Global, the UK-based Media & Entertainment group, has announced that its award-winning Global Player app is now available directly within car infotainment systems across a range of major automotive brands. This marks a significant expansion of the platform’s reach as drivers can now enjoy live radio, podcasts and curated playlists on the go without relying on smartphone mirroring.
Building on earlier integrations — first with BMW and MINI vehicles — the in-car rollout now extends via platforms like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Android Automotive. The native app experience removes the need to connect a phone at all, with drivers able to download the Global Player app straight from their vehicle’s app store, including the BMW Connected Store and Google Play Store.
A Seamless Listening Experience
Once installed, drivers can stream live radio from Global’s portfolio of stations, catch up on shows from the past week, rewind live broadcasts and explore thousands of podcasts and playlists — all controlled through the car’s built-in touchscreen or voice assistant. Listeners also benefit from continuity: content picks up automatically when switching between car, home and other devices.
Stephen Toombs, Head of In-Car Distribution for Global Player, said the move supports the company’s mission to make audio content effortless to access wherever listeners are. With the app now pre-integrated on car dashboards, audiences can enjoy Global’s radio brands and podcasts without dealing with smartphone data plans or cables.
Podcast and Radio on the Move
The expansion reflects broader trends in how audio content reaches listeners. Vehicle infotainment systems are increasingly becoming key distribution channels for streaming audio, not only through platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also via native apps that run directly on the car’s operating system.
Earlier launches showed how valuable this can be: for example, BMW and MINI vehicles already allow users to install Global Player directly through their native infotainment stores, removing smartphone dependency and integrating controls into the dashboard interface. Compatible models numbered over 180,000 in the UK alone at launch, with expectations to exceed 300,000 by the end of 2026 as new models like the BMW iX3 and “Neue Klasse” vehicles adopt the system.
Why This Matters for Creators and Audiences
For podcast creators and producers, easier in-car access to listening platforms means broader reach and more opportunities for engagement. As audiences spend more time consuming audio in vehicles, tools that deliver seamless playback, simple discovery and uninterrupted transitions between environments are increasingly valuable. The native integration of apps like Global Player signals a shift toward more immersive and convenient listening experiences on the road.
Additionally, the combination of live radio, podcasts and personalized playlists in one platform enhances discoverability not only for established shows but also for emerging creators looking to reach devoted audiences during daily commutes and long drives.
Looking Ahead
Global’s rollout across a range of automotive brands marks a significant step in audio distribution, aligning with a future where in-car infotainment is central to how listeners access and enjoy content. As other platforms and networks expand their in-vehicle offerings, podcast creators and publishers should consider how to optimize shows for discovery and engagement in mobile listening environments.
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