Harman is transplanting parent company Samsung Electronics' (005930.KS) communication technology into automotive electronics, ushering in a mobility era where "always-on" satellite connectivity is possible across the entire globe. The company aims to seize leadership in the global connected car market by deploying next-generation automotive solutions that enable sending rescue signals and making crystal-clear voice calls via high-orbit satellites even in areas with no ground base stations, such as the Rocky Mountains or remote regions of Canada.
Harman Automotive held "Harman Explore Korea 2026" at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, introducing new automotive electronics products to major domestic original equipment manufacturer (OEM) clients.
The core product on display was "Ready Connect," a telematics control unit (TCU) combining Harman's audio technology with Samsung Electronics' communication expertise. The product's most significant feature is that it achieves hardware weight reduction by adopting Samsung Galaxy's high-performance embedded antenna technology while ensuring seamless vehicle communication in base station blind spots using geostationary satellites orbiting 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
Following its industry-first deployment of satellite SOS functionality in vehicles last year, Harman unveiled an evolved "satellite-based voice calling" technology this year. The company achieved call latency of approximately 2-3 seconds while securing voice quality sufficient for actual conversations with service centers. To accomplish this, Harman equipped the unit with Qualcomm's automotive chip "Snapdragon" and established partnerships with satellite network operators Viasat and Skylo.
Beyond communications, Harman introduced comprehensive software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions including "Ready Display" featuring Samsung's Neo QLED technology and "Ready Care" which detects drivers' biometric signals. The "Car-to-Home" service, which links Samsung Electronics' home appliance ecosystem SmartThings with vehicles, has also entered the commercialization stage through collaboration with Hyundai Motor.
"With Samsung Electronics' industry-leading communication DNA being integrated into Harman's automotive hardware, vehicles have evolved beyond simple transportation into massive devices," a Harman official said. "Harman's integrated solutions will become a game changer that transforms the paradigm of the global automotive electronics market."
