Google Nest has been integrated with RadioApp, the commercial radio industry’s official aggregator radio app, further expanding Australian radio’s accessibility across digital devices.
 
Now, more than 350 Australian AM, FM and DAB+ digital radio stations, including all commercial radio, ABC and SBS stations, are available via voice command on Google Nest speakers and displays.
 

Consumers have increased their consumption of radio via smart phones, smart speakers and podcasts in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
 
CRA chief executive officer Joan Warner said early figures showed there had been a lift in the number of Australians listening to radio via the industry’s RadioApp as well as a strong increase in podcast listening.
 

Analysis from Steve Ahern

Last week came the announcement that the CRA and would be joining the BBC and NAB to put radio front and centre in car audio with DTS Connected Radio.
 
All in Media (AIM), part of the Xperi family, will assist in the development and radioinfo was able to ask AIM’s Senior Digital Producer, Richard Phelps, for his views on the development and on where the current state of play sits.

 
The Australian radio industry’s RadioApp has been updated to support Apple’s new Siri Shortcuts feature, meaning listeners can now ask the virtual assistant to play any of the 280 Australian radio stations on the app straight from the lock screen.

The update of the radio streaming app coincides with the release of Apple’s new iOS 12 operating system and three new iPhones, the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and the iPhone XR.

Opinion from Steve Ahern

 The radio industry’s RadioApp is now available via Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto, allowing consumers to stream more than 250 Australian radio stations in the car.

The release of the latest version of the free app allows users to easily view and play their favourite radio stations through their car’s infotainment system.  

Users will also be able to view a list of nearby radio stations based on their location, making it perfect for road trips.