Swell Radio

Swell

Developer(s)	Concept.io
Initial release	June 27, 2013 (2013-06-27)
Operating system	iOS 6 or later;[1]
Type	Streaming radio
Website	swell.am

Swell Radio was a mobile radio streaming application that learned user listening preferences based on listening behavior, community filtering, and a proprietary algorithm. Originally designed for use while commuting to and from work, the service focused on delivering spoken-word audio content to users.^[2] Major streaming partners included ABC News Radio, NPR, PRI, and TED

According to the company website, the app was available on iOS devices worldwide but content was customized to the United States and Canada. The application was “ad-free” and the company was not monetizing.

In July 2014, Apple acquired the technology behind the Swell app for $30 million, discontinuing the app and folding its backbone and technology into Apple Podcasts.^[3]

History

Concept.io, creator of Swell Radio, raised $5.4 million in Series A Funding led by venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson.^[4] The application originally launched the application on the iOS platform in Canada in early 2013 and officially launched in the United States on June 27, 2013.^[5]

References

1. "Swell Radio for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad on the iTunes App Store". Apple App Store. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
2. Ha, Anthony (27 June 2013). "Swell Launches A Personalized App for News Radio Listening". TechCrunch. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
3. Gannes, Liz (29 July 2014). "Apple buffs up radio service with string of acquisitions". CNN Money. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
4. Ha, Anthony (18 July 2013). "Personalized News Radio App Swell Raises $5.4M". TechCrunch. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
5. Kern, Eliza. "Swell launches a Pandora for podcasts to help you decide where to tune in". Gigaom. Archived from the original on 31 January 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2013.

Further reading

• 6 Apps That Turn Your Phone into a Radio
• Swell's iPhone App Aims to Take the Pain Out of Podcasts
• A Swell App for Discovering Podcasts
• Swell App Makes Podcasts Work For Smartphone Generation