ always-on connected lifestyle, communicating clearly on the go, particularly in the car, is more important than ever. Yet far too often, unwanted road noise or “tech audio clutter” prevents passengers from hearing one another or from effectively making calls or using digital voice assistants. On demonstration at CES, HARMAN’s Premium Communications solutions is a first-of-its-kind modular offering designed to elevate today’s in-vehicle communication environment.

Built on HARMAN’s proprietary, open-framework development platform AudioworX, Premium Communications leverages the latest advancements in smart audio and acoustic signal processing to personalize the sonic environment and provide clear, easy communication for all vehicle occupants thanks to an array of practical, user-friendly features. To cite but a few, In-Car Communication means passengers can clearly hear one another without having to twist or turn, while Personal Communication Zones ensure that each passenger’s personal audio needs are respected, and ClearChat with Far-End Noise Cancellation guarantees frustration-free telephone conversations that never involve the words “can you hear me now?”

Personi-Fi, a cloud-based brand agnostic entertainment solution

More than ever, consumers want and expect their experiences to mirror their individuality and adapt to their tastes and desires. HARMAN has chosen CES to reveal Personi-Fi, a cloud-based brand agnostic entertainment solution specifically designed to bring the power of personalization to the mobile lifestyle. Personi-Fi uses a dedicated app to capture the user’s unique sound preferences, which are stored in the cloud. Specialized signal processing then creates immersive sonic environments that can be further personalized to the user’s device and location for a seamless listening experience on any device, anytime, anywhere.

We can’t talk about mobile sound without mentioning headphones, especially HARMAN headphones! Just in time for CES, HARMAN is unveiling JBL LIVE, our latest breakthrough wireless headphone series. Its five different models feature the best technologies we have to offer, with powerful JBL Signature Sound, a sleek, contemporary look and smart, touch-control features optimized for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa and equipped with Ambient Aware, TalkThru, and noise-cancelling technologies. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how customers react to this one-of-a-kind sound experience.

Consumer products from JBL on display at CES

Several exciting new consumer products from JBL are also on display at CES, including the next generation JBL Flip 5 smart speaker, the latest addition to our award-winning JBL Flip series. HARMAN is the world leader in portables with more than 75 million units shipped, the Flip 5 offers a tantalizing combination of crystal-clear sound, packaged in a waterproof and durable case, ensuring an exceptional and 100% mobile sound experience.

Not to forget car after-market, the brand-new JBL LINK Drive? series is making its debut at CES as well. Engineered specifically for automobiles, this new member of the LINK family uses Google Assistant technology to allow drivers to convert their iPhone or Android smartphone into a superior hands-free noise-cancelling device that enables them to easily stay connected, get directions, and find information on-the-go without having to worry about the noise issues that often interfere with voice commands in cars.

As always, CES is also a wonderful opportunity for me to meet customers from around the world, answer their questions, and share my enthusiasm about what’s ahead for HARMAN in 2019. We remain committed to providing our customers with consistently excellent products and ever more forward-thinking solutions to ensure that their listening experiences are always exceptional, whether at home, in the car, or on the go.