iHeartRadio has launched a redesign of its mobile app — the first major overhaul since it debuted in 2011 — and it might make you ditch your car’s radio controls. That’s because the new interface takes its inspiration directly from the most popular car radio features, including station presets, a scan button, and even a live radio “dial.” It also includes a lyrics display for live radio — a first for digital radio apps, according to iHeartRadio.
The company says that the redesign’s initial rollout began December 12 and will be available to all listeners on Android and iOS by December 17.
“Our listeners have made it clear that they want a streaming audio platform that’s intuitive and familiar, reflecting the simplicity of the car radio while embracing the full capabilities of streaming technology,” said iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman in a press release. “The redesigned iHeartRadio app does just that, bringing together the best features of the car radio and the mobile app.”
Previously, the iHeartRadio app focused on three main categories: radio, podcasts, and playlists. It used a combination of content suggestions, genres, and a user search tool to help listeners find the content they wanted.
The new design keeps these elements, but adds several new features to the top of the home screen:
Presets: Just like a car radio, custom presets let you save up to 15 of your favorite radio stations, playlists, podcasts, and artist radio stations.
Scan button: Lets you quickly sample nationwide radio stations, or filter by city or genre.
Live radio dial: Swipe left or right to find and access national radio stations, organized by genre and location.
What’s trending rankers: See what’s most popular right now with fellow iHeartRadio listeners across Top Podcasts, Top Playlists, and Top Artist Radio stations. It also highlights features that are trending on the streaming service.
Lyrics: See lyrics for the song you are listening to on live radio. There’s also a karaoke-style lyrics display for tracks on artist radio and playlists.
The iHeartRadio app has more than 167 million registered users, and is available on over 500 platforms and over 2,000 different connected devices. It has been downloaded 3 billion times.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.