The Future of In-Vehicle Infotainment: Seizing New Opportunities

The car is evolving into a connected, personalized, context-aware, intelligent experience beyond just a screen across audio, video, radio, and even gaming. This opens new opportunities for drivers, passengers, OEMs, and content providers, through fully integrated content and new ways to monetize.  Cinemo’s Director Partnerships, Charly Lippoth, had the opportunity to discuss this during the most recent IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich in a panel discussion together with Trent Wheeler from Gracenote, Christian Winter from CARIAD, and Roger C. Lanctot moderating the conversation.  

We have summarized the key discussion points from this panel discussion below: 

Consumer Expectations: From Device Parity to Context-Aware Experiences 

Today’s consumers are spoiled for choice, expecting the car to deliver the same flexibility as smartphones or smart TVs. By leveraging in-car data, OEMs can meet these expectations and offer context–driven relevant experiences. While phone projection offers familiarity, it limits personalization and the experience that’s really unique to driving, safety, and integration. Embedded systems unlock this potential, syncing with profiles, sensors, and AI to serve the right content at the right time. 

Simplifying Access: Hybrid and Integrated Solutions 

Switching between apps is distracting and complex. Zonal experiences simplify this with multiple screens and audio zones that adapt to each passenger’s needs. The result is not just a “living room on wheels” but a dynamic media ecosystem where each seat can be its own entertainment hub or part of a shared bubble. 

Personalization as the Gateway to Value 

Personalization defines next-generation infotainment. AI-driven systems anticipate needs based on trip context and passenger profiles, delivering relevant entertainment while respecting privacy. It’s not about more apps, but seamless, content-driven journeys. 

Monetization: Turning Engagement Into Revenue 

Connectivity is never free, and OEMs are rethinking how to sustain it beyond bundled pricing, new models are emerging: 

• Subscription packages that combine data with services 

• Targeted advertising based on context and user behavior 

• Revenue-sharing models with content providers 

What’s next? 

We are still in the early days with enormous potential. Cinemo empowers this transformation – helping the industry deliver seamless, personalized experiences and new revenue streams that redefine the connected car. Get in touch with us now to see our solutions in action at CES 2026: https://www.cinemo.com/contact/.  

Watch the full panel recording below: