aha radio blog » Release Notes

Aha Radio gets updated for iOS5 (and a fix for Pioneer)

Ryan — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:53:58 +0000

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!

-Ryan

Aha for Android BETA is getting close

Ryan — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:49:57 +0000

Aha for Android

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:

Name
Handset model
Carrier
Software version
Location
Approximate total daily drive time

Thanks!

-Ryan

Hit up the App Store for the latest Aha Update (v1.5.5)

Ryan — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 22:15:17 +0000

You are probably wondering why your App Store app is rocking the updates badge. You may be one of those people who likes to ignore it. Or maybe you wait until it hits double digits. Or maybe you are like my wife, and after 3 years of using an iPhone you still don’t think that updates matter.

Well the culprit of your latest badge update is most likely us. Our newest version (1.5.5) was released into the wild today. There aren’t any super obvious changes, but included are some bug fixes that should help overall performance. Also, if you are a head-unit customer there should be some bug fixes for you as well.

So get on over to the App Store and get your update on!

-Ryan

New version of Aha Radio brings Fast Forward & more Facebook Connect

Ryan — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:40:25 +0000

Haven’t been posting too much, what with moving into new offices and getting settled post acquisition, but I’m back with some exciting news.

A new version of Aha Radio (v1.5.2) is up and available to download from the iTunes App Store.

Along with the usual suite of bug fixes and performance tweaks, we have two significant changes.

Improved Facebook Connect integration – Users can now sign-in or register using their Facebook account. If you are an existing user, and sign-in using Facebook, you will be given an opportunity to associate your Facebook account with an existing Aha account. Once you have done that you can sign-in anytime using either option. New users can choose whichever option they want to register.
Improved in-track navigation – Users can now skip ahead 30 seconds, or skip back 15 seconds, within any podcast. Need to skip a segment you don’t care about? Advance ahead 30 seconds with a single tap. Just miss something that may have been interesting? Jump back, without going too far, by tapping the 15 second rewind button.
Updated Nickname options – Users can now create nicknames with special characters and spaces, and are no longer exclusive. If the name you wanted was taken, you can use it too. Your picture, and your voice, are what will distinguish you.

As always, be sure to let us know what you think via any of the following feedback channels:

Comments on this blog
twitter.com/AhaRadio
GetSatisfaction.com/AhaRadio
Facebook.com/Aha.Mobile
or support [at] ahamobile [dot] com

Ryan
Aha Radio Team

Updated version has been APPROVED (iOS4 Friendly)

Ryan — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:34:36 +0000

As I mentioned yesterday, an iOS4 specific update for Aha Radio was submitted to the App Store for approval, and I’m pleased to report that the updated version is NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!

Just a quick reminder on what’s new.

Background audio playback: keep listening to your favorite podcasts even after exiting the app (iOS 4.0 only). This release includes the fix for audio playback with iOS 4.0.
For users without unlimited data plans, added a data usage tracker and the ability to reduce bandwidth consumption for podcast content within SETTINGS.
App icon replaced with hi-res version.
Other bug fixes and minor enhancements.

What all that means is that you can keep listening to your podcast stations, even after you exit the app. Also, if you have opted for the lowest data plan (200MBs) and are worried about your data usage, you can now keep track of it from within the SETTINGS area. There is also an optional setting to reduce consumption, but if you aren’t on the tiny plan we don’t recommend changing it. You’ll find that some of the rewind/resume options won’t work.

And of course, for those of you enjoying the new Retina Display, we’ve updated the app icon with a hi-res version.

Hope you all enjoy!

-Ryan

Aha Mobile

Aha Radio for iOS4 is almost ready!

Ryan — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:04:33 +0000

As just about all iPhone owners are aware, Apple released a major iOS update to coincide with the release of the new iPhone4. We tested against it with the SDK, but a playback issue snuck by us and some users have probably noticed that non-podcast content is getting cut off early. If you are still on iOS 3, or only listen to podcast stations, you have not been impacted.

I’m excited to report that we’ve submitted an update to the App Store for review, and not only does it resolve the playback issue, but it makes Aha Radio fully compatible with iOS4. Hello fast app switching and background audio!!! Once the update hits you’ll be able to continue listening to your podcast stations even after you exit the app. And don’t worry, we’ve made sure to streamline the background processes so that you don’t have to worry about it sapping your battery.

Stay tuned and be on the lookout for the little update badge on your App Store app.

-Ryan

Aha Mobile

RESOLVED: Duplicate City Names within My Traffic

Ryan — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:19:35 +0000

Quick note to report. Some users may have noticed that custom road segmants within My Traffic were including the city names twice.

Our tech folks rooted out the cause of the issue, but if you were impacted you will need to remove and re-add the custom segments.

Sorry for the iconvenience.

Ryan

Aha Community Czar

System Issues: Possible DNS Problems

Ryan — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:47:43 +0000

Hi everyone. Quick heads up that we noticed some connection issues this afternoon. Apparently AT&T was unable to resolve the connection with us when users were booting the app.

Everything appears to be back in order now, so if you are still having problems please let us know (support@ahamobile.com) or twitter (twitter.com/ahamobile).

Thanks for your patience!

-Ryan

Updated version in the App Store + Shouts of the Week (12/11/09)

Ryan — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:00:53 +0000

In case you haven’t heard (or checked your App Store app lately) our latest version of Aha has hit the App Store and is ready for download.

You won’t see any major visual changes in this release, but we did make some pretty significant speed and stability updates…so you’ll want to make sure you get it.

And now…on with the show!

Misc. & Awesome (do we have a love connection?)
guest_00V8DVR – You lookin’ good!
OcLove – Thanks, I’m flattered

Caraoke
jaybesauceda – Heavenly
TacoTruc – I’m a Barbie Girl

Traffic
trichdelish – A lot of traffic, so good luck – NY Tri-State Area
latinqueen – Going to Macy’s to see Santa – NY Tri-State Area
imi3usy – Exit ramp is clear… – NY Tri-State Area

#%& DRIVERS!
Nonny – Rubbernecking… – Atlanta Metro Area
OcLove – That’s all we need – Los Angeles / Inland Empire (EXPLICIT)

Ryan
Aha Community Czar

Correction to Speed Estimates for Facebook/Twitter posts

Ryan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:52:21 +0000

Some of the folks who have linked their Aha account to either Facebook or Twitter may have noticed recently that the speed we were attaching to your messages was sometimes a little off (in some cases it was even off by about half).

Well I have some good news to report, because we tracked down the issue and got it cleared up.

If you haven’t yet linked your Aha account to Facebook or Twitter (or both), you can get setup by visiting ahamobile.com/services. Keep in mind that if you already have your Twitter updates being sent to Facebook, you may run into duplicates if you send your Aha shouts to both at the same time. Check out the video to learn more!

Ryan
Aha Community Czar