Audi has filed a patent application for a portable karaoke module that can be used both inside and outside of a vehicle. The module can seamlessly transition from operating through the car’s speakers to working with its own built-in speaker when removed from the center console. The device can recognize when it is docked and operate accordingly, and can also prompt the car to engage karaoke mode automatically when the microphones are deployed. The module can connect to a smartphone or tablet to access music, and lyrics can be displayed on the car’s infotainment screen.
This is not a new concept, as Tesla already offers a “Caraoke” app and sells auxiliary microphones for use with the app. Ford has also integrated the Stingray Karaoke app into its vehicles, which has a library of over 80,000 songs in 25 languages. The app has safety provisions, such as allowing passengers to access the functionality by scanning a QR code while the car is in motion, to avoid distracting the driver.
Audi’s patent proposes a more integrated system, but the existence of third-party apps that work through Apple CarPlay undermines the need for such a system. If Audi owners demand a karaoke system, implementing the module should not be much more complex than other removable speakers, such as Toyota’s JBL Bluetooth speaker in the Tacoma pickup.
The portable karaoke module could provide a fun activity for families or friend groups on road trips or while charging an electric vehicle. The portability of the device would allow users to continue singing at their destination, making it a unique feature for Audi vehicles. However, it remains to be seen whether Audi will actually produce and implement this feature in their production vehicles, as patent filings do not always indicate a company’s intent to bring a feature to market.
The idea of a built-in karaoke system in a vehicle may seem gimmicky, but it could be a unique selling point for Audi. With the rise of electric vehicles and the increasing importance of in-car entertainment, features like this could become more popular. The fact that Audi is exploring this idea suggests that the company is looking to provide a more enjoyable and engaging experience for its customers, and is willing to think outside the box to do so.