LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Otto Radio, your personal radio app that plays news and podcasts you love, today announced it has received an investment from Samsung NEXT, the venture capital arm of the Samsung Group. The investment comes as Otto Radio launches their Otto Everywhere API and will be used to expand their footprint in the personalized media space as it relates to connected and autonomous cars, smart audio devices and appliances, and key integrations with premium content providers.
Unlike traditional radio, Otto Radio automatically curates top podcasts and audio news based on the listener's interests so every broadcast is relevant, compelling and entertaining. The Otto Everywhere public API enables 'internet of things' manufacturers, automotive OEMs and content distributors to provide their customers audio content from top news outlets and podcast publishers at no cost and minimal integration effort.
Otto Radio completed its first integration with Uber in November 2016 to provide personalized audio news and podcasts timed to the length of their riders' trips. Two major automotive manufacturers are also leveraging the new API to power a proof-of-concept infotainment systems.
"Our team saw Otto Radio's potential to build a personalized media experience that's transportable among different platforms, and they are poised to capture that opportunity with their growing suite of products and public API," said Christina Bechhold, Principal at Samsung NEXT Ventures.
With a few lines of code, partners can build experiences that allow listeners to start their day with a personalized news briefing on their smart speaker or appliance, launch a timed broadcast on their car's infotainment system during their morning commute, finish listening at their work computer, get news updates in a car-share on the way to a meeting, and end the day listening to their favorite shows on wireless headphones while working out.
"In this connected world, personalized content needs to flow seamlessly across multiple platforms and provide a contextualized experience better than the traditional source it's displacing," said Stanley Yuan, CEO and co-founder of Otto Radio. "The Otto Everywhere API provides our partners with a premium, personalized audio content strategy for free and the flexibility to design a listening experience native to their product environment."
Otto Radio will be available via both Android Auto and CarPlay in Q1 of 2017, and can be downloaded for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Availability of Otto Everywhere API
The Otto Everywhere API is available immediately to partners and developers globally.
For more information about Otto Everywhere API please visit https://developers.ottoradio.com/ or contact api@ottoradio.com.
Or visit the Otto Radio booth in the Samsung NEXT exhibit at CES 2017 Eureka Park Marketplace, between January 5 - 8, 2017.
About Otto Radio
Otto Radio is your personal radio app that plays audio news and stories you love based on your desired listening time. Unlike traditional radio, your interests determine what Otto Radio plays for you. Now you can discover podcasts you love and get your front page of news read to you – all with the push of a button. Launched in 2015, we are based in San Francisco, California.
For the latest news on Otto Radio go towww.ottoradio.com/press-room/.
SOURCE Otto Radio
