We may be hard at work on the major overhaul that will come with versions 1.0 for Android and 2.0 for iOS (as glimpsed in this recent screenshot), but that doesn’t mean we can’t make some changes here and there for the existing iOS users.
The most important update is for anyone out there who is connecting to a compatible Pioneer system. Some of you out there have reported repeated pause issues when playing Aha content on Pioneer, and as it turns out it stems from a Pioneer bug with iOS5.
We were able to work with Pioneer to find a workaround and incorporate a tweak to our code that prevented them from having to release a full fledged head unit update … and that tweak went out with today’s update. That won’t fix the Pioneer bug for all interaction with Apple apps, but it should fix it for Aha.
The other changes won’t be as noticeable, as they involve optimization for a variety of iOS5 things. So for big whizbang excitement you will need to wait for the massive overhaul that is “coming soon”.
So get that phone out and make sure you check for updates! And of course enjoy the holiday weekend!
If you’ve been looking for a chance to WORK IT on something new, different, and exciting, you should take a look at our jobs page. We’ve been growing, but still have some positions to fill.
And if you need a reminder on some of the reasons you might want to work here (besides the whole reinventing the way people consume media), here’s a list:
Employees get a PHAT discount on a wide variety of Harman products (that includes JBL, Infinity, & AKG)
We run a Mac shop, so your computer won’t be lame
Every employee gets to program a mix station for the Aha Community
Competitive salaries
401K matching
Well stocked kitchen with breakfast, snacks, and drinks
Our fearless leader was in Nashville recently for a special Harman event. Partners, customers, stakeholders, and staff gathered in Tennessee to get a peek, or even test out, some of the latest and greatest that Harman has to offer.
While in town for the event, Robert (our Aha GM, and the fearless leader mentioned above) also participated in a digital town meeting focused on the the emerging Connected Lifestyle.
There are a lot of interesting things covered during the session. Definitely worth a look!
Ever find yourself at a loss trying to succinctly explain what it is we do to a friend? Or do you simply want to get a glimpse of the where we are going with the platform? Check out this great video.
Find that video, and all of our other recent videos, on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/aharadio.
Since we first launched for iOS devices there have been Android users asking when they were going to be shown some love.
We acknowledged that we have been hard at work on an Android version as well, but with all of the work on the automotive front it has taken a while.
Then many of you noticed in the recent Slacker announcement that the screenshot of our app not only showed a massive redesign … but it was on an Android device!
So now I can happily say that while there is no official release date for our Android version (yet) we are looking for some enthusiastic Android users to round out our upcoming beta.
If you are interested, please send an email to beta@aharadio.com with the following details:
I’ve always been under the impression that an office isn’t really an office until the supreme overlords from corporate have paid a visit. So I’m happy to say that our office is now official … thanks to this week’s visit from several members of the Harman exec staff.
Max explaining his strategy for serving in Ping-Pong
And the timing couldn’t have been better. Not only had I recently finished setting up the SoundBar and PS3, but our design guru was able to put some additional touches on some of the office decor that he had put up over the last few months.
Not only that, but the blu-ray set of Star Wars came in a couple weeks ago, and my LEGO Hoth Playset arrived with just enough time to assemble.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news the last day you have probably seen that we have ourselves a new content partner … Slacker Personal Radio!
Later this year, Aha users will be able to access Slacker content from within Aha, and in doing so connect that content to a variety of different stereo interfaces.
So if you are keeping score at home, that’s Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Inrix Traffic, podcasts, and now Slacker Internet Radio. We are getting dangerously close to something for everyone.
There has been a flood of coverage over the last day, and if you are interested in reviewing any of them I urge you to check out our Twitter feed (where we’ve been on quite a tweet spree).
Alas, school had to go and start again. That means that Emily and Kyra are en route to the great Pacific Northwest (especially lovely this time of year) to return to the wonderful world of academia.
And since Friday’s before three day weekends are notoriously vacant days around most offices, we opted for a Thursday Sundae Bar Day (try saying that 10 times fast).
Mmmmmm
Thanks again to Emily and Kyra for all the great help!
The team here is constantly working on ways to bring more content into Aha, and we have a lot of stuff in the works, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking for suggestions.
Maybe you are interested in specific foreign language content, or more local sports podcasts, or some lesser known comedy programs. Or maybe there is a custom mix of podcasts that you think would be perfect. Whatever you like be sure to let us know.
You can post the suggestions in the comments here, on our facebook page, on twitter, or shoot us an email at feedback[at]aharadio.com.
If we use your suggestion I’ll put you on the list to potentially receive a free Aha t-shirt.