The BBC has launched an audio app that’s available directly from an in-car entertainment system rather than through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connected to a smartphone.
This new BBC Sounds in-car app is launching in certain BMW and Mini vehicles that use BMW’s latest operating system.
“Where previously listeners needed a phone to access BBC Sounds in a car through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, they can now listen to music, radio and podcasts from the BBC directly from the car’s display,” the organization announced.
The app is intended for people in the U.K. (though it will work abroad, with content restrictions that apply to BBC content more broadly).
“Drivers can check their car’s compatibility using this list. The new app has been built to work on car displays powered by Android Automotive, and the BBC plans to launch it in other cars in the future.”
Android Automotive is an open-source operating system that runs directly on a vehicle’s hardware.
The in-car BBC Sounds app is accessed in the car’s app store, which is available to drivers with a data service, such as a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or Mini Connected Package.
The BBC said that listeners will have a personalized experience that synchs their playback history across devices, so for instance they can continue to listen to a podcast after they leave the car.
“Listeners can also rewind and pause live radio, allowing them to start shows like ‘The News Quiz’ from the beginning or resume after interruptions, such as a phone call. They can also find shows and music mixes they’ve previously bookmarked on the other versions of BBC Sounds, and get personal recommendations for new things they might like based on their listening.”
The app needs access to the internet to function and stream audio. Drivers will still be able to listen to BBC Sounds on their phones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. “Those experiences will continue to be updated and developed in the future,” the BBC stated. “Plus, it’s still possible to connect BBC Sounds via Bluetooth.”
