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Andrew Lanfear
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A2BTM 2.0: UPGRADED AUDIO ELEVATES THE CAR TO A THIRD SPACE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Today’s tech-savvy car buyers rank in-cabin technology and audio experiences at the very top of their purchase criteria. In fact, many consumers are willing to switch automotive brands for better connectivity to in-cabin features.3 What’s more, a recent survey shows autos are becoming true “third spaces”—personal sanctuaries beyond home or work—with half of respondents, and 74% of ages 25 to 34, valuing them similarly to a favorite café or gym.2
The ongoing shift away from horsepower and exterior styling and towards the in-cabin experience is striking. This is particularly true for audio, where the number of speakers and microphones is expected to double by 2030.4 This surge is driven by personal sound zones, spatial and immersive audio, advanced noise management, and more—all of which require substantially higher bandwidth, flexibility, and integration with modern vehicle networks.
To meet these demanding requirements and unlock the full potential of next-generation in-cabin experiences, a significant leap in automotive audio technology is needed.
This is where innovative solutions like ADI’s A2B rise to the challenge.
IMMERSIVE AUDIO, ORCHESTRATED BY A2B
For the past decade, A2B has been synonymous with in-vehicle audio innovation, establishing itself as a leading technology standard for automotive OEMs seeking reliable, low latency audio connectivity. This technology has powered some of the industry’s most advanced applications, including spatial audio, road noise cancellation (RNC), and immersive, 3D surround sound.
Beyond this, A2B is embedded in hundreds of millions of nodes on the road worldwide and is also featured in flagship customer deployments such as Hyundai’s road noise cancellation system.
But with the era of the SDV upon us, automotive OEMs must learn how to deliver for ever-expanding consumer demands. As expectations for premium, personalized, and high fidelity audio soar, automotive manufacturers face mounting pressure to deliver more advanced audio features beyond what today’s vehicle infrastructure can provide.
“In-cabin audio is evolving faster than ever, driven by consumers who see their vehicles as immersive personal spaces. Technologies like A2B are empowering engineers to design audio systems that deliver premium sound, lower latency, and seamless connectivity. I am excited by the promise of A2B 2.0 to further accelerate the adoption of personalized audio experiences in the vehicle.”Andrew Lanfear
General Manager, Automotive Audio and Networking
A2B 2.0: EMPOWERING OEMS WITH THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN AUTOMOTIVE AUDIO
As a complete automotive systems provider, ADI leads the way in meeting escalating in-car audio demands, with integrated solutions spanning A2B, processing, power, inertial MEMS, and advanced algorithms like ADI LISTN™.
Building on this proven legacy, A2B 2.0—launching globally in Spring 2026—will transform the audio network into an “internet-connected infotainment superhighway,” delivering 4× the bandwidth of A2B 1.0 and allowing audio architects to deliver in-cabin experiences previously thought impossible. Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers now have the means to realize cutting-edge applications without the bottlenecks that have limited innovation in the past.
A2B 2.0 Upgrades
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A2B 2.0 is engineered for seamless integration into evolving SDV architectures and supports Ethernet tunneling—making it a future-ready solution that easily integrates with the growing Ethernet backbones found in SDVs.
The upgraded A2B 2.0 portfolio underscores ADI’s commitment to high performance, experience-driven automotive design that drives broader adoption. The platform offers easy-to-use evaluation tools and provides up to 30% system cost savings4, helping OEMs achieve both engineering efficiency and commercial success.
The upgraded capabilities of A2B 2.0 empower auto manufacturers to design in more immersive audio technologies, including AVAS (acoustic vehicle alerting system), RNC (road noise cancellation), and PSZ (personal sound zones), while the RTM (remote tuner module) saves on wiring.
ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE CONNECTIVITY ENABLES AUDIO INNOVATION
For OEMs and Tier 1s, the in-cabin experience is now a defining factor in consumer choice. A2B 2.0 enables automotive leaders to meet rising expectations with scalable, low latency audio networks that deliver immersive entertainment, road noise cancellation, and personal sound zones. As vehicles evolve into connected, third-space sanctuaries, audio becomes a strategic advantage. ADI helps engineers and manufacturers deliver premium, personalized experiences that resonate with tech-savvy drivers. The future of mobility isn’t just about movement; it’s about meaning, and A2B 2.0 helps bring that vision to life.
REFERENCES
1 S&P Global Mobility Survey, 2023.
2 Consumer Survey 2023: From In-Vehicle Entertainment to Integrated In-Cabin Experience.”DTS, Inc., 2023.
3 Car Connectivity: What Consumers Want and Are Willing to Pay. McKinsey & Company, 2024.
4 ADI Internal Testing, Analysis.
