Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Announces 2014 iHeartƹϴý Automotive Integrations
iHeartƹϴý 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 iHeartƹϴý, 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), will also be available via platform solution provider Bosch.
Focused on extending the car radio experience for drivers around the country, iHeartƹϴý 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 iHeartƹϴý 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.
iHeartƹϴý’s auto applications offer simple and seamless access to iHeartƹϴý’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 UVOwill 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 iHeartƹϴý’s newest feature, iHeartƹϴý 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 iHeartƹϴý 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 iHeartƹϴý’s in-vehicle reach with support for cross-OEM platforms. CES visitors can experience Bosch SoftTec’s innovative InControl™ Apps platform featuring iHeartƹϴý in Land Rover’s display vehicle outside the North Hall.
Also at CES, iHeartƹϴý 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.
“ƹϴý 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 iHeartƹϴý 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.”
TheiHeartƹϴý 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, iHeartƹϴý 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. Visitfor more information on how to download. iHeartƹϴý features may vary by automotive model.