HARMAN Premieres New Bluetooth Speaker in 2016 CES

With many companies aspiring to take this year’s CES by storm, it seems that HARMAN is the most successful so far.

Apart from its cutting-edge smart car technologies, the premier company is showcasing the Voyager Drive, a simple plug-and-play Bluetooth audio solution that it envisions finding use in affordable cars soon. The innovative system is built around a compact speaker that docks in the dashboard and removes for use outside the car.

A lot of modern music lovers have a surplus of speakers in their life—from wired home audio speakers, to Wi-Fi all-in-one speakers, to car speakers, to portable Bluetooth speakers of different shapes and sizes, to mobile device speakers and beyond. The new Voyager Drive, which is presented under HARMAN’s Infinity brand, is designed to eliminate at least part of the excess. The beauty of this pop-n-play audio solution is that it works in the home and outdoors at the campground or beach, as well as on the way to and from those destinations.

At the core of the Voyager Drive system is the Go speaker, a compact, disc-shaped unit that docks in the dashboard to perfectly complement the six built-in dash speakers in playing music from a Bluetooth-connected mobile device. The in-dash dock also charges the Go’s battery, so when the drivers park their car, they can pop the Go out and play music on the move.

Those who want more bass can upgrade with the Voyager Drive+, a removable subwoofer that securely mounts in the trunk. Just like the Go, the multi-driver Drive+ can be used in and out of the car, and its integrated dock enables the user to attach the Go for even fuller portable sound, while built-in handles enable it to be carried around easily.

Aside from the typical trademark-laces audio gimmickry that speaker manufacturers can’t help but use such as the Durac Panorama sound stage technology, the Voyager Drive system offers a few hard features, including built-in microphones for hands-free calling and the ability to synchronize music with car or home lighting for an elevated atmosphere.

Generally, new in-car audio technologies are geared towards at the upper end of the market, but the Voyager Drive is positioned as a scalable solution for entry-level vehicles.

In a press release, the company explains that leapfrogging the limitations of standard door speaker and head unit architectures, Voyager Drive provides OEMS with the ability to offer cost-effective and low-complexity branded audio solutions for this fast-growing segment as well as for budding markets, making lifestyle audio available to customers that previously have not had access.

While it is true that a portable Bluetooth speaker may not be a make-or-break feature for any car, it can absolutely improve the car’s appeal for drivers who are technology aficionados.