Mobile developer jācapps says a new offering will help stations and other audio providers appear in more automobile audio entertainment systems.
The company’s Bob Kernen introduced App Everywhere during a webinar about connected car trends (available on the jācapps website). The service will be available to radio stations, internet broadcasters and podcasters beginning in July.
jācapps station apps are currently available on three different automotive entertainment platforms (Android Auto, Smart Device Link and Apple CarPlay), representing 100 car models made by 35 automakers.
Kernen noted that jācapps users can have their mobile apps added to Android Auto and Smart Device Link with a relatively simple upgrade, but Apple CarPlay requires an addendum before it can be added to the iTunes Store. jācapps is in the process of releasing a beta iTunes App Everywhere version of the app for Greater Media Philadelphia’s WMMR, which will be offered as an update to CarPlay users, pending Apple’s approval.
During the webinar, Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs also shared an anecdote about the company’s coordination with Apple and how the tech company needed to be educated about the value of including radio station apps when there was already a physical button in the dashboard for OTA radio.
Jacobs said the inclusion of station podcasts was what sealed the deal for Apple, saying mature station apps “need to be more than just a representation of your stream.”
Kernen’s portion about App Everywhere begins at 24:16, for those who want to skip ahead.
