TuneIn jumps aboard Android Auto launch

Not letting any grass grow under its feet, TuneIn announced its compatibility with Android Auto, in time for Pioneer’s launch of its new Android-enabled NEX dashboard systems. The Pioneer aftermarket solutions put Android Auto into cars for the first time. “TuneIn Radio is one of only a handful of apps available with Android Auto at launch and will play in any Android Auto equipped car,” according to a company blog post.

The Pioneer launch is significant, as it represents the first working version of Android Auto. The new dashboard head units are also equipped with Apple’s CarPlay system — the evident strategy being to meet the need of nearly the entire smartphone market by cooperating with the two leading mobile platforms that are developing digital dashboard functionality.

Android Auto works in the Pioneer system for any user carrying a smartphone running Android version 5.

“This will enable TuneIn users to easily listen to their favorite radio stations and shows seamlessly in Android Auto compatible cars,” said Boone Spencer, Director, Mobile Product at TuneIn.