The next-generation iHeart app makes streaming car stereo simpler and easier. | Story

The next-generation iHeart app makes streaming car stereo simpler and easier. | Story

In what it calls “the most significant product update” since its 2011 relaunch, iHeartRadio has announced the debut of its next-generation mobile app, bringing the ease and simplicity of the traditional car stereo experience to streaming audio. Listener favorites from the dashboard, such as presets, a scan button and a live radio “dial wheel,” have been integrated into the app.

In addition, new features have been added for the streaming era, such as: E.g. song lyrics, current rankings and access to exclusive content.

The audio giant has relied on extensive user research and feedback to deliver “a seamless and simplified radio listening experience” tailored to the needs of modern listeners and leveraging all modern technological tools.

“Our listeners have made it clear that they want a streaming audio platform that is intuitive and familiar, mirroring the simplicity of car audio while leveraging the full power of streaming technology,” said Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeart, in of the announcement. “The redesigned iHeartRadio app does just that, combining the best features of the car radio and the mobile app. We’re excited to offer this new and improved iHeartRadio app just in time for Christmas – it’s our special gift to our listeners.”

New features rolling out today (December 12th) and available to all listeners on Android and iOS by December 17th include:

Presets: In what iHeart calls “a first in the audio industry,” custom presets allow listeners to save up to 15 of their favorite radio stations, playlists, podcasts and artist radio stations. The presets are available throughout the app.

Scan button: In another innovation that takes a page from the car radio playbook, listeners can discover new stations by clicking the scan button to try out national radio stations, or filter by city or genre. This represents a new way for app users to navigate and discover iHeartRadio’s vast radio lineup.

Live radio dial: This new feature mimics the car audio experience that listeners have enjoyed for decades, with the added benefit of being organized by genre and location for easier discovery.

What are the Trend Rangers: Users will have access to a new discovery feature that lets them see what’s trending with other listeners on top podcasts, top playlists and top artist radio stations, as well as features that are trending on iHeartRadio.

Text: This staple of music streaming services is now part of the digital radio experience, and according to iHeart, it is now the only digital radio app that offers lyrics for the songs users hear on live radio. (Xperi’s DTS AutoStage hybrid radio platform also offers this feature.) Users can also track karaoke-style lyrics for tracks on artist radio and playlists.

In addition to these new features, exclusive editorial content produced by iHeart stations across the country is now accessible through the iHeartRadio app. This includes artist news, all of the audio company’s exclusive in-studio interviews, and iHeart’s previously launched contests to enter and win with just one tap.

“The new iHeartRadio app underscores iHeartMedia’s mission to use the power of audio to build camaraderie and connection,” said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeart Digital Audio Group. “This experience combines the familiarity of car radio with digital innovation to allow users to easily find the stations, artists and podcasts they know and love, fostering the fun, spontaneous discovery and connection that live car radio brings brings themselves – all through their phones, wherever they go.”

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