As many of you know, we’ve seen a big uptick in iOS (iPhone and iPad) listening since release of our 2.0 version of that app last October. At the time, iOS comprised 22% of our total hours streamed. Ten months on, in August, iOS has jumped to represent 49% of our hours streamed.
However, listening on Android hasn’t seen as much of a shift. Last October, Android chalked up 9% of our hours streamed; last month, it just tipped 10%. So we’re making a big investment in Android, and Martin Marconcini joined us in the spring to help take things to the next level.
In October, we’ll be releasing our 3.0 version of the Android app, and it’s going to be hot. However, there’s some cool features we wanted to introduce sooner, and so we released 8tracks v2.2.10 last week.
Google+ sign in
We like Google+ and know it’s a first class citizen in the Android world. So we went ahead and added Google+ sign in, giving you an alternative to Facebook.
Bluetooth, Home Screen Widget & Remote Control
Many listeners requested we support these features again, so they could control 8tracks from supported devices. While this will run 8tracks in the background, it’s by design — that’s the Android way! (Note that what runs in the background is small and only controls the above features.)
—
If you’re on an Android phone, come get 8tracks v2.2.10 in the Google Play store!
It’d be awesome if there was a feature where you could listen to a select few playlists offline, as well. I want to download this app but don’t want to run up my 3g usage 😦
LikeLike
Hi Charlotte! Our licenses don’t allow for this, but if affordable, we may look into this as part of a relatively inexpensive (say $3-4) subscription option next year.
LikeLike
How about for windows phone users? Is it available too?
LikeLike
Yep, developed by our close friend Paul, called Mixtapes: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/mixtapes/a059e6b8-c3c8-4131-a198-737bb5314a3a
LikeLike
Is there any discussion of allowing collections to be accessed on the mobile apps?
LikeLike
Yes, we’ll be allowing listener to access and add to Collections in Android 3.0 out in Nov!
LikeLike
I’m guessing in this case then that collections for iOS won’t be far behind?
LikeLike
iOS 3.0, including collections, should be out a couple of weeks prior to Android 3.0.
LikeLike
Any news on when this update will be released?
LikeLike
December, in time for the holidays!
LikeLike
Is there anything on the way to add chromecast support for 8tracks? That would be really neat!
LikeLike
Yes, we’ll be adding support for Chromecast on Android in the near future.
LikeLike
Any word on the update?
LikeLike
What’s the latest on the update?
LikeLike
We had to push back release but hope to have Android 3.0 out in Jan/Feb.
LikeLike
I’m testing the new Android app in pre-alpha on my phone right now. We’ll probably be soliciting beta testers on Facebook when it nears feature-complete status.
LikeLike
Any updates on a targeted release date for Chromecast support?
LikeLike
Thanks for checking in! Right now, we’re focusing on releasing version 3 of the Android app. We’ve got Chromecast support on our agenda for after we release the app.
LikeLike
what are the updates on the release on android 3.0
LikeLike
Any momentum on the subscription idea?
LikeLike
Any update on the Chromecast support on the APP, or better, a release date?
LikeLike
I’m excited that there will be a chromecast feature added soon! I was just trying to use it yesterday and was hoping this was coming!
LikeLike
Version 3 for android is out. Chromecast support next? 🙂
LikeLike
For some reason when I try to play music in the background on my LG Lucky, it simply stops playback. I’m trying to listen to the new 5sos album and I’d like to discuss it with my friends while I listen so please fix this bug.
LikeLike