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Apples and Oranges: Amazon moves into the Apple TV space
Those of us who have been waiting for an Amazon Prime channel to finally show up on their Apple TV now have an explanation as to why it never arrived. Today Amazon introduced FireTV (US $99), an Amazon set-top box that seems perfectly situated to compete with Apple TV. Amazon cited a 350% growth in their video streaming service as their basis for entering this market. With a quad-core processor, a dedicated GPU, and 2GB of onboard RAM, the new unit's specifications compare extremely favorably against both Apple's latest unit as well as Roku. Standout features include enhanced "MIMO dual-band WiFi", a slick user interface, built-in Karaoke, and voice search. The box is about the same form factor as an Apple TV, with a small but much more solid-looking remote. The unit will offer many of the same channels, or "apps" in the Amazon parlance. These include Netflix, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, SHO Anytime, Bloomberg, and Vevo. Streaming music services including Pandora and iHeart Radio should follow soon after launch. A feature called "X-Ray" will provide additional details about what you're watching as you watch it. This extra information is delivered to your Kindle Fire HDX tablet for tight product-line integration. There's also some sort of AirPlay equivalent on offer for watching slideshows of your tablet- and cloud-based photo collections. Apple has to be taking notice of Amazon's latest move. From the Kindle to the TV, Amazon is striding boldly into an arena of consumer content that Apple first pioneered with iTunes and Apple TV. If anyone can transform content delivery from a hobby to a business, Amazon can. FireTV's easier interaction style and spoken commands (yes, I struggle with entering text on Apple TV -- especially when I have to re-enter my WiFi network password) should set a new bar for streaming set top. Apparently there's even a mic built into the remote. I found the interface screenshots to be cleaner than the somewhat confusing menu system I currently see on my Apple TV unit.They're full of bright clear images that feel like a well thought out, navigable system -- and probably a bit of a WiFi hog. So how will Apple react? Certainly that $99 price point for Apple TV has got to give or the Apple unit needs a major refresh. If Apple intends to stay in this "hobby", I would expect an interface overhaul and perhaps some Siri support to stay competitive. I also would think they'd need to open a third party SDK, the way that Amazon will with its open HTML and Android ecosystem. At launch, you'll be able to download and play Minecraft, The Walking Dead, Monsters University, the Amazon exclusive Sev Zero -- all on your TV.
Qualcomm's AllPlay wireless streaming adds iHeartRadio, Panasonic and Altec Lansing to its list of partners
Though Qualcomm introduced the AllPlay wireless streaming technology at its Uplinq conference in San Diego four months ago, it wasn't ready for OEMs and app developers to start incorporating into their products. That ends today, however, with the official commercial availability of the AllPlay smart media platform. Several companies have already committed themselves to the standard, like Grooveshark, Tune-In, Rhapsody, iHeartRadio, Panasonic and Altec Lansing, with more on the way. A key factor in AllPlay's platform is Qualcomm's new smart audio module -- which has an Atheros 2x2 dual-band WiFi SoC -- that manufacturers can simply pop in their existing offerings and have it instantly be AllPlay-friendly. Today's announcement also includes the release of AllPlay's Click SDK so that developers can start integrating AllPlay functionality into their Android and iOS apps. As a brief reminder, AllPlay is an audio-streaming solution based on Qualcomm's AllJoyn connectivity framework. It's thus designed to be open source, promising universal interoperability among software and hardware that adhere to the AllPlay protocol. That means AllPlay devices should play well with compatible apps and vice versa. Thanks to a Party mode feature, you can play different songs on different speakers throughout the house and have separate volume controls for each. Other goodies include support for a variety of different audio codecs (MP3, AAC, AAC+, FLAC and WAV just to name a few) and DLNA support. "We prefer the analog approach of interoperability," says Sy Choudhury, senior director of product management for Qualcomm. Either consumers have to buy into a single company, or they have to settle for something like stereo Bluetooth, which Choudhury says doesn't offer high enough audio quality. "Snapdragon allowed a lot more interoperability and smaller OEMs to join the mobile market ... we're trying to do the same with the home audio industry." As for just when we'll see the first consumer device with AllPlay, that remains to be seen, but it seems like we should expect a few by the end of 2014.
iHeartRadio for Android updated with local news, traffic and weather updates and lock screen controls
iHeartRadio, the streaming service that brings your local radio stations with you wherever you go, has updated its Android app today, and the fresh code brings some handy new features along. The most useful improvement is undoubtedly the new mini player that grants access to playback controls from both lock screens and notifications drawers, so users can pause, play and make volume adjustments without diving into the full app. Along with that bit of convenience, it also delivers local news, traffic and weather updates inside user-created custom stations, and iHeartRadio Talk show pages are accessible from within the app, too. Want the new goodies? They're waiting for you at the source below.
