****Reprint of Announcement Originally Distributed by SoCast****
XAPPmedia and SoCast have launched a new partnership to integrate XAPPmedia on SoCast’s digital platform for radio. This partnership enables radio stations on the SoCast platform to utilize voice-activation functions from XAPPmedia such as custom Alexa skills and listener promotions, permitting them to engage with their audiences on voice-activated devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home.
The use of voice-activated devices is expanding rapidly. Gartner estimates that 75% of American homes will have a smart speaker such as Amazon Echo or Google Home by 2020. This is up from just 7% at the end of 2016 according to Edison Research. Voice-activation gives radio broadcasters an opportunity to increase listening share in the home, as many of these devices are located in listeners’ kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms.
This partnership allows XAPPmedia to attain more radio stations using its service while permitting SoCast to offer another tool to connect with radio audiences on its integrated platform which already allows radio stations to manage their websites, mobile apps and social media. This integration demonstrates the need for radio to connect with its audiences in additional channels and SoCast’s ongoing commitment to allow broadcasters to do so. XAPPmedia is an ideal partner for SoCast, because it is the one technology provider that has proven the ability to deliver interactive voice applications on Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant at scale.
“At SoCast we believe that digitally engaging the audience is essential to radio’s evolution. The integration with XAPPmedia allows our radio stations to connect with their audiences via voice-activated devices and preserve our commitment to have ‘radio everywhere’. The rapid adoption of these devices further illustrates how listeners continue to demand more control over their audio. Being available on these devices is table stakes today; audiences will be expecting to access their favorite radio stations, shows, personalities, and ads with the brand consistency they’ve come to expect in other digital channels such as web, mobile, and social.” – Elliott Hurst, CEO of SoCast
“XAPPmedia fully supports SoCast’s mission to help radio thrive in the digital era. SoCast is already meeting that objective for radio on mobile, social and web. We are excited to support SoCast in guiding their customers through the next digital evolution, voice. Interactive voice platforms like Alexa on Amazon Echo and Google Assistant on Google Home and Android are bringing radio back into the home, increasing time spent listening and creating an instant, interactive listener experience for the first time. SoCast is poised to drive innovation for radio on these new platforms and we are pleased they chose XAPP’s interactive voice solutions to support their customers’ next phase of listener growth.” – Pat Higbie, CEO and co-founder of XAPPmedia
About SoCast
SoCast provides radio broadcasters with an easy way to transform their business in the digital age. We do this by providing a user-friendly, integrated suite of products, best-in-class coaching support and innovative approaches to drive revenue growth. Please visit www.SoCastDigital.com for more information.