IHeartMedia has announced that its iHeartRadio ecosystem has several new integrations and new partnerships for its streaming music and live radio service. The upshot means more brands will bring the streaming service to market.
Google, Sony, LG, DISH, Tivo, QNX and Clarion are integrating the iHeartRadio app into their products.
IHeartRadio and iHeartMedia Networks President Darren Davis says the integrations set the tone for 2015, as iHeartRadio focuses on a consumer-first approach “from launching its app on meaningful devices to continuing to leverage its live radio and entertainment events to provide the best music experience for its listeners.”
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. Beginning February the iHeartRadio app will be available on several Sony products like its PlayStation line.
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 at CES 2015, as well as current and next-generation LG Smart TVs.
BlackBerry subsidiary QNX Software Systems unveiled a concept car that includes “iHeartRadio Drive Anywhere Radio.” The prospective feature will allow drivers to continue listening to an AM/FM radio station even after driving out of signal range.
Clarion’s new flagship model for 2015, the NX605, an in-dash navigation multimedia system with enhanced cloud-connectivity capabilities, will include iHeartRadio. In addition, iHeartMedia’s Total Traffic Network information will be integrated into the system’s navigation, allowing for real-time incident and traffic flow reporting.