2013 Honda Accord to be the first with Aha-based HondaLink
updated 05:12 pm EDT, Wed July 18, 2012
Honda will be the first automaker to support Aha Radio in 2013 Accord
Honda detailed the HondaLink in-car entertainment system that will debut in the 2013 Accord on Wednesday. The first automaker to use the Aha platform by Harman, it will allow web access to Facebook, Twitter, and other web-based services and news. The HondaLink smartphone app for iOS and Android devices lets users customize content on the phone before they get into the car.
Once inside, the content can be accessed using their voice, steering wheel-mounted controls, and audio system controls.
Audio newsfeeds from the social network sites can be accessed once in the car, along with NPR podcasts, location-based restaurant listing from Yelp!, and web music services such as Slacker and Pandora. HondaLink will also allow for voice-to-text messages. The service will be entirely free.
A version of the HondaLink feature called HondaLink EV will later come to the Fit EV and Accord Plug-in Hybrid. It will differ by letting users the state of the vehicles' charge, allow initiating charging, and pre-condition the vehicle while it's still plugged in to maximize range. The Fit EV will have the feature in place starting at its limited launch on July 20.
