Native Voice Announces Hands-Free Access to iHeartMedia Audio Content

Native Voice, an on-demand voice assistant platform 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 in 2023, 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.

NPR and Edison Research released its annual Smart Audio Report, showcasing voice technology trends in the US. The 2022 Report highlights the increased usage of voice technology, with 35% of Americans 18+ now owning a smart speaker. In 2022, 62% of Americans 18+ use a voice assistant on any device – smart speakers, smartphones, TV remotes, in-car systems, a computer/laptop, and tablets. While suggesting growth, the report also shows adoption and usage is stalling.

New data from the latest installment of The Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research confirms that smart speaker adoption continues to grow in the U.S. with 60M adults A18+ (24% of the population) now owning a smart speaker. And with spoken word audio listening up 20% from 2014, cutting into time spent with music, it's clear the audio landscape is changing dramatically – driven by technology advancements and content preferences alike.

SoundHound, the voice-enabled AI platform and conversational intelligence technology company, announced a new integration with iHeartRadio to bring its audio content to SoundHound’s Hound app and Houndify voice AI platform. Through the partnership, Hound and Houndify users will have access to iHeartRadio’s free offerings including Live Radio (U.S. only), Artist Radio (U.S. only), and Podcasts (available globally except the U.K.).

Audioburst Auto is an app created for the Android Auto platform, designed to provide expertly curated playlists, a personalized news feed, and search capabilities to drivers. Having until now promoted the platform and API for developers, Audioburst Auto is the company's first consumer-oriented product. All features are built using Audioburst’s own short-format approach and are completely accessible via voice commands.