Oberhausen, Germany - 28 March 2019 − ACCESS CO., LTD and 7digital have announced a partnership to bring cutting-edge connected radio services into the car. The collaboration will see 7digital’s IP radio services and APIs pre-integrated into ACCESS’ Twine for Car™ automotive service platform, delivering a solution that capitalizes on growing in-car connectivity to bring a wider range of audio services to drivers and passengers.

The partnership responds to the growing need for a broader choice of audio consumption by drivers and passengers on the road, without the location constraints of traditional broadcast services. In its 2018 Audiomonitor survey of UK consumers, research firm Audiencenet found that 22% of total time spent listening to music in a typical day is done in the car. As cars become more connected and consumers bring their personal devices inside their vehicle, traditional broadcast radio providers will need to keep pace with the expectations of always-on drivers and passengers. The partnership between ACCESS and 7digital aims to help the radio industry manage this transition seamlessly by delivering a platform that enables IP radio to integrate with existing broadcast services and evolve into new connected services. The solution will also allow for additional functionality, such as ‘listen again’ programming and on-demand podcasts, alongside new business models such as targeted advertising and recommendations, and will empower niche radio stations to increase their reach in a more cost effective way.

Simon Cole, CEO of 7digital, said: “In-car listening has always been central to the health of the radio industry. As we move to an environment where the connected car allows access to a world of content outside broadcast, there is a clear opportunity for radio to take advantage of its central position on the dashboard. Whether it is curating songs from the radio into playlists or providing listen-again services on the go, the connected car will be one of the most dynamic media environments and we are thrilled to be working with ACCESS on its development .”

Based on the ACCESS Twine for Car service platform, a unique solution encompassing connected entertainment and value added services, the integration will utilise 7digital’s APIs alongside a media player showing available stations for in-car playback. Looking forwards, the combined solution will allow users to pause live streams, enjoy on-demand podcasts and access ‘listen again’ programming. The partnership will also bring value to car manufacturers by enabling them to enhance their services by converging radio with cutting edge connected technologies. 

“Digital entertainment services are offering consumers expertly curated entertainment experiences to enhance brand engagement. The radio industry needs to follow suit as it starts to embrace connected technologies. Through our partnership with 7digital, we’re putting radio back at the heart of in-car entertainment and fostering a platform for innovation ahead of the driverless car revolution, ” said Dr. Neale Foster, CEO of ACCESS Europe.

ACCESS’ solutions have been shipped in over 1.5 billion devices worldwide to provide connected entertainment in cars, smartphones, tablets, game consoles and more.  ACCESS works with Tier 1s, studios, broadcasters, content rights owners, consultants, the legal profession, licensing and collecting societies, Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology and infrastructure providers to help make the next generation of compelling in-car services a reality.

ACCESS’ and 7digital’s collaboration will bring a wider range of audio services to drivers and passengers

Note to editors: ACCESS will be showcasing its ACCESS Twine for Car solution on booth #IVE-4 in the In-vehicle Experience at NAB Show 2019 (North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center, Apirl 8-11, 2019). If you would like to know more about this partnership or see a demo during NAB Show, please contact Platform Communications, ACCESS@platformcomms.com, +44 207 486 4900.

About ACCESS
Since 1984, ACCESS CO., LTD. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Index, 4813) has provided advanced IT solutions centered around mobile and network software technologies to telecom carriers, consumer electronics manufacturers, broadcasting and publishing companies, the automotive industry and energy infrastructure providers around the world. The company develops mobile software solutions that have been installed on over 1.5 billion devices, and network software solutions that have been used by over 300 telecommunication equipment manufacturers. Utilizing its network virtualization technology skills and knowledge, the company is currently focusing on the development and commercialization of Internet of Things (IoT) and media solutions that combine embedded and cloud technology. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company operates subsidiaries and affiliates in Asia, Europe and the United States to support and expand its business globally. Learn more about ACCESS at www.access-company.com.

About 7digital
7digital is the global leader in B2B end-to-end digital music solutions. The core of its business is the provision of robust and scalable technical infrastructure and extensive global music rights used to create music streaming and radio services for a diverse range of customers – including consumer brands, mobile carriers, broadcasters, automotive systems, record labels and retailers. 7digital also offers radio production and music curation services, editorial strategy and content management expertise. 7digital fosters industry growth and innovation by simplifying access to music for clients such as Onkyo and TikTok (formerly musical.ly). From years of being the largest independent producer of programming for the BBC and powering services for partners like Panasonic, TDC and Fender, 7digital is perfectly positioned to lead innovation at the intersection of digital music and next-generation radio services.

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