CES 2024 Automotive Audio (The Good News)

The Consumer Electronics Show has become a showcase of products of the future, and this year’s content was stronger than ever. The automotive sector in the West Hall was filled beyond capacity, with Mobility spilling into the North Hall. Roger Shively reports on how hardware-dependent development is shifting to software. How Artificial Intelligence has found a practical role. How it all changes car audio systems.

Dirac announced an expanded collaboration with NXP Semiconductors to combine Dirac’s digital audio solutions for entry-level vehicle sound systems with NXP’s SAF4000 multi-standard software defined radio processors. This collaboration now allows automakers to digitally upgrade the performance of entry-level sound systems, which are typically those supplied in cars utilizing up to 9 speakers.