Facebook's one-click login coming to Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 apps
Android and iOS users have long been using their Facebook account for single click logging in to apps, and soon Windows 8 and Windows Phone users will be able to do the same. While the feature's is still in its early stages (on WP8, it's still in beta) Microsoft has announced that Foursquare, Adobe (Revel, Photoshop Express) and iHeartRadio are the first to get in on the action. Similar to Facebook Login on other platforms, using it will make it easier to share content from within the app, and connect your account info without punching in the credentials yet again. Foursquare will post your check-ins, the Adobe apps will let you upload photos easily, and you can share the station you're listening to on iHeartRadio. Facebook users will probably want to keep an eye on their privacy settings to avoid oversharing, while holdouts from the social network can remain assured that Microsoft's own account system is still positioned as the primary way to log in on the platform.
iHeartRadio launches on BlackBerry 10
You may have moved to a brand-new BlackBerry, but you won't have to give up the traditional sounds of iHeartRadio -- Clear Channel has released a port of the streaming app for BlackBerry 10 devices. It largely keeps pace with versions for other platforms, including Perfect For mood matching as well as the usual choices of live and customized stations. Provided you live in a US territory, you can download the BB10 edition at the source link.
iHeartRadio keeps Android users in mind, boosts app with 'Perfect for' and alarm clock features
This year's CES is well behind us now, but that was back when iHeartRadio first introduced some extensive alarm clock functions and its handy "Perfect for" feature. And while these have been available on iOS and PC since, a recent update to the Android application will now see them present in Mountain View's mobile platform as well. To give you a quick refresh, "Perfect for" provides listeners with the option to choose from more than 1,500 curated stations that are based on current moods and activities, while the alarm clock simply allows reminders / alerts to be customized to launch with any music or radio stations. So, Android users, fret not, as iHeartRadio hasn't forgotten about you; perhaps it was just making sure the new tidbits were -- you guessed it -- perfect for you.
iHeartRadio slips local news into streams, hopefully without the used car ads
The advent of internet radio let many of us tune into music we never would have heard without packing our bags for a trip. However, it often keeps us isolated from events just outside our door -- a disconnect that Clear Channel wants to end through its newly launched Add-Ins for iHeartRadio streams. Check the right boxes and hourly local news, traffic and weather will appear between tracks, whether for the nearest city or a manually chosen favorite. Add-Ins don't have much mystery involved as a result, but they could keep us grounded in the real world... minus some of the all-too-real commercials.
Record labels laugh at Apple's proposed royalty rate for streaming service
The New York Post has an exclusive today about Apple's attempts to get rights from record labels for a proposed music streaming service, which are apparently falling on deaf ears because its offer is "seen as way too cheap." A high-level executive at one label told the Post that "Apple wants a rate that is lower than Pandora's," and the numbers don't lie. Pandora currently pays a royalty of US$0.12 per 100 songs streamed; Apple's initial offer was about 6 cents per 100 songs streamed. Spotify currently pays the highest royalty rates at about 35 cents per 100 songs streamed, and the Post notes that music label insiders think that Apple should pay at least 21 cents per 100 songs. That's the rate set by the Copyright Royalty Board for companies that don't own broadcast operations. The Apple streaming service, which is rumored to be named iRadio, is expected to be ad-supported and was widely expected to be available at the launch of the iPhone 5 last fall. A source for the Post said, "Everyone's had their initial meetings and everyone is preparing counters." Hopefully Apple will be able to iron out the details before the next iPhone is ready to roll. [via MacRumors]
iHeartRadio coming to Chrysler and GM autos, iHeartAuto for aftermarket devices launches
iHeartRadio isn't limiting its CES announcements to mobile and PC wares. The internet streaming service is heading to Chrysler Uconnect and 2014 GM infotainment systems. Soon, the company's library of 1,500 channels will be available in-dash with mobile app compatibility for further fine-tuning with Chrysler's Uconnect Access software on Android and iOS handsets. In addition to the manufacturer news, iHeartRadio has also teamed up with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment to bring the iHeartAuto app for aftermarket vehicle gadgets. This software will allow standardized tools for devs and easy implementation for manufacturers. As of today, support for Clarion Smart Access, Pioneer's AppRadio platform and Kenwood's DNN990HD receiver is now available. For a bit more info on both of the happenings, take a look at the full PR that resides below.
iHeartRadio tailors streaming to mood with 'Perfect For,' adds alarm for good measure
Looking to stream tunes based on your mood without the need to make a meticulous selection? If so, iHeartRadio is looking to oblige. The internet music service has announced the "Perfect For" feature that allows you to tailor your stream from over 1,500 live stations by selecting your current temperament or activity. Following the announcement at CES today, the add-on will be available for iPhone and PC with compatibility for other devices arriving shortly. In addition to the listening tool, the outfit has added alarm functionality for early morning wake-up calls and reminders to keep your schedule in check. This means that your tunes on those difficult Monday mornings can now reflect just how awful the end of the weekend really is. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
iHeartRadio hearts Ouya; U4iA crafting 'Offensive Combat' port
Beyond its use as an Android-based gaming console, and its use as an OnLive streaming device, Ouya is also a radio, apparently. iHeartRadio announced its intention to partner with Ouya this morning via Kickstarter, which will bring the usual selection of iHeartRadio functionality to the $99 console (streaming actual radio stations, creating custom stations, etc.). For non-US streamers, don't fret! Ouya says it is "actively reaching out to international partners as well."Also of note, iOS/Android first-person shooter Offensive Combat is headed to the Ouya. Developer U4iA said of the news, "Given that consoles are so expensive and face an uncertain future, Ouya stands out as the perfect example of an afford home-entertainment platform created specifically for core gamers like us." CEO Dusty Welch also said he "can't wait to bring all-new games in the Offensive Combat universe to the Ouya platform." Whoa Dusty, slow down there!Ouya's Kickstarter page is just five days away from completion, and as of this writing has approximately $6.5 million accrued. That is well over its original $950K goal.
Toyota sends out free Entune upgrade, adds three apps and voice control
Got a Toyota with Entune? Then keep an eye on your mailbox. We're getting word that a free upgrade has started to be sent out to customers. The refresh adds some of the apps we first heard about back in January last year: iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com and OpenTable. As well as being able to enjoy more radio, book movie tickets and restaurant tables, a new voice recognition update means you can do even more while keeping your eyes on the road. Toyota says that it'll be upgrading most models, if you want to know for sure, tap up the more coverage link for the breakdown. [Thanks, Nate]
Hands-on with new NPR and SYNC Destinations via AppLink
Sadly Ford wouldn't let us rest our rumps in the sexy Evos concept, but we did get a chance to shout some commands at its updated SYNC system and play with a few of the new apps. A rep was kind enough to give us a quick demo of the updated SYNC Destinations app, as well as the newly compatible NPR and IHeartRadio apps for the iPhone. Then we were allowed to climb in the driver's seat of the mid-life crisis red 2013 Mustang GT. Last time we played with AppLink it was on a simple, monochrome screen, had just three apps available and things didn't go smoothly. In the year since, the lineup has grown significantly and now it's on a big, color touchscreen. But, more importantly, it worked pretty much flawlessly (only stumbling briefly over the word "Nevada"). In particular we really enjoyed the ability to pull up any NPR station we wanted -- we were getting a little home sick for WNYC. Head after the break to see it in action.
Microsoft launches YouTube, TMZ, FiOS TV apps and many more on the Xbox 360 today
For those of you in the Xbox 360 Dashboard preview program, some of this stuff is old hat, but for the rest of us today's launch of a dozen new applications on the Dashboard is all brand new. Beyond the addition of YouTube, FiOS TV, and TMZ (can we give that one back?), Xbox 360 users get access to MSNBC content, iHeartRadio (actual radio!), and a handful of other services starting today. Though we expected as much, certain services are region-specific and will only be available to certain audiences (Rogers On Demand only exists in Canada, for instance, as it's a Canadian cable provider). Head past the break for the official list, regions and all.
Xbox Live streaming iHeartRadio music festival this weekend
You like live music, right? Of course you do; who in their right mind could possibly hate live music? Well, you can gorge yourself on this weekend's iHeartRadio music festival, which will be streaming in HD on Xbox 360 through a partnership with Clear Channel Radio. Held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, iHeartRadio will feature dozens of what the kids call "fresh acts," including Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Jane's Addiction, Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, The Black Eyed Peas, Steven Tyler, Nicki Minaj and many more. iHeartRadio kicks off this Friday and runs through Saturday -- all Silver and Gold members will be able to access the HD stream through a special pane on the Xbox 360 Dashboard.
