The digital audio platform that is iHeartMedia is already widely available, but the net for listeners is being cast even more widely with the announcement of seven new partnerships.
“These multiple integrations are setting the tone for 2015, which will be another banner year where iHeartRadio focuses on a consumers-first approach – from launching its app on all meaningful devices to continuing to leverage its live radio and entertainment events to provide the best music experience for its listeners,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio and iHeartMedia Networks.
From iHeart, here are the details:
* Google: iHeartRadio will be one of the first apps available on the new Google Cast for Audio, which embeds the same technology behind Chromecast into speakers, sound bars, and A/V receivers. Just like Chromecast, consumers can tap the cast button from iHeartRadio and select a Google Cast Ready speaker to listen. Google Cast Ready speakers pull content directly from the cloud, so listeners get the best audio quality and can freely multi-task on their phone, tablet, or laptop, all without straining the battery.
* Sony: iHeartRadio will integrate with Sony Products for the very first time. Beginning in February 2015, the iHeartRadio app will be available on a number of Sony’s leading consumer electronic products including Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE)’s PlayStation®4 (PS4™) and PlayStation®3 (PS3™) systems, plus select TV and mobile devices. Demo the iHeartRadio app on Sony TVs at booth 14200 in the Central Hall.
* LG: Also for the first time, iHeartRadio will be available on LG connected devices, including the new 2015 LG Music Flow Wi-Fi Series home audio lineup unveiled this week, as well as current and next-generation LG Smart TVs. LG featured iHeartRadio in its press event and highlighted that iHeartRadio will be natively integrated into the convenient Music Flow Player app, allowing users to access millions of songs and thousands of live radio stations seamlessly. Music-Flow is a wireless multi-room speaker system that enables users to build a complete wireless network of speakers that can be controlled with mobile devices through LG’s convenient Music Flow app.
* DISH: DISH is announcing a whole-home music system and update that will turn Hoppers as well as their Joey speakers into music streaming “zones” that are controllable from a new Android or iOS smartphone app. The app will enable users to seamlessly stream iHeartRadio throughout any room in their home, giving consumers a whole-home music experience at no additional cost. Demo this integration at DISH’s booth 8143 in the Central Hall.
* Tivo: TiVo users will soon have access to iHeartRadio. The app will appear on TiVo Roamio, TiVo Mini and TiVo Premiere line of devices during a rolling update over the next few weeks.
* QNX: QNX Software Systems, a subsidiary of BlackBerry, unveiled a technology concept car that includes “iHeartRadio Drive Anywhere Radio.” The prospective feature will allow drivers to continue listening to their favorite AM/FM radio station even after driving out of signal range. The QNX-based infotainment system would automatically switch to the digital iHeartRadio station, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road.
* Clarion: Clarion announced their new flagship model for 2015, the NX605, an in-dash navigation multimedia system with enhanced cloud-connectivity capabilities, which will include iHeartRadio. In addition, iHeartMedia’s industry-leading Total Traffic Network information will be integrated into the system’s navigation, allowing for real-time incident and traffic flow reporting.
