Bauer Media Audio has launched a native Android Automotive version of its Rayo audio platform in the United Kingdom and Portugal, bringing the service directly into connected car dashboards.
The company says the app is now available in the integrated entertainment systems of BMW Group vehicles, including BMW and MINI models running Android Automotive OS. According to Bauer Media Audio, the launch allows listeners to access its portfolio of radio stations directly through in-car infotainment systems as connected vehicles become an increasingly important listening environment.
The Android Automotive version of Rayo was built using Radioplayer’s white-label Android Automotive platform and is distributed through the Appning apps market solution. Bauer Media says the approach enables the service to run natively within vehicles using Android Automotive OS.
Unlike Android Auto, which mirrors content from a smartphone, Android Automotive is built directly into a vehicle’s operating system, allowing applications to operate within the car’s infotainment environment and integrate with dashboard controls and voice assistants. At launch, Bauer Media says the app focuses on live radio listening across its stations. The company adds that the platform could support additional functionality in the future, including on-demand audio such as podcasts.
This is another step in ensuring our audiences can stay connected to the content they love…while also laying the groundwork for future enhancements and new listening experiences
Tobias Nielsen, senior vice president digital at Bauer Media Audio
Tobias Nielsen, senior vice president digital at Bauer Media Audio, said the move reflects the growing importance of connected cars as a listening platform. “Bringing Rayo into Android Automotive dashboards gives our listeners more ways to enjoy our radio stations, especially as connected cars become a more important part of everyday listening,” he said. “This is another step in ensuring our audiences can stay connected to the content they love wherever they are while also laying the groundwork for future enhancements and new listening experiences.”
Laurence Harrison, chief partnerships officer at Radioplayer, said the launch demonstrates how broadcasters can bring radio services into in-car app environments. “Rayo is the first broadcaster app built with Radioplayer for Android Automotive and a strong example of how broadcasters can bring their brands into the car in a simple and scalable way,” he said. “As vehicles become app-based environments, this enables broadcasters to reach listeners directly in the dashboard while supporting the industry’s transition into connected cars.”
Mattijs de Valk, head of partnership at Appning, said the collaboration helps broadcasters bring radio services into in-car app ecosystems. “We are excited to see this partnership enable broadcasters to bring their radio brands into the Appning ecosystem with ease, impacting the listening experience for many users,” he said. “For manufacturers, this means acceleration of high-quality audio apps in their in-car app portfolio.”
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