Partners Tout Dual-Device Traffic Reports

Visteon Corp. is teaming up with TDF Group's Mediamobile unit to enable cars in Europe that are equipped with digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radios to receive traffic updates through both digital radio and Internet services.

The partners, which tout the capability as an industry first, say the technology provides greater flexibility for users and allows carmakers to easily add real-time traffic reports. Users also benefit from reduced mobile data communication costs and can avoid roaming fees when traveling in other countries, according to the companies.

The new system uses Visteon's DAB radio, which picks up Mediamobile's V-Traffic data broadcasts in a standardized DAB-TPEG format. The content is transferred via Bluetooth to the user's smartphone or tablet for decoding. Traffic information can then be displayed on those devices via an application that Visteon says switches seamlessly between DAB and the Internet to optimize service delivery at all times.

Visteon previously has shown prototype systems that combine broadcast radio with other content. France's TDF provides terrestrial radio and other multimedia services, while Mediamobile specializes in real-time traffic information services.