BBC launches car-friendly version of iPlayer Radio app

If you’re one of the 22 million people whose journeys behind the wheel are, according to the BBC, soundtracked by BBC radio stations (perhaps you tune into Lauren Laverne during your morning commute, or are partial to unwinding to a Radio 4 podcast on your way back home) we’ve some good news: your in-car BBC radio experience is about to get a lot better.

BBC has updated its iPlayer Radio app with a car-friendly version, allowing users to more easily tune into their favourite station, follow their favourite shows and download programmes.

MORE: BBC iPlayer review

The touch interface is split into four sections, one of which is ‘Stations’ - this is where all the BBC’s UK national and local radio stations can be accessed.

‘Following’ is where programmes added to that category in the mobile app will automatically appear, while ‘Listen Later’ is where users can play episodes they’ve added to that category back-to-back.

Last but not least is ‘Downloads’, which is where listeners can store downloaded programmes for offline playback, uninterrupted by troublesome tunnels and the like.

The app works with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay experiences.

Android owners can either connect to a compatible car display or download and run the Android Auto app on any Android smartphone running Android 5.0 or above - which should include yours, if it’s been released in the last three years. It also supports voice commands, allowing you to control your in-car audio experience while in the ‘ten-to-two’ steering wheel position.

iPhone owners, on the other hand, will need an Apple CarPlay-equipped vehicle.

MORE:

Radioplayer car brings voice control, streaming and intelligent signal switching

BBC creates interactive radio story for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant speakers

This BBC film on audiophiles in 1959 is a masterpiece

BBC plans to launch 4K Ultra HD content on iPlayer

YouView trials Amazon Alexa for voice-activated TV control

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.