Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Announces 2014 iHeartRadio Automotive Integrations
iHeartRadio To Be Available in Select Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Kia Connected Dashboards, as Well as Platform Solution Provider Bosch
Las Vegas, Nevada – January 6, 2013 – Clear Channel Media and Entertainment today announced its continued expansion of iHeartRadio, its all-in-one digital radio service, in the automotive landscape with integrations in new Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Kia vehicles. In addition to these original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), iHeartRadio will also be available via platform solution provider Bosch.
Focused on extending the car radio experience for drivers around the country, iHeartRadio ensures that listeners will never drive out of range of their favorite stations and radio personalities. Its auto integrations are designed to utilize simple, made-for-driving features that safely communicate only the most essential information for the best possible iHeartRadio experience. The application includes large text and touch targets, intuitive menu functions that incorporate the current habits of car radio users, and an interface designed to reduce distracting light during nighttime driving.
iHeartRadio’s auto applications offer simple and seamless access to iHeartRadio’s all-in-one digital service. In 2014, Jaguar Land Rover vehicles equipped with Bosch SoftTec’s innovative InControl™ Apps platform, Volvo vehicles equipped with the Sensus Connect infotainment solution and Kia vehicles with UVO will have access to more than 1,500 live radio stations and user-created custom stations inspired by listeners’ favorite artists and songs anywhere they are. Drivers will also be able to access iHeartRadio’s newest feature, iHeartRadio Talk, which offers the best on-demand news, talk and entertainment content available today right from the vehicle’s dashboard. Plus, a variety of other iHeartRadio features will be accessible in-dash, including thumbs up/thumbs down, station scan and its signature music discovery tuner.
In addition to the new OEM integrations, Clear Channel is furthering its innovation in the automotive space by working with leading platform solution provider Bosch SoftTec – Bosch’s specialists in automotive software, connected services and smartphone solutions – to extend iHeartRadio’s in-vehicle reach with support for cross-OEM platforms. CES visitors can experience Bosch SoftTec’s innovative InControl™ Apps platform featuring iHeartRadio in Land Rover’s display vehicle outside the North Hall.
Also at CES, iHeartRadio and QNX Software Systems, a leader in software platforms for in-car electronics, will showcase an automotive-focused demonstration in the North Hall. More information on this demo will be made available this week.
“Radio is the original mobile, in-car entertainment feature,” said Brian Lakamp, President of Digital for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “With the new advancements in automotive infotainment systems, Clear Channel is able to extend the reach of our radio stations to even more listeners. We’re extremely pleased to work with Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Kia to bring iHeartRadio to their dashboards, as well as be available in Bosch’s deeper extension into consumer-facing functionality -- providing even more listeners with the products and services they expect no matter where they are – and no matter where they drive.”
The iHeartRadio app reached its first 20 million registered users faster than any digital service in Internet history and delivers everything listeners want in an all-in-one platform. In addition to the new Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Kia availability, iHeartRadio is also available in select Chrysler, Ford, GM, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan and Toyota vehicles, as well as after-market head units including Clarion, JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer. Visit iHeartRadio.com/apps for more information on how to download. iHeartRadio features may vary by automotive model.