Native Voice, an on-demand voice assistant library that enables users to communicate directly by voice with their favorite brands, announced today a product collaboration with iHeartMedia to offer direct access to the nation’s largest library of live and on-demand music, radio and podcast content via voice. Early next year, anyone with a Skull-iQ enabled Skullcandy device (Grind, Grind Fuel, Push Active) can simply say “Hey iHeart” for immediate, hands-free access to iHeartRadio’s expansive world of content without having to download the iHeart app.
The service provides access to free artist-radio stations from iHeartRadio – users will simply say, “Hey iHeart, play Dua Lipa radio” to enjoy instant streaming of their favorite artist station. Or users might say, “Hey iHeart, play 102.7 KIIS FM” to stream local live radio and connect with their community. Over time, users will also be able to select music by mood or genre and play the podcasts they know and love.
“We are on a mission to free everyone to do more with direct and seamless access to the most delightful and valuable voice experiences, and our partnership with iHeartMedia is another example of how Native Voice is fulfilling that mission,” said John Goscha, CEO of Native Voice. “The time is right for voice and we’re excited to be partnering with category-leading brands that want to offer fast and easy access to their content and connect directly with their customers where they are.”
This partnership is another example of Native Voice’s ongoing commitment to making life simpler by connecting users with brands’ voice assistants, and all the help they have to offer. And by doing so, improving the bond between consumers and the brands they love through voice. Simply put, Native Voice enables everyone to do more with direct and seamless access to the most responsive and valuable voice experiences. For companies that don’t have a voice assistant, Native Voice works with them to define a voice experience and distribution plan.
“We are thrilled to partner with iHeartMedia to launch a branded voice experience where users will be able to ask for an artist, genre, radio station and location, or podcasts, without having to touch their phone,” said Katie McMahon, President and COO at Native Voice. “It’s an exciting time for voice recognition, where end users get exactly what they’re looking for while saving time and reducing friction. And most importantly, users don’t have to pull out their phone to touch, type or swipe, minimizing the time-suck that’s so common with mobile phones.”
2022 has been a year of tremendous growth for Native Voice. Back in July, the company announced at Alexa Live that their technology will be deployed on Skullcandy devices for the first time, providing hands-free access to multiple branded voice assistants, including Alexa. As a result, Push Active and the Grind Series will become the first Skullcandy devices to feature both Alexa and the Skullcandy assistant simultaneously, and now, iHeartRadio.
“As the number one audio company in the United States, iHeartMedia is excited to partner with Native Voice to provide easy access to our unparalleled stable of live and on-demand content using voice,” said John Vermeer, EVP of Digital Distribution and Platform Partnerships for iHeartMedia. “Whether it be accessing live and local radio stations or the most listened-to library of podcasts, offering our users an exceptional experience is our top priority. Native Voice is a pioneer in this space, delivering truly hands-free listening and we can’t wait to offer yet another way to meet listeners where they are with the services they expect.
The Native Voice/iHeartMedia integration on Skull-iQ enabled Skullcandy devices will be rolled out in early Q1 2023. Any existing user of Skullcandy earbuds that are Skull-iQ enabled will be able to add “Hey iHeart” to their earbuds for an instant update, at no cost.
About Native Voice
Native Voice allows users to get more done using just their voice to unlock multiple voice assistants, like Alexa and Siri, and the brands that are developing their own branded voice assistants. Founded in 2020 by John Goscha, Native Voice enables voice technology to remove the friction between consumer needs and brand solutions by delivering multi-voice connectivity that is accessible across all owned products. To learn more about Native Voice, go to www.nativevoice.ai.
About iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 90% of Americans every month, and has a portfolio of unmatched consumer brands and industry-leading events. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have more consumer reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled reach of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next four podcast publishers combined; has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand; and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
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