Auddia Integrates faidr into Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Auddia

Auddia recently launched both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces for its faidr mobile application. These interfaces allow consumers to mirror their smartphone entertainment options on the screen of their vehicle's infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have grown tremendously since their introduction with a report from Wards Intelligence saying more than 90% of new vehicles as of mid-2023 had the systems.

Additionally, a recent McKinsey & Co study revealed that in the U.S., 25% of EV buyers and 38% of combustion car buyers said they are not interested in purchasing a vehicle if it does not have smartphone mirroring.

According to the RAB when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are available to a consumer, listening to AM/FM radio is the leading choice of consumers at 46% of time spent listening. The next most popular option is SXM with 19% of time spent listening and music player streaming closely behind at 18%.

"Although our customers have been able to listen to faidr in the car through Bluetooth, the automatic connection and hands-free interface of accessing phone controls through the dash is easier, more convenient, and safer when performed through smartphone mirroring technologies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto," said Auddia CEO Michael Lawless. "As we continue to execute our plan of delivering more value to faidr listening this includes integrating faidr into more platforms to give our users more places to enjoy our differentiated listening experiences. This integration into Apple CarPlay and Android Auto gives us far more reach within the US radio streaming space than we had with just our smartphone integration."

In addition to providing access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Auddia plans to pursue direct integrations into vehicle infotainment systems to access consumers in vehicles not planning to support smartphone mirroring technologies.

"Auddia is executing on a consistent two-pronged strategy to drive growth. As we have demonstrated since the launch of faidr, the first part of our strategy is to drive differentiated audio listening experiences like ad free AM/FM radio and podcasting listening options. The second part of the strategy is to make our unique listening experiences available wherever the consumer chooses to listen," said Executive Chairman Jeff Thramann. "Expect to see a steady stream of catalysts coming from the team that both enhance the faidr listening experience and expand the environments in which our customers can enjoy our differentiated content."

Auddia expects to announce an AI-assisted music-only AM/FM offering in Q4 that will give consumers the choice of listening to their favorite stations without ads or DJs, only music.