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Bavaria's new Minister for Digital, Media and Europe Georg Eisenreich has confirmed that the state government's view is that DAB+ should be the sole radio standard. "That is why Bavaria has campaigned for a change in the Telecommunications Act to be agreed in the coalition agreement: in the future, all high-quality radios will be equipped with a digital chip."

The Pure Siesta Rise is a nice compact size, but packs quite a few features into its design. Turning the Siesta Rise on, you are greeted with it finding available DAB radio stations and the time.

Standard infotainment technology is also enhanced with the fitment of DAB+ digital radio, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi connect and smartphone interfaces, and a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system.

Inside, the Audi Virtual Cockpit, DAB+ radio and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system are included inside, where the driver and passenger sit on leather-trimmed sports seats with quilted contrast stitching.

Standard interior kit includes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit 12.3-inch driver info screen with configurable RS display mode, an 8.0-inch tablet media screen with sat nav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring, DAB+ digital radio, and a 19-speaker Bang&Olufsen stereo system.

Hits Radio, the new near-national service from Bauer Media in Manchester, has launched in London with test DAB transmissions. Hits Radio will replace Key 103 in Manchester on 4 June.

Among the 21 measures proposed, several are rather innovative, such as guaranteed access to the airwaves, the only way to ensure real data protection, including the launch of a tax credit to support the deployment of DAB+.

A 40-page document will be presented to parliament at the end of May which proposes 21 measures to protect the future of radio, including a tax credit to support the deployment of DAB+ digital radio, as was the case for digital terrestrial TV, and the inclusion of a DAB+ chip in all mobile phone handsets.

Digital Radio UK CEO Ford Ennals has cited the support and affirmative action from government and broadcasters as the reason for digital listening figures exceeding 50% for the first time, following last week's RAJAR study.

Stepping up to the XLS Series brings front parking sensors, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog-lights, carpeted floors and front floor mats. New to the XLS is the option of the Sync 3 Pack, which adds an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio.