stitcher
Latest
Deezer bets podcasts will make its music service better
Deezer's streaming service may not have a reputation in the US to match others like Spotify, Beats and Rdio, but the "first truly worldwide digital music streaming service" is expanding by acquring the podcast app Stitcher. The company tells TechCrunch that about 1 million people are using Stitcher currently, and with 39 million Americans having tuned into a podcast in the last month (hmm, that's an interesting stat, we'll have to send that up the ladder) it figures there's a need for that along with music. Also playing into the deal is Stitcher's work on car integration, where it claims integration in 50 models, plus support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On its own Deezer is already some 16 million users strong across 180 countries, with 5 million paying subscribers. According to the website, Deezer's official US launch is still "coming soon," but interested listeners can tune in now by buying Bose or Sonos. As for Stitcher, in a blog post it says "Don't worry, we're not going anywhere", and that users will be able to continue on with the service like they always have.
Stitcher adds car mode to iOS app, encourages responsible driving
Stitcher just announced a new car mode for the iPhone version of its radio and podcasting app, bringing a simplified interface that works in both portrait and landscape positions. Accessible by tapping the Stitcher logo at the top of the screen, car mode offers a pared-down version of the app's standard UI, with bigger buttons and only the essential audio controls. It's nowhere near as flashy as Stitcher's BMW integration, mind you, but the point is to keep your eyes on the road and off your iPhone's screen. The app gets a few other updates this time around: a front page with top headlines, one-tap access to shows and podcasts you're searching for and improved playback when you're picking up in the middle of a show. Head to the source link below to give the app a spin, and drive safely!
Stitcher browser plugins for Chrome and Firefox now available
Stitcher has lived comfortably on the web since late October, but now the audio streaming experience is expanding its territory with browser plugins. On Chrome, the freshly announced add-on offers quick access to the full-fledged HTML 5 app, while on Firefox it also serves up play and skip buttons to control audio, along with information about what's currently playing. Itching to nab the extension for the web-based Stitcher? Hit the source links below for the downloads.
Stitcher overhauls its Android app to dovetail with Google's interface world (update: new iOS feature)
Stitcher's Android app can do many things with radio and podcasts, but one thing it hasn't done lately is blend in -- its interface is out of sync with a platform that has had its own distinct style for more than two years. A major remake today helps make amends. The new Stitcher app relies on the Action Bar and overall concepts of Holo-native apps for input, simplifying things for anyone who's comfortable with Ice Cream Sandwich or Jelly Bean -- and more than a little prettier, we'd add. It's more than just eye candy, though. The Android build now has a dedicated Smart Station to listen to recommendations, browsing that keeps interruptions to a minimum and Jelly Bean-specific playback controls in notifications. While there's no fundamental changes that would lure someone who's wedded to a single-purpose app, the Stitcher refresh could be worth a look if previous versions ever felt like strangers on Google's turf. Update: Not long afterwards, Stitcher has updated its iOS app to add Topic Search, which lets listeners find shows covering specific topics, even drilling down to exact show segments.
Stitcher keeps the news flowing for desktop users with new web-based app
Stitcher is already a heavy hitter in the world of mobile apps, but users will now find their favorite radio shows and podcasts are accessible from the desktop. Today, the company announced an HTML5 version of its popular app that's optimized for all of the major browsers. Upon login, Stitcher users will discover their existing favorites for on-demand listening, playback controls at the bottom of the screen, along with Stitcher's discovery and sharing tools. While still in beta, the service is integrated between the desktop and mobile platforms, which lets users resume listening from wherever they left off, regardless of the device or platform. If you want to see more of what's in store, feel free to check the gallery below, or simply follow the source link to start listening for yourself. %Gallery-169910%
Stitcher updates its iOS app with offline mode for data-free radio
Stitcher is all about giving the people what they want and, only days after introducing its popular lists, it's back with an offline mode for its iOS apps. Despite boasting one of the smallest data footprints in the streaming game (0.2MB per minute), you can now download over 10,000 radio shows for unconnected listening. Beware -- the app will automatically update the shows on your custom stations, so if you plan on using it to save that precious data for other things, make sure to set it to only pull over WiFi. Along with that major enhancement, there's a new comments system and other improvements in Facebook sharing, searching and AirPlay compatibility. The PR says the update is live, but iTunes disagrees, so you'll have to wait a little longer before going off-grid.
Stitcher List burrows into Radio app, gets you in the loop quicker
Like web peanut butter, the Stitcher List site is a tasty way to find popular radio streams but was begging to be stirred into the chocolate of the main Stitcher Radio app. Luckily, that confection is now done and can be downloaded in iOS or Android flavors from each platform's store. The list addition lets you see popular podcasts or streams ranked in their category's top 50; new programs trending fast; and the most popular shows on social media. All that will work together with the main app, which serves up internet radio choices based on your personal fancies -- and of course, will still let your friends admire your software-enhanced sense of taste via Twitter.
Stitcher adds Smart Station to its redesigned iOS and Android apps, makes finding Radiolab even easier
Stitcher has redesigned its streaming radio app for iOS and Android, fitting it with a raft of new features to make finding new content easy. Smart Station offers personalized recommendations to let you hop between shows you'll enjoy, while album art will now display on your lock screen as you enjoy the latest Fresh Air. The company has also included a sleep timer to help you nod off and sharing has been redesigned to let you fling shows at your friends over Twitter. Both versions are available right now on each platform's respective app store, ready for the next time you need to be informed about the topics of the day.
Stitcher Radio debuts The Stitcher List, a new way to discover podcasts worth listening to
If you like to remain informed and entertained while on-the-go, you're no doubt familiar with the deluge of live radio broadcasts and on-demand podcasts accessible from your smartphone -- the selection is awesome, but it can also be a bit intimidating. Now, the creators of Stitcher are looking to bring a bit of insight to the discovery process with a new service known as The Stitcher List. Here, users may browse 15 different categories to find weekly updates of trending shows, along with the most popular and the most shared broadcasts of the week. The Stitcher List is set to go live on the company's website today, and the wheels are already in motion to integrate it with Stitcher's multi-platform smartphone apps. So, if you've been meaning to find a reason to untangle those earbuds, consider this your sign.
BMW launches Stitcher integration at SXSW (hands-on video)
BMW announced today at SXSW that it's teaming up with Stitcher to integrate the popular iPhone app's on-demand streaming functionality into vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps and Mini Connected technologies. We ran into BMW's Robert Passaro in the halls of Austin's Convention Center and he was kind enough to give us an exclusive demo of Stitcher inside a lovely BMW 650i convertible ahead of today's launch. Most of the iPhone app's features are available using the vehicle's infotainment system, including the ability to search, provide feedback ("More Like This" and "Listeners Also Like"), and create / remove custom stations -- album art is even displayed in high-resolution alongside show information. Take a look at our gallery below, then watch us tune Stitcher into the Engadget Mobile Podcast right from the BMW's center console in our hands-on video after the break.
Updated 6/3: Weber's On The Grill, Glympse, Bump, Stitcher Radio, WebEx
iOS App Store updates this morning: Weber's On the Grill: additional language support Bump: Faster photo uploads Glympse: Redesigned favorites view & more favorites features. Stitcher: Support for the Ford Sync radio. Cisco WebEx: Support for WebEx Beta sites. Hit your app updates in iTunes to download these & any other apps that are ready for you!
Buick, GMC getting IntelliLink smartphone connectivity
Back in February, General Motors debuted its MyLink smartphone integration for the Chevy Volt and Equinox on the Engadget Show, letting drivers control their iOS, Android, and BlackBerry smartphone apps via voice or touchscreen. The company announced today that it will be offering the same technology -- albeit rebranded as the tongue-twisting IntelliLink -- on several 2012 Buick and GMC models, including the Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Verano, and the GMC Terrain. IntelliLink offers up a fairly similar feature set as its Chevy counterpart -- connecting to iPhones and Android handsets via Bluetooth or USB, and leveraging Nuance voice recognition and Gracenote databases to control the likes of Pandora and Stitcher Radio. Autoblog reports that IntelliLink will hit the Buick Verano first, followed by the LaCrosse and Regal, though you might be more interested in the Terrain -- owners will also be able to control their vehicle's rear-view camera with IntelliLink, and who doesn't like manipulating megapixels in the name of pedestrian safety?
Stitcher 2.0, now with 100% more TUAW
In our discussions of radio apps for the iPhone we've briefly mentioned Stitcher, a great app for accessing a wide variety of audio programs on the go. In fact, Stitcher has been kind enough to add our TUAW Talkcast in the app and on their site (where you can stream via your browser). Stitcher is currently available for the iPhone and several of the latest BlackBerry models, although the Storm version is still pending. I've been using Stitcher 2 for a while, and if you're a news junkie, you will be pleased.Check the gallery for a screen-by-screen analysis, but here are some winning points for Stitcher: A large library of podcasts. Why listen via Stitcher? Well, you can get them on the go and you don't have to download them. A library of headlines -- posts read aloud from sites like TechCrunch and Macworld. It might seem silly to some, but for commuters it's a great way to hear what your favorite sites are writing about. Even more content from people like NPR, MSNBC, Fox News, Slate, CNN, The Onion and many others. A "station" model like Pandora. The idea is to "stitch" together a station of the stuff you like. Maybe you like a little offbeat humor, a little financial news and then wind down with Engadget headlines. Stitcher can do that. Stitcher is also pretty good at recommending content, so it becomes a discovery tool (again, like Pandora). The pre-configured stations are excellent and grouped around content. One of note: Short Attention Span -- all shows are under 3 minutes. You can choose to enable an account with Stitcher, providing a connected experience from the web to your iPhone. The app itself has a history feature (handy and underrated), an excellent search function and a way to favorite stations. Since Stitcher has a web presence, you're also able to get alerts via email or SMS when fresh content arrives. You can set this for any station or broadcast. Stitcher [iTunes link] is free, setting up an account is free, and all the content is free, so you won't lose anything by trying it out. While you do, be sure to check out the TUAW Talkcast on Stitcher and Engadget's headlines. %Gallery-63770%