Daily iPhone App: IHeartRadio
Clear Channel is a huge force in radio. When the Telecommunications Act of 1996 opened up radio ownership, Clear Channel Communications scooped up several stations in most big markets, consolidating power. The company also has a spinoff called Live Nation, which is among the biggest event and ticket promoters in the world (currently in a merger with Ticketmaster). In other words, Clear Channel runs the show when it comes to radio and music events. And that's essentially why the iHeartRadio app is so important -- it's Clear Channel's official hook into iOS. Most of the company's stations offer live streams within the app, along with song information and other updates. A recent update lets users create custom "stations," similar to Pandora. Unfortunately, those features require a login through Facebook. The service itself isn't bad, but given just how many honeypots Clear Channel has its hands in, some users aren't exactly comfortable with passing over more private information. That said, if the station you're looking for is available in the app, this is essentially the only way to get it streaming on the iPhone, so this one is pretty much your choice. And there is something to be said for Clear Channel's clout: the company is hosting a huge music festival in Las Vegas later on this month, all centered around this iHeartRadio brand. With the company's access, the custom stations on this app have access to plenty of different music choices and songs you might not hear elsewhere. It's just too bad the iHeartRadio app is part of the big Clear Channel empire -- something that's crushed a lot of local radio markets (and hearts) in the past. The iHeartRadio app is now available for free in the App Store.
Pandora's song-finding flair comes to Spotify, IHeartRadio via separate initiatives
Ruh roh. That's the sound emanating from Pandora's stock price, which has taken a serious beating in the wake of two separate announcements in the past week. First off, Clear Channel and Echo Nest have teamed up to produce a self-proclaimed "Pandora killer," with a new technology enabling IHeartRadio users to build out customized radio stations right on the app. As you'd expect, folks will be able to construct a custom playlist "based off the selection of a single seed song or artist, both online and on mobile phones," and it'll be featured when the app relaunches in beta form this week. In related news, Echo Nest has also concocted a Pandora-esque streaming radio feature for use in the Spotify app; it's a gem called Echofi, and if you surf down to the source link, you'll be able to give it a whirl. Type in a single artist, mash go, and watch as Spotify is launched and related music is spun until you decide you've heard enough. Here's to competition... right?
AirPlay-enabled Music Tap systems touted by Pioneer, free us from living room control
Had your eye on an AirPlay accessory for your iPhone or iPod touch? Well, Pioneer is looking to help you pull the trigger on one. The company has announced a new set of AirPlay Music Tap systems that enable access to your music library without being chained to a peripheral. By connecting one of these bad boys to your home WiFi or ethernet network, you'll be able to access your entire iTunes library in various locations throughout your home -- 'course, having Apple's free Remote app will ensure maximum utility. Other features include a 2.5-inch full-color LCD display, Pandora, iHeartRadio, vTuner internet radio and Air Jam, which allows for playlist sharing on your arsenal of the company's Music Tap systems. When this pair drops in October, you'll have your choice of the X-SMC-3-S for $400 or the more dapper, bluetooth-enabled X-SMC4-Elite for $480. You can take a peek at the Elite, along with the full PR, after the break.
Pioneer AppRadio brings apps, iPhone connectivity to your dash
If Pioneer's AppRadio (SPH-DA01) ever sees the light of day, it'll join a long list of integrated and aftermarket products trying to play off of the iPhone's success. According to CrunchGear (and its anonymous tipster), the FCC-leaked device boasts a 6.1-inch touchscreen and built-in apps, along with a USB port for accessing content (and presumably, the data connection) on your iOS 4.1 devices. We imagine the hardware to be similar to the 6.1-inch AVIC-X930BT that Pioneer announced at CES, including Bluetooth connectivity, a microSD card slot, and GPS functionality, in addition to an AM/FM radio and single-disc CD player. iPhone connectivity really sets this receiver apart, along with the inclusion of additional apps, such as Pandora and iHeartRadio, with the possibility of adding more apps in the future as well. We're incredibly skeptical about the device's GUI having any basis on the mockup image above, but if graphics are anything like those on the models we saw at CES, we don't expect to be disappointed either.
JVC KW-NT30HD / 50HDT navigation systems offer iPhone-controlled HD radio
JVC's new in-dash GPS navigation systems won't whisper soothing reassurances in your ear when traffic gets bad, but they can offer some easy listening (if you're into that sort of thing) for your daily commute. The KW-NT50HDT and KW-NT30HD, which JVC debuted at CES 2011, sport 6.1-inch displays and come equipped with HD radio and iPhone connectivity via USB. Using ClearChannel's iheartradio app, you can view song and artist information and scan channels from either the navigation device or the iPhone. The NT50HDT also comes with a free lifetime subscription to the Total Traffic HD+ Network, which provides data like traffic reports, news, and weather information. Both devices come equipped with WAAS navigation, map coverage of all 50 US states, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico, and voice guidance in English, French, and Spanish. The musically inclined navigators hit the market in March, with the NT30HD running $1,000 and the NT50HDT coming in at $1,200.
