23 July 2020: Bauer Media Audio has announced it will be available at launch on car infotainment systems powered by Android. Set to roll out into Polestar 2 and Volvo XC40 Recharge later this year, these will be the world’s first cars to feature an infotainment system powered by Android with Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play built in.
Bauer Media Audio’s radio listening apps will be available in vehicle dashboards in the UK, Sweden and Norway through Google Play which allows drivers and passengers to enjoy radio, podcasts, audiobooks and music with ease.
UK drivers will be able to effortlessly access and listen to Bauer radio stations and audio on demand content via Bauer apps including Magic Radio, KISS, Greatest Hits Radio, Hits Radio, Absolute Radio and Scala.
The launch of cars with Google built-in highlights the importance and resilience of audio entertainment in the dashboard.
Richard Dawkins, COO Bauer Media Audio, said: “Connected devices provide new ways for our listeners to access the full range of high-quality content from the radio stations they love and we are constantly innovating our products to meet their evolving expectations. Audio is intrinsic to the in-car experience and we are excited to be partnering with Google within this exciting future-looking environment.”
Anya Ernest, Business Design, Polestar, added: “This is the first step in transforming our perception, moving away from the car as only being a mode of transportation and the car as an extension of your digital life. If we can increase the usage and the context of the car then this can help in our long-term goal in creating a more sustainable future.”