Harman has ushered in a new era of mobility where calls can be connected from anywhere on Earth by integrating Samsung Electronics' (005930.KS) communication technology into automotive systems. The company aims to seize leadership in the global connected car market with next-generation automotive solutions that enable emergency signals and clear voice calls via satellite even in areas with no terrestrial base stations, such as the Rocky Mountains or remote regions of Canada. Harman held "Harman Explore Korea 2026" over two days starting January 8 at Project Space Line in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, showcasing new automotive products to major Korean automakers (OEMs) including Hyundai Motor and Kia. The centerpiece of the exhibition was "Ready Connect," a telematics control unit (TCU) combining Samsung Electronics' communication expertise with Harman's audio technology. The product's key feature is the adoption of high-performance embedded antenna technology from Samsung Galaxy smartphones into vehicles. The company eliminated the "shark antenna" that traditionally protrudes from vehicle roofs by integrating the antenna inside the TCU, achieving hardware weight reduction. The system simultaneously utilizes geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites at 36,000 kilometers altitude to ensure uninterrupted communication even in base station dead zones. "Through the embedded antenna design, we increased vehicle design flexibility and reduced weight while maintaining reception sensitivity at or above smartphone levels," a Harman official explained at the event. Harman's 'Hyper-Connectivity Alliance' Takes On Starlink The automotive satellite communication market is currently dominated by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators such as Starlink and Globalstar. However, Harman has thrown down a differentiated challenge by partnering with geostationary satellite operator Viasat and non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider Skylo. Following its industry-first commercialization of satellite SOS functionality last year, Harman unveiled an advanced "satellite-based voice call" technology this year. The company reduced latency—a chronic limitation of satellite communication—to approximately 2-3 seconds,