Radioplayer now works with Android Auto
By James Cridland for media.info
Posted 5 June 2015, 4.56am edt
Radioplayer, the co-owned radio platform in use in the UK, Ireland and other European countries, is now compatible with the Android Auto in-car system.
Radioplayer has a strong history of innovation, from being one of the first radio apps to work with Android Wear and Apple Watch, to being the first app in Europe to work with Apple CarPlay.
Android Auto, which is the competitor to Apple's in-car system, is now available in the new Hyundai Sonata as standard, and is also available as an option for installation from companies like Pioneer and others.
Radioplayer is also planning a hybrid radio, which will use FM, DAB and IP, later this year.
Press release
Radioplayer, the listening platform for radio in the UK and several other European countries*, is making it even easier to listen on the move.
The Radioplayer app is now compatible with Android Auto, Google’s operating system for the car dashboard. This follows the news earlier this year that Radioplayer was the first European radio app to work with Apple CarPlay.
Android Auto synchronises a smartphone to the integrated touchscreen on a car dashboard. The phone can be plugged in to charge, and safely stowed out of sight.
Drivers can then use approved apps 'hands-free' - such as Google Maps, Google Play Music - and now Radioplayer.
More than 30 car manufacturers are backing the system and will offer Android Auto in new cars in the coming months. Drivers can also convert existing cars by fitting a compatible stereo system. Several companies are offering these, including Pioneer.
Michael Hill, Managing Director of Radioplayer said: “Radio remains the perfect medium for in-car listening. Radioplayer's proud to help radio maintain a competitive position in the digital dashboards of the future."
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have different interfaces but provide similar capabilities, allowing the user to control a selection of apps via voice commands and access other features available on the infotainment screen.
Radioplayer worked with All In Media to develop the Android Auto capability.
As well as integrating radio streaming apps with vehicle systems like Android Auto and CarPlay, Radioplayer is working on revolutionary ‘hybrid’ radio technology for cars. The system, which was prototyped last year, will automatically select the best platform to deliver a chosen station, switching between DAB, FM or streaming, as reception varies. It is expected to launch later this summer.