If it's based on MP3, it seems likely that it uses techniques covered by the MP3 patents; if so, and bearing in mind that the patent holders would rather people wanting an upgrade from MP3 chose MP3Pro, it seems very unlikely that this will ever become licensable for the car-player.

I remember Rob saying at the meet, that, because Rio has already paid Thomson/Frauenhofer for using an MP3 decoder, Rio could use any codec that is covered by their patents.

Perhaps I misunderstood?

Pim