BBC Sounds has released a new car app that will be initially available in BMW and Mini vehicles.
The app enables drivers to listen to their favourite podcasts, radio, and music through the vehicles’ own in-car entertainment 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.
Initially, the BBC Sounds in-car app is rolling out in select BMW and Mini vehicles with BMW Operating System 9 or Mini Operating System 9. 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.
Once signed in, listeners will get a personalised experience which synchronises their playback history across devices. 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.
Storm Fagan, chief product officer for the BBC, said: “People love to listen to the BBC when they’rein the car – it’s a huge part of how people interact with the BBC, and drivetime shows are still some of the most popular radio we make. But as technology in cars gets better, drivers have far more entertainment options. By launching this dedicated in-car app, we’re able to give drivers the full BBC Sounds experience – enabling them to listen to all their favourite podcasts, music mixes and, of course, live radio while they’re behind the wheel more easily than ever before.”
Andrew Furse, BMW Product Operations Manager, said, “We’re proud to make it easier than ever for BMW and MINI customers to enjoy their favourite BBC content on the move. This latest integration complements thewide range of apps already available in our vehicles and underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless in-car entertainment experience.”
The in-car BBC Sounds app will be available, along with all other apps, within the vehicle’s Appstore. The vehicle’s Appstore is only available to drivers with a data service, such as a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or Mini Connected Package.
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