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.
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Stitcher Unveils Offline Mode for Anywhere, Anytime Listening
Leading Streaming Service Updates iOS Apps to also Include Improved Facebook Sharing and Airplay Integration
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – September 9, 2012 – Stitcher, the mobile leader in on-demand news, entertainment, sports and talk radio, today released an "offline mode" update enabling anytime, anywhere listening for its iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad apps. Listeners can now seamlessly access and discover the best of over 10,000 shows at work, at the gym, anywhere, regardless of cellular or WiFi connectivity.
A recent survey of Stitcher listeners found that 38 percent prefer offline listening to protect against potential mobile data overages. The ability to listen offline is critical on the go, as the majority of listeners tune in away from home during their daily commutes, workouts, travels and at the office, with 38 percent of listeners indicating they will listen offline in the car, 23 percent when flying and 15 percent when traveling abroad.
"Our goal is to make on-demand radio more accessible than ever," said Noah Shanok, CEO of Stitcher. "Our most requested feature, offline mode, solves the biggest obstacle to listening on the go or when users would prefer to use Wi-Fi and conserve mobile data usage."
The update brings several new features to Stitcher along with key improvements, including:
Offline Mode – Listen to any of your custom stations in offline mode. Stitcher automatically updates in the background, ensuring episodes are always up to date. You can set Stitcher to update via WiFi only to conserve your cellular data. The app displays the amount of storage used, and saved shows can be deleted with one tap.
Comments – Make your listening experience more interactive. See what other people are saying about your favorite episodes and join the conversation.
Easier Sharing to Facebook – Keep the sharing alive with pre-populated show descriptions, sources and a bigger comment box.
Improved Search – It's even easier to search for past episodes on iPad.
Improved AirPlay and connected device integration – Stitcher will always pass show information to iPod/iPhone compatible devices and AirPlay.
Key usability improvements and crash fixes – Stitcher is more reliable and intuitive, with improvements to make searching and playing shows even easier.
The updated Stitcher app is available now for all iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad devices and can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.
