iHeartMedia hit the ground running at CES this morning, announcing integration opportunities with smarthome hubs, streaming devices and whole-home speakers.
iHeartRadio announced its first integration into Apple TV, which will allow Apple TV users to access the core elements of the iHeartRadio app. Users will be able to access podcasts, live stations and custom stations, which can be organized based on a song or artist search, according to the company. Both registered and unregistered users of iHeartRadio will be able to play live and custom radio stations, view recommendations, save favorite stations and access iHeartRadio’s newest feature — known as My Favorites Radio — which combines a user’s favorite stations and artists into one station.
The new iHeartRadio interface also features design elements optimized for the Apple TV viewing experience.
The company also announced integration into a new smarthome hub and into the DTS Play-Fi.
The LG Smart ThinQ is a new smarthome hub from LG that allows users to listen to both live and custom stations through iHeartRadio’s app, allowing them to automatically recall favorites and preferences. The partnership with Smart ThinQ provides a simple listening experience, the company said, where users can click left or right to access multiformat content — from local stations to other favorites — with the push of a button.
iHeartRadio also announced an integration with DTS Play-Fi, which will allow listeners with a Play-Fi app on their phones or tablet to stream iHeartRadio live and custom stations to any Play-Fi-enabled speaker via Wi-Fi. This move furthers iHeartRadio’s entrance into the whole-home streaming category.
