Bauer Media Audio brings Rayo to Android Automotive, expanding its audio platform into connected car dashboards

Bauer Media Audio has launched a native Android Automotive version of Rayo in the UK and Portugal, bringing its audio platform directly into connected vehicle dashboards and making it easier for listeners to access Bauer Media’s radio brands wherever they are – including in the car.

From today, listeners have more ways to tune in to Bauer Media’s radio stations, with Rayo becoming available within the integrated entertainment systems of BMW Group (BMW and MINI).

Built using Radioplayer’s white-label Android Automotive platform and supported by distribution through the Appning Apps Market Solution, the launch ensures Rayo is available across a growing number of vehicles running Android Automotive OS, helping keep radio easily accessible as in-car technology evolves. BMW Group joins the launch as a partner OEM, with Rayo available in compatible vehicles running Android Automotive.

Unlike Android Auto, which mirrors content from a smartphone onto a vehicle display, Android Automotive is built directly into the car’s operating system. This allows apps such as Rayo to run natively within the infotainment environment and integrate more seamlessly with in-car interfaces, including voice assistants and dashboard controls.

The Android Automotive version of Rayo initially focuses on delivering a streamlined live radio experience across Bauer Media’s portfolio of stations. While functionality at launch is intentionally focused on live listening, the platform creates a strong foundation for future enhancements, including expanded features and on-demand audio such as podcasts.

The move forms part of Bauer Media Audio’s wider strategy to ensure listeners can easily access its stations and content wherever they are – across mobile devices, smart speakers and increasingly, connected vehicles – keeping radio simple, reliable and within reach in every environment.

Radioplayer’s white-label Android Automotive technology enables broadcasters to bring radio services into native in-car environments, while Appning supports distribution through its platform designed for in-car app marketplaces.

Tobias Nielsen, Senior Vice President, Digital at Bauer Media Audio, said: “Bringing Rayo into Android Automotive dashboards gives our listeners more ways to enjoy our radio stations, especially as connected cars become a more important part of everyday listening. This is another step in ensuring our audiences can stay connected to the content they love, wherever they are, while also laying the groundwork for future enhancements and new listening experiences.”

Laurence Harrison, Chief Partnerships Officer said: “Rayo is the first broadcaster app built with Radioplayer for Android Automotive, and a strong example of how broadcasters can bring their brands into the car in a simple and scalable way. As vehicles become app-based environments, this enables broadcasters to reach listeners directly in the dashboard while supporting the industry’s transition into connected cars. We’re proud to support Bauer Media on this launch and to see Rayo leading the way.”

Mattijs de Valk, Head of Partnership of Appning by FORVIA said; “We are excited to see this partnership enable broadcasters to bring their radio brands into the Appning ecosystem at such ease, impacting the listening experience for a lot of users. For manufacturers this means acceleration of high-quality audio apps in their in-car app portfolio.” Mattijs de Valk, Head of Partnership of Appning by FORVIA.”

The launch represents an important step in Bauer Media Audio’s continued investment in making its content widely accessible, ensuring its brands remain easy to find and listen to as audiences adopt new platforms and technologies.

Further updates on supported vehicles and markets will follow as Rayo continues to expand across Bauer Media Audio markets and platforms.