The Chinese manufacturer BYD, the world’s second largest electric car manufacturer, has just signed a partnership with the music streaming company Stingray, in order to offer a karaoke function in its electric cars. This is inspired by what Tesla is already doing and should be available in the coming months in some countries.
Today, a car is no longer only used to move from point A to point B, but also to live real experiences. This is why manufacturers cover their cars with technologies that are each more advanced than the next, such as XXL screens or unusual features.
A way to pass the time
One of the specialists in this field remains Tesla, which integrates many functions into the large touch screen of its cars, from the Model 3 to the Model X. It is indeed possible to draw or play video games, especially since the integration of Steam in the two most high-end models of the manufacturer.
But since an update of 2019, it is also possible to push the song thanks to the “Caraoke“. This function is based on the Stingray Karaoke mobile application and was even accompanied in China by a dedicated microphone, marketed on the occasion of the Lunar New Year at the beginning of last year. If this idea seems a bit far-fetched, it seems to have inspired other brands.
This is particularly the case of the Chinese manufacturer BYD. In a press release just published, the latter announces that it has just signed a partnership with the Canadian company Stingray Karaoke in order to allow its customers to sing in their car. A perfect way to pass the time in traffic jams, but especially when recharging.
This technology will be available in a dozen countries around the world, which have not yet been detailed by the manufacturer, which currently remains the world’s number 2 electric vehicle behind Tesla. Customers will be able to access a huge catalog of songs and make a selection by title, artist or style of music.
Safety first
This system should in particular be used while waiting for the car to be fully charged, but not only. And for good reason, it will also be possible to sing on the road, but in this case, thethe lyrics scrolling on the screen will be disabled. However, a mobile application will be offered so that the passenger can continue to have fun without putting the driver in danger.
The sound will still be broadcast through the car’s speakers. It remains to know the model of the latter, while the high-end branch of BYD, Denza, now uses the French brand Devialet, as part of a recent partnership. This technology is notably present on the new N7 electric SUV.
For the moment, we do not know if this karaoke function will be integrated on cars already in circulation via a remote OTA update or if only the copies that will leave the factory will be equipped with it. It also remains to be seen whether the latter will be free or not and what its price will be. Perhaps it will be a subscription, as some manufacturers like BMW or Mercedes offer with heated seats or rear-wheel steering.
At the beginning of the year, Stellantis unveiled via its Chrysler brand its vision of the passenger compartments of the future, which would also include a karaoke function. This would go hand in hand with the development of level 3 autonomous driving, which would allow singing on the way to work. Other companies like Apple and YouTube also offer this technology.
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