iHeartMedia has announced the release of a revamped version of the iHeartRadio app, calling it the most significant product update since its initial launch in 2011.

The company says the app delivers the ease and simplicity that listeners want and expect from in-car broadcast radio – bridging the gap between the traditional car audio experience and mobile streaming. The app design is intended to mimic features of a car radio, including:

• Presets: An audio industry first and inspired directly from the car dashboard, custom presets allow listeners to save up to 15 of their favorite radio stations, playlists, podcasts and artist radio stations – the ones they love listening to and come back to the most. The presets are available throughout the app.
• Scan Button: Another first in the audio industry, Scan allows listeners to discover new stations and seamlessly try out national radio stations or filter by city or genre. It’s an all-new way for app users to navigate iHeartRadio’s unparalleled radio show wheel, ensuring their new favorite stations are never out of reach – and they can discover new stations they’ll love.
• Live Radio Dial: This new app feature allows listeners to easily explore the best live stations across the country. This experience mimics the same car audio experience listeners know and love, but has the added benefit of being organized by genre and location to make discovery easier.
• What is Trend Ranker: Users have access to an innovative discovery feature that allows them to see what’s trending with other listeners on top podcasts, top playlists, and top artist radio stations, as well as features found on iHeartRadio trend.
• Lyrics: iHeart is the most requested new listening feature and is now the only digital radio app to offer lyrics for the songs users hear on live radio. Users can also follow karaoke-style lyrics for tracks on artist radio and playlists.

The app also features editorial content produced by iHeartMedia stations across the country, in-studio interviews and competitions.

Bob Pittman, Chairman/CEO of iHeartMedia, said: “Our listeners have made it clear that they want a streaming audio platform that is intuitive and familiar, mirroring the simplicity of car stereo while leveraging the full capabilities of streaming technology. 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.”

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

The new app begins rolling out today on Android and iOS and is expected to be available to everyone by December 17th.