Bauer Media has released a new Android Automotive version of its Rayo app, available within connected car systems of BMW and Mini vehicles in the United Kingdom and Portugal.
The company seeks to use the new connected car integration to aid its plans to turn “broadcast scale into digital growth.” The app was built using Radioplayer’s white-label Android Automotive OS platform and is supported by distribution through the Appning Apps Market Solution.
Rayo is also available on iOS and Android, or online, according to Bauer Media. It offers live stations across the group’s audio portfolio, and Bauer Media said there are plans for on-demand audio and podcast features.
BMW Group joins the app launch as a partner OEM.
Android Automotive vs. Android Auto
Radioplayer’s Android Automotive technology allows stations to offer their streams into native in-car environments, while Appning supports distribution through its platform designed for in-car app marketplaces.
The distinction between Android Auto — which requires a smartphone to project content onto a vehicle display — is that Rayo runs natively on Android Automotive, making vocal controls and dashboard interfaces accessible to drivers, the company said.
Bauer Media operates approximately 104 radio stations across nine different countries in Europe.
[Related: “Campaign Highlights “Unique Joys” of Radio in the Car”]
