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Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF) said today that it has a partnership with FYI, an AI-powered platform founded by creative artist, producer and tech entrepreneur will.i.am. FYI RAiDiO (sic ) launched last year. FYI RAiDiO is an AI-infused interactive, conversational media platform. It will be available in US Beta Program starting from March 13th for customers with eligible vehicles. [footnote 1]
“By integrating FYI RAiDiO into our vehicles, we are redefining the in-car entertainment experience. This collaboration with will.i.am and his innovative AI platform allows us to offer our customers a truly personalized and interactive journey, transforming how they connect with music, news and cultural content. This is a significant step towards the future of in-car entertainment, where technology and creativity converge to enhance the driving experience,” claimed Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
“The integration of FYI RAiDiO as an interactive AI Radio, demonstrates the next step of using AI in the car for an ultimate hyper-personalization when it comes to music and news. Designed to seamlessly integrate third-party radio and broadcast stations, FYI RAiDiO utilizes cutting-edge language models, public web content, music licenses, and personalized voice characters, known as “Personas,” to create an engaging and personalized radio experience. There are currently 16 interactive STAiTiONS on the FYI RAiDiO platform including themed topics like Pop Culture, Sports, Tech and Music, with more stations rolling out in 2025,” Mercedes said.
“A standout feature of the FYI RAiDiO platform is the inclusion of engaging voice characters who serve as radio hosts. Listeners can ask the AI host for information about any topic including what’s currently playing and receive real-time responses. The platform will feature a variety of unique AI personas, including regional variations for all continents. These personas will provide context-based moderation, enhancing the interactive experience for listeners,” Mercedes said.
Inevitable FYI Footnote
- To use the Digital Extras, you must create a Mercedes me ID and agree to the Terms of Use for Digital Extras and the Mercedes me ID Service Terms in their applicable versions. In addition, the respective vehicle must be linked to the user account. After the limited term expires, the Digital Extras can be extended for a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
“100+ years later, FYI.AI is injecting AI into the radio industry, turning every listener into an active participant and creating a world where radio encounters are as dynamic, interactive, and as evolving as the web. FYI RAiDiO offers stations that entertain and inform for many interests, empowering audiences to tune in when, where and how they want to listen,” claimed will.i.am, (sic) CEO of FYI.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz and FYI
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Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF) said today that it has a partnership with FYI, an AI-powered platform founded by creative artist, producer and tech entrepreneur will.i.am. FYI RAiDiO (sic ) launched last year. FYI RAiDiO is an AI-infused interactive, conversational media platform. It will be available in US Beta Program starting from March 13th for customers with eligible vehicles. [footnote 1]
“By integrating FYI RAiDiO into our vehicles, we are redefining the in-car entertainment experience. This collaboration with will.i.am and his innovative AI platform allows us to offer our customers a truly personalized and interactive journey, transforming how they connect with music, news and cultural content. This is a significant step towards the future of in-car entertainment, where technology and creativity converge to enhance the driving experience,” claimed Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
“The integration of FYI RAiDiO as an interactive AI Radio, demonstrates the next step of using AI in the car for an ultimate hyper-personalization when it comes to music and news. Designed to seamlessly integrate third-party radio and broadcast stations, FYI RAiDiO utilizes cutting-edge language models, public web content, music licenses, and personalized voice characters, known as “Personas,” to create an engaging and personalized radio experience. There are currently 16 interactive STAiTiONS on the FYI RAiDiO platform including themed topics like Pop Culture, Sports, Tech and Music, with more stations rolling out in 2025,” Mercedes said.
“A standout feature of the FYI RAiDiO platform is the inclusion of engaging voice characters who serve as radio hosts. Listeners can ask the AI host for information about any topic including what’s currently playing and receive real-time responses. The platform will feature a variety of unique AI personas, including regional variations for all continents. These personas will provide context-based moderation, enhancing the interactive experience for listeners,” Mercedes said.
Inevitable FYI Footnote
“100+ years later, FYI.AI is injecting AI into the radio industry, turning every listener into an active participant and creating a world where radio encounters are as dynamic, interactive, and as evolving as the web. FYI RAiDiO offers stations that entertain and inform for many interests, empowering audiences to tune in when, where and how they want to listen,” claimed will.i.am, (sic) CEO of FYI.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.