If you are a user of the ABC Radio app you would have noticed a pop up message earlier this week prompting you to download the latest version of the app.
It is now called ABC Listen and replaces the old ABC Radio App.
It has the same structure as the previous app, but looks better, behaves faster and has a few new features. There is enhanced navigation, personalisation, content search functions, and the front page presents more options for the user.
The app also integrates ABC Podcasts more easily and plays continuously after your initial news bulletin finishes, according to radioinfo’s Steve Ahern, who is a regular user of the app.
“The best new feature for me is a more easily accessible button to play the latest news. I also observed a new approach to promos.
“I usually get the latest news when I first open the app. In this new version, when the news bulletin ended, the first thing I heard was a promo for a new show. This was a very long promo, more like a mini episode, not a 30 seconder. I think this is recognition of the fact that people who listen to podcasts will listen longer, even to a promo, if the content is interesting to them. I certainly listened to the promo and may binge on the first batch of new shows when they launch,” says Ahern
The ABC promises audiences an improved digital listening experience for both live streaming and on-demand content.
Director of Radio, Michael Mason, says the new app recognises the changing habits of ABC listeners.
“Our previous Radio app has proved extremely popular since its launch in 2012 and this new app marks a major step forward in our ability to provide seamless and easy-to-navigate access to our enormous range of on-demand and live audio content. By focusing on the user’s own behaviours and preferences it opens up our content and allows for much easier discovery.”
ABC listen provides access to 45 ABC radio stations and audio networks including the ABC’s four national networks, its eight capital city local radio stations, 10 digital stations and 23 regional radio stations. It also provides a platform for more than 130 programs and podcasts.
The main features include a redesigned home page highlighting popular ABC programs, trending podcasts and a personalised playlist. Users will also be able to easily access favourite content in the new ‘My Programs’ tab. These functions allow the new app to highlight and recommend the most relevant content to each user.
Alongside the launch of ABC listen, the ABC has released two new podcasts both with listener experiences available exclusively via the new app.
Ladies, We Need To Talk is an eight-part series presented by Yumi Stynes exploring female relationships, health and sexuality. Exclusive bonus episodes are available only on ABC listen.
There is also a six-part series How Do You Sleep At Night? which looks at people who live their lives in the face of judgement and is presented by triple j Hack’s Sarah McVeigh. The entire series will be available for download ABC listen from Wednesday 13 September, and on other podcast platforms.
In the week that Apple has released its new iPhone, the ABC has timed its new app well to ride the wave of hype that will accompany a new iPhone launch.
ABC listen is now available for free download from either the Apple Store or Google Play. ABC Radio’s triple j and triple j Unearthed apps will continue as stand-alone apps.
Screen shots from the new app below.
