Ad-synch technology provider Quu and technology giant Xperi have formed a strategic partnership intended to make it easier for radio to display and monetize content in connected cars. At the NAB Show on Monday, the companies announced an integrated solution to synch programming and sales messages on vehicle dashboards. In the past, stations would go to Xperi to deploy its Rapid technology and then Quu for content management, monetization and reporting. Now, they can get both from Quu.
As more vehicles hit the streets with enhanced digital infotainment systems, the drumbeat is getting louder in the industry for radio to offer consistent, accurate and high-quality in-dash audio programming. Quu and Xperi say their combined solution creates one integrated platform to produce and distribute metadata, such as song titles, lyrics, dialogue and other features beyond audio.
The upside for consumers, is consistent, accurate and high-quality audio programming information for all types of radio content, including music, commercials, promotions, PSAs and talk segments, the companies said. Ad agencies can benefit from the addition of visual elements to accompany digital audio ads to enhance the client experience.
“Digital audio platforms provide for an elegant user experience. Radio has to provide a similar experience if we are to stay competitive against a growing myriad of choices,” said David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group and Chairman of the NAB Joint Board of Directors. “Quu and Xperi’s strategic partnership will make it easier for our industry to do that.”
The new integration is being demoed at Xperi’s NAB Show booth in the West Hall (W7422). The companies are rolling out the partnership in North America first with plans to expand it globally.
“We’re making it convenient and efficient for radio stations to increase engagement and revenue now while taking the first steps toward the future,” said Steve Newberry, CEO of Quu. “This partnership is driven by collaboration, trust and keeping our industry in a position of strength. We aim to demystify how and why stations benefit from the ‘screenification’ of radio.”
“Enabling stations to deliver uniform content to connected cars via DTS AutoStage is an important step in future-proofing radio,” said Joe D'Angelo, Senior VP of Broadcast at Xperi. “The industry needs a standard approach and Quu provides one for the 300 million cars with RDS and 85 million HD-Radio equipped vehicles on the road today and sets radio up for the dashboard of tomorrow.”