Voice-based social media platform developer HearMeOut Limited (ASX: HMO) is targeting the massive in car entertainment market with the launch of a new prototype.
HMO has revealed it is developing a device which enables drivers to easily control their feed and entire HearMeOut platform without linking to any “connected car” platform.
The company says HOOP, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, is compatible with any car steering wheel, letting drivers safely use the platform with both hands on the wheel. It will also be able to be used while out of the car.
HOOP is being developed in conjunction with DSP Group, Inc., a leading global provider of wireless chipset solutions for converged communications.
HearMeOut CTO and Co- Founder, Lior Menashe, said the company believes HOOP is a natural extension of its existing and successful “connected car” strategy, where it has a distribution agreement with Ford for the implementation of the HMO technology with its “Applink Sync” platform in US, UK and Ireland.
In addition, it has joined Spotify and Waze on an exclusive program overseen by the SmartDeviceLink Consortium, which includes car manufacturers and brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Peugeot, Citroen and Daihatsu.
HOOP is globally significant, as for the first time ever a user can seamlessly engage with the HearMeOut platform regardless of the technology in the car, Mr Menashe, said, This now positions HearMeOut as a global leader in the ‘connected car’ space.
Ofer Elyakim, CEO of DSP Group said that his company’s cooperation enables state-of-the- art use cases based on voice for connected cars.
“The automotive industry’s need for always-on and clearer voice fits well with DSP Group’s SmartVoice offering,” Mr Elyakim said.
“The combination of DSP Group’s SoCs and HearMeOut’s software platform provides the industry access to voice applications like never before, and through our partnership we hope to contribute to drivers’ productivity and safety alike.”
Executives of HearMeOut recently attended the TU Automotive Europe Conference, where they meet with car manufacturers and EOM’s to introduce HOOP and talk more broadly about the HMO “connected car” offering.
