The BBC has introduced its first integrated in-car app for BBC Sounds, providing drivers with seamless access to their favorite podcasts, radio shows, and music directly from their car’s entertainment system.
This innovative app is set to revolutionize the in-car listening experience, making it easier than ever to enjoy BBC content while on the move. Previously, accessing BBC Sounds in the car required using a smartphone connected via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
With the new in-car app, listeners can now enjoy a more streamlined experience by accessing BBC Sounds directly from their car’s display. This eliminates the need for fumbling with phones and ensures a safer, more user-friendly interface for drivers.
The BBC Sounds in-car app is currently available in select BMW and MINI vehicles equipped with BMW Operating System 9 or MINI Operating System 9. It is designed to work seamlessly on car displays powered by Android Automotive, and the BBC plans to expand its availability to more car models in the future.
A standout feature of the in-car app is its personalized experience. Once users sign in, they can sync their playback history across devices, allowing them to pick up where they left off, whether they were listening on their phone or in their car. This continuity ensures a smooth and uninterrupted listening experience.
The app also provides the ability to rewind and pause live radio, giving listeners the flexibility to start shows from the beginning or resume after interruptions, such as phone calls.
Users can easily find shows and music mixes they have previously bookmarked on other versions of BBC Sounds and receive personalized recommendations based on their listening habits.
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Storm Fagan, Chief Product Officer for the BBC, emphasized the importance of the new app, stating, “People love to listen to the BBC when they’re in 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.
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 favorite 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, expressed his excitement about the integration, saying, “We’re proud to make it easier than ever for BMW and MINI customers to enjoy their favorite BBC content on the move.
This latest integration complements the wide range of apps already available in our vehicles and underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless in-car entertainment experience.”
Although the in-car BBC Sounds app marks a significant advancement, drivers can still connect their phones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to access BBC Sounds, and these experiences will continue to be updated and developed. Additionally, users can still connect to BBC Sounds via Bluetooth if preferred.
The launch of the in-car BBC Sounds app is part of the BBC’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital services and provide listeners with more convenient and enjoyable ways to access its content.
As technology in cars continues to improve, the BBC is committed to ensuring that its listeners can enjoy their favorite shows and music wherever they are.
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