The VoiceBox Technologies voice recognition software in the Pioneer units allows users to speak "normally." There will no longer be an exact rhetoric required to achieve a simple task. For example, rather than having to say something long the lines of "Play Artist Green Day," the units can recognize casual conversation like "I want to hear Green Day," or possibly "Play those phat Busta Rhymes beats, yo." [Giz]

"Since Scion customers are in tune with audio technology, it makes sense that we enhance our already outstanding audio offerings for them," said Jason Adang, Accessory Audio and Electronics Planning Manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Digital HD Radio technology is ideal for our youthful, tech-savvy customers who will enjoy the wide range of content available on HD Radio channels."

Despite HD Radio's recent attempts to revitalize its name, the fact of the matter is that HD Radio is a niche that nobody wants to explore, especially the youth-demographic that Scion desperately wants. Oh, and the last time we checked being "in tune with audio offerings" doesn't mean "adopting technology on the brink of extinction, Toyota and Scion. [Orbitcast]

The group consists of Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, Cox Radio, Emmis Communications, Entercom Communications, Greater Media, National Public Radio and Radio One.

The group is working with mapping giant, NAVTEQ, to include traffic and digital maps in the HD Radio spectrum. HD Radio has never really gotten its foot in the door, but a service like this may be just what the world needs to differentiate between terrestrial radio and satellite radio, which is still a bit expensive for some. [MediaWeek via Orbitcast]

HD radio is like a regular AM or FM radio all juiced up with MP3-quality music and sound. The compressed digital signal eliminates the static traditionally associated with standard radio and like satellite radio it can include textual information such as song titles, traffic, weather and the like. Unlike sat rad, it's advertising-based, and thus "free." Basically it works the same way as traditional radio, but listners must have a special receiver capable of accepting these signals. and Ford is the first US automobile manufacturer to provide such factory-installed. BMW's been offering HD radio on its entire line since 2007, Jaguar's offering HD radio in the 2008 XJ Sedan, and Hyundai says the Concept Genesis sedan will get it too.

Many will raise an eyebrow at this decision because HD radio has been somewhat of a neverending Betamax. HD radio first burst on the scene nearly six years ago. And still to this day not all radio stations provide an HD stream of content. Hell, it has taken Ford six years to decide to include it factory-installed. And right after the launch of its Sync system? Oh well. At this point, if you ever find yourself bored in a Ford vehicle, you should probably retire from driving completely. [Press Release]

Volvo Cars Move Into HD Radio Revolution &mdash Big Time

Boston, MA, November 27, 2007 - Announced today at the Boston International Auto Show, Volvo will be the first automotive manufactures in the U.S. to offer innovative digital HD Radio technology on almost all models. Equipped with the HD Radio system, Volvo owners will enjoy a higher-quality AM/FM radio system that features more channel choices, crystal-clear sound and new data services. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC will be offering factory installed HD Radio receivers as standard and optional equipment.

"We believe Volvo will have the largest standard equipped HD Radio technology fleet in the world. Our drivers expect the highest quality in every aspect of their vehicles," Dirk Bott, Vice President Brand, Business & Product, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. "Adding HD Radio capability to our S40 T5, V50 T5, C30, C70, S80, V70, XC70 and XC90 models truly makes our audio systems state of the art, giving Volvo drivers an even more enjoyable driving experience." Introduction is scheduled for Fall of 2008.

HD Radio technology is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo. Across the United States, more than 1,500 AM and FM stations are broadcasting using HD Radio technology and more than 700 are offering subscription-free HD2 multicast channels on the FM dial. These channels feature fresh new music and news formats, showcase young artists and local bands, as well as air non-English language programming and more.

HD Radio broadcasters also offer valuable information that appears on the HD Radio receivers' display screen, such as song title and artist, traffic and weather updates, news, school closings and other emergency alerts. In addition, there are no fees or costs associated with this information. For a complete list of HD Radio stations currently broadcastings in the United States, please visit http://www.hdradio.com/

An innovative technology that allows broadcasters to offer digital services in addition to analog signals while remaining in their existing frequencies, the HD Radio system is being or has been tested in many countries throughout the world, including Argentina, Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and Ukraine.

FORD TO MAKE HD DIGITAL RADIO AVAILABLE ACROSS NEARLY ALL PRODUCT LINES

* Dealer-installed option available nationwide on nearly every 2008 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle
* HD Digital Radio™ can be installed on most currently-owned vehicles built in model years 2005, 2006 and 2007
* Ford's high-definition radio strategy builds on company's effort to be among the industry's leaders in delivering new automotive entertainment technologies

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept., 26, 2007 - Ford Motor Co. today became the first automaker to offer HD Digital Radio across multiple product lines. The dealer-installed high-definition radio option is now available nationwide on nearly all 2008 model year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Additionally, HD Digital Radio can be installed on many earlier models from 2005, 2006 and 2007. As with SYNC, the extensive availability of HD Digital Radio furthers the company's ongoing efforts to deliver new entertainment technologies to automotive consumers.

"We believe HD Digital Radio will be an important part of Ford's commitment to delivering innovations with mass appeal," said Kim Irwin, Vehicle Personalization and Accessories manager for Ford's Customer Service Division. "We're helping our customers stay connected by supporting the features and functions they want in their vehicles. The dramatically improved audio, text and data features of HD Digital Radio - along with its hundreds of new radio stations - create a compelling combination at the right price."

HD Digital Radio dramatically increases the sound quality of radio broadcasts and enables more than one radio broadcast on a single channel. As a result, consumers hear a wide range of new HD2 multicast stations as well as their favorite radio stations in crystal clear digital sound with no monthly subscription fee. More than 1500 radio stations in the U.S. currently broadcast in HD digital sound, with more than 600 stations also airing HD2 multicasts.

HD Radio joins other new technologies - including SYNC - being offered in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles to make driving more enjoyable and convenient than ever before. Beginning immediately, HD Digital Radio will be available as a dealer-installed option on new, pre-owned and currently-owned vehicles. Price points will vary by dealership but, as always, HD Radio broadcasts carry no monthly subscription fee.

"Drivers have always had a love affair with their car radios," added Irwin. "HD Radio offers our dealers a triple threat: It differentiates their offerings from other brands; it lets them upgrade customer entertainment systems in a unique way; and it lets buyers of recent pre-owned vehicles as well as current vehicle owners share completely in the benefits. This is the kind of program that our dealers love to see."

To support the launch, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers will benefit from an aggressive, multi-million-dollar, 13-week, on-air radio marketing campaign in partnership with the HD Digital Radio Alliance. The commercials will air in 100 markets over some 700 radio stations beginning on September 26, 2007.

"In all of our discussions with auto makers, Ford has consistently demonstrated both the will and the resolve to be industry leaders in this arena," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Now that HD Radio is broadcasting across hundreds of local stations nationwide, partners who move early will gain the biggest advantage."

The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio. Current members include major radio groups and independent station owners: Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting / ABC Radio, Clear Channel Radio, Emmis Communications, Entercom, Greater Media and WBEB Philadelphia. For more information on HD Digital Radio, visit www.hdradio.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information about Ford products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.