A statement was due to be released to consumers later this week, however as this information has leaked (in part) I am going to post to the BBS immediately. Please note that the text below may not exactly reflect the official statement, which will be posted at an official web site and through other communication channels. Therefore this should be considered an unofficial statement - but from the horses mouth as it were.

I will add a personal perspective to this in a separate post and answer specific concerns as they are posted.

SONICblue's Future Plans For Car Audio Developments

Following a reassessment of its technology and its primary business focus, SONICblue has decided to change its plans in the car audio market. SONICblue feels that the car audio market, being dominated by high volume production companies, will always be a difficult one to break into with leading edge products in the quantities that make such developments economically viable. Therefore, it has decided not to continue with plans to become a car audio aftermarket brand, other than developments that may grow from its portable-player base to be sold through its existing channels.

The Future

Despite its withdrawal from the aftermarket, SONICblue is now actively working with partners within the automotive industry - car manufacturers, audio component suppliers and existing aftermarket brands - to bring the advances made in SONICblue products such as the Rio car to the wider automotive market. SONICblue recognises that for compressed audio to be widely adopted within the automotive industry, car manufacturers will need to adopt technology which integrates fully into current and future car systems. SONICblue have already developed such a product in partnership with a major component supplier and will continue to push the boundaries of in-car music systems.

The Rio Car Player

SONICblue's current aftermarket product, the Rio Car, remains the most advanced car player available and will continue to be sold through their e-stores until inventory is exhausted. This is likely to be within the next 3 months.

Non USA: http://www.empeg.com/store/
USA: http://store.sonicblue.com/

All warranties and support will continue, as will the development of new software, which is important for SONICblue's goals of integrated products and its work with the automotive industry.

For further information, contact: [email protected]