Global Player, the popular audio streaming platform from Global, has officially expanded its in-car availability—making the Global Player app accessible directly through infotainment systems in vehicles from major automotive brands.
The move marks a major step forward for drivers who want seamless access to radio, podcasts, playlists, and catch-up shows without needing to connect their smartphones.
With this expansion, Global Player is positioning itself as one of the most convenient and advanced audio platforms for drivers—especially as car dashboards increasingly become full digital entertainment hubs.
The biggest highlight of this rollout is that the Global Player app can now be used natively inside car infotainment systems, offering a smoother experience compared to traditional phone-based streaming.
Drivers can now access Global Player directly from the vehicle display and enjoy:
This means users no longer need to rely on plugging in their phone, launching an app manually, or dealing with interruptions due to weak connectivity.
Instead, the entertainment experience becomes fully integrated into the car.
This latest development builds upon Global Player’s earlier success with BMW, which was the first manufacturer to integrate Global Player directly into its vehicles.
The integration initially allowed Global Player to be used seamlessly across BMW and MINI models, providing an in-car dashboard experience without the need for phone mirroring.
Now, Global has taken things further—expanding availability across multiple major manufacturers, ensuring the app is becoming more common across the wider automotive ecosystem.
One of the most game-changing features in this upgrade is that drivers can now stream content without connecting a smartphone.
That includes:
For commuters and long-distance drivers, this is a major improvement in both convenience and safety.
Unlike traditional car radio systems, Global Player’s in-car integration brings premium digital features that are normally found only on smartphones and smart speakers.
Key features include:
Listeners can replay shows they missed over the last week—perfect for anyone who missed a morning show, news segment, or exclusive interview.
Drivers can rewind live broadcasts in real-time—meaning if they miss a headline or key moment, they can instantly replay it without waiting for a podcast version.
Users can switch seamlessly between podcasts, music playlists, and radio stations while maintaining the same experience they get on their mobile devices.
Global Player is already available through widely-used car connectivity systems, including:
But the biggest update is its new availability on Android Automotive, the built-in operating system that runs directly on a car’s infotainment display.
This is significant because Android Automotive is not the same as Android Auto.
Android Automotive runs natively on the car system itself, meaning:
This gives Global Player a major advantage in the race to dominate in-car entertainment.
Drivers with compatible vehicles can download the Global Player app directly through their car’s own ecosystem.
This includes access via:
This direct availability ensures the app behaves like a native in-car service rather than an external mirrored feature.
Global Player is widely known for offering both music and talk-based audio content, and the in-car expansion means drivers will now have access to an even more convenient listening experience across Global’s biggest brands.
The platform includes:
Thousands of podcasts are available, including Global-produced exclusives and trending global titles.
Music playlists curated by Global’s stations are available for mood-based listening, whether users want:
This mix makes Global Player highly competitive against platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and TuneIn—especially for listeners who enjoy UK radio brands.
To support safe usage while driving, Global Player can be controlled through:
This makes it easy for drivers to switch content hands-free while staying focused on the road.
Drivers can request:
This is becoming increasingly important as governments and manufacturers continue pushing for reduced driver distraction.
One of the standout features of Global Player’s in-car system is that listeners can continue exactly where they stopped on another device.
That includes listening continuity across:
For example:
If someone starts a podcast at home on their smart speaker, they can get into the car and continue the same episode instantly—without searching manually or restarting.
This feature is already common on streaming platforms like Spotify, and Global Player’s adoption of it shows how serious the company is about modernizing the audio experience.
Stephen Toombs, Head of In-Car Distribution for Global Player, welcomed the move and highlighted the growing importance of in-car audio access.
He stated that the company understands how valuable it is for listeners to access their favourite stations and podcasts quickly while on the move.
He also pointed out that the in-car app functionality allows listeners to pick up content exactly where they left off—without needing a smartphone or a mobile data plan.
The message is clear: Global Player wants to make the driving experience simpler, more connected, and entertainment-first.
According to Global’s announcement, the free app is currently available in vehicles from:
These brands represent a strong mix of premium, mainstream, and electric vehicle manufacturers—suggesting that Global Player is targeting both luxury and everyday drivers.
Global also confirmed that additional car brands are expected to roll out support later this year.
While the company did not name the upcoming brands, the statement strongly suggests that Global Player is aiming for widespread coverage across the global automotive industry.
If future expansion includes brands like Mercedes, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla, Toyota, or Ford, the app could become one of the most common radio and podcast platforms in cars.
The announcement comes at a time when infotainment systems are evolving faster than ever.
Modern drivers now expect the same experience in their cars that they get on their phones.
And audio entertainment is a key part of that.
Automotive dashboards are now becoming competitive marketplaces where apps fight for attention.
The major players include:
Global Player’s decision to expand natively into infotainment systems is a strategic move that puts it closer to competing with these giants.
For podcast fans, this integration could be a game-changer.
Instead of dealing with connectivity issues or switching between phone apps, drivers can enjoy a clean experience built specifically for in-car use.
For commuters, this could mean more consistent access to:
While some have predicted radio’s decline in the streaming era, Global Player’s expansion proves that radio brands are not only surviving—they are adapting.
By making Global’s stations more accessible through modern platforms like Android Automotive, the company is ensuring its content remains relevant for a new generation of drivers.
The blend of traditional radio + on-demand streaming features could be one of the strongest formulas for audio growth in 2026.
Here’s what drivers can now do with Global Player in compatible cars:
Drivers who want to use Global Player should check their car infotainment store.
Steps include:
For those using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the app remains accessible through phone connectivity as well.
With its growing availability across major vehicle brands and its expansion into Android Automotive, Global Player is clearly strengthening its position as one of the most accessible entertainment platforms for drivers.
By eliminating smartphone dependency and enabling premium features like catch-up radio and live rewind, Global is improving both convenience and safety for listeners.
As more brands join later this year, Global Player could become a standard in-car feature for millions of drivers—turning dashboards into full-fledged streaming centers.
