I generally prefer to avoid tooting our own horn, so it’s especially satisfying when someone goes out of their way to toot it for us.  That was the case this week with CarAudioMag.com’s review of the Pioneer AVIC-X930BT head unit (also known as one of the first head units to feature Aha Radio integration).

The post covers all aspects of the head unit, but dedicates a hefty chunk of text to the author’s thoughts on the Aha Radio implementation.  And contained in those thoughts was one of my favorite quotes to date:

Developed by Harman International, this infotainment platform is the coolest car audio technology since, well, GPS navigation.

Later he added this little gem, as well:

With the addition of Aha Radio, Pioneer delivers the future now…

There’s plenty more good stuff in the review, so be sure to check out the complete post here.

-Ryan

A handful of users have been experiencing unexpected crashes with our latest version of Aha Radio for iPhone (1.5.4).  The reports have been very rare, but we’ve been working frantically to nail down the cause of the crash (which happens during launch, when the location message appears).

Lo and behold, it turns out that it had nothing to do with any changes in our current release.  It seems that a change Apple made in iOS 4.3.1 (which coincidentally launched at about the same time) is causing some apps to abruptly crash.

I’m somewhat reluctant to so quickly introduce Apple to the underside of the bus, given their prompt responses and that they readily owned up to the bug, but it’s a relief to know that this wasn’t a problem with our code.

We missed getting this bug submitted in time for iOS 4.3.2, which most people have been updating to in the last week, but we are hopeful that it will be addressed in time for the next update.

In the meantime, there is an iPhone Settings change that has resolved the problem for people experiencing the crash:

SETTINGS > GENERAL > INTERNATIONAL > REGION FORMAT > switch to something other than US (perhaps Australia).

Then try running Aha Radio. It should work, and if so you can then go back to change your Region back to US.

Thanks to those who reported the issue!

Ryan

As we reported recently, the new Aha Radio / Harman office is really coming along.  Lots of great new desks and furniture, a special “conference room” table, and even a phone booth.

But all of that pales in comparison to our latest addition… the home theater!  Harman was kind enough to send along a new harman/kardon reciever, a blu-ray player, and a rocking set of JBL speakers (with a monster sub woofer to rock the downstairs neighbors).

All of this combines with our new display to create the ultimate viewing environment for (see after the jump)…

Read more…

Another station update so soon?  Yes, indeed. Tech journalist, and general tech guru, Larry Magid came by the office this week to talk with Robert about Aha Radio and the current Pioneer head unit integration.  His report ran in yesterday’s CBS: Tech Talk podcast, and can now be heard in the Aha Radio app.

Along with his Tech Talk podcast, we’ve also added his daily KCBS: Tech Reports podcast (from the Bay Area’s flagship CBS News station).  And in response to a request from a Michigan based listener, we are taking this opportunity to add acclaimed author Mitch Albom to the mix.

For step by step instructions on updating your presets check out this recent post.  If you would like to make a suggestion for a new station, please contact us at feedback@ahamobile.com.

Adding:

Podcasts

• CBS: Tech Talk – CBS and CNET Tech analyst, Larry Magid, brings you the latest on the tech news you need and the products you crave.
• KCBS: Tech Reports with Larry Magid – Our daily Q&A with KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid. Listen live M-F 3:50PM on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.
• Mitch Albom Podcast – Mitch Albom is an acclaimed author, sports writer, and radio host from Detroit, Michigan. Mitch is best known for his bestselling books, “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.”

Have a good weekend!

-Ryan

I know what you’re thinking.  It’s been so long since our last station update that this must be an April Fool’s Joke…but I assure you it’s on the level.  And we believe these new additions are worth the wait!

For this update we are rounding out our offerings from Adam Carolla’s ACE Broadcasting Network (including a mix station of all of his shows), adding something for our new friends north of the border, and even getting some sharp TV analysis.

If you would like to make a suggestion for a new station, please contact us at feedback@ahamobile.com.

Adding:

Podcasts

• Ace on the House – ACE Broadcasting brings you “Ace On The House”, a Home Improvement Q&A show hosted by Adam Carolla.
• CarCast – Adam Carolla’s CarCast, his podcast all about cars.
• CBC: As It Happens – From the complex headlines of the day to the weird and wacky, As It Happens brings you the story behind the story – and now we’re podcasting the whole show!
• FilmVault – Hosts Bryan Bishop and Anderson take a look back into the annals of film to comprise their top 5 films of a different genre each week.
• Firewall & Iceberg – TV critics Alan Sepinwall and Daniel Fienberg take the problems of television way too seriously and the problems of the world way too lightly.
• Joe Rogan Experiment – Conduit to the Gaian Mind.
• Life Lessions w/ Jim Carolla – Jim Carolla, certified psychologist, jazz musician, comedian, and patriarch of the Adam Carolla clan reflects on his life, explores life lessons, and adventures into classic jazz on his trumpet.
• On Digital Media – If it’s part of the digital media ecosystem, you’ll likely hear about it here. Your hosts are John Federico, Chia-Lin Simmons, Steve Hatch and Craig Calder.
• Parent Experiment – Not your typical parenting podcast, delivered with brutal honesty and biting humor… it definitely has an edge to it. Hosted by Lynette Carolla and Susanna Brisk.
• The Punch w/ Greg Carlisle – It’s kind of like the drunk, angry cousin of a variety show mated with a saucy, unrehearsed table read.
• This Week w/ Larry Miller – Larry Miller — actor, comedian, writer and sexual pioneer — unleashes a weekly barrage of humor about the absurdities of daily life.

Mix Station

• Adam Carolla Network – Get the latest episodes of all of the programs from Adam Carolla’s ACE Broadcasting Network, all in one place.

Read more…