This Brilliant Audio Tech Means Everyone Can Enjoy Their Own Awful Taste In Music

Get ready for the biggest revolution in road trips since the cup holder. Harman has revealed its Individual Sound Zones technology, which allows each passenger to have personalised audio.

The main advantage is obvious: Everyone can listen to their own music without disturbing other passengers. If your mate likes to play taxi driver, but has a penchant for pretentious prog-rock while you prefer bangin’ hip hop, this could be a solution to your playlist nightmares.

But the practical implications mean this is far more than a simple gimmick. Hands-free phone calls and directions given by satellite navigation systems could be set up to only be heard by the driver, ensuring your passengers get uninterrupted music. Fitted a DVD player so your kids can watch Frozen on repeat in the back? They can enjoy ‘Let It Go’ while you keep your sanity in the front.

The system uses a vehicle’s existing audio system, with the addition of micro speakers in the headrest and roof lining to create a cocoon of sound around each seat. The digital signal processing has been tuned specifically within the car cabin to ensure there is minimal intrusion to and from other sound zones.

The technology has already been made available to manufacturers to integrate into cars, so expect to see the first production examples soon.