VERSION 2 of HEARTS of SPACE: soft launch

On December 7th we opened the next version of the Hearts of Space online service for testing by subscribers and casual users.

We've been working on this upgrade for more than six months, and there are many improvements and new features that we're really excited to bring you. The headline changes are

• 8 full-time streaming channels (instead of 1) at no extra charge!
• many improvements to our custom Flash player
• improved user playlist features and controls
• new, easier-to-use main menu bar
• renamed Access Plans for clarity: FULL, STANDARD, BASIC, BUDGET

The full list of changes is long enough that we had to create a special illustrated page to show them to you:

WHAT's NEW in V2?

If you are a "AAA" or "Radio Channel + This Week's Show" subscriber, you can use all the new features immediately!  We're looking for your feedback, so please let us know in the comments or on our official HOS Facebook page.

If you are a "This Week Anytime" or "This Week Sunday" subscriber, you now have many new reasons to upgrade;-)

If you are not currently a subscriber, please look at our new offering and let us know if we've convinced you to try it! We know everyone has to justify every expenditure these days, and we're constantly trying to pack more value into the service for the same or lower cost.

One more thing: we're working on incorporating as many of the new features as possible into a free update to our iPhone and Android apps. It should be ready in a few more weeks.

:: SH

Comments

[Scott C.]

Nice new features!

I would love to see a dedicated "Guitar" channel for the acoustic, slide, and space/prog/post-rock guitar shows, as well as a "Jazz" channel. Those two represent distinct listening experiences I like to pursue.

Understandably, you have to draw the line somewhere if there are limited channel slots available. Just something to keep in mind if you are ever able to expand the selections, or happen to decide any of the existing categories are a bit nebulous, or could stand to be consolidated.

Thank you for your continuing contributions to my weekly sanity!

[Stephen Hill]

Thanks for these suggestions, Scott. Our back end system allows us to create any number of channels, but we wanted to start with something manageable. The real problem with finer-grained channels is not having enough shows to avoid frequent repeats.

In the meantime, I suggest you create personal playlists of selected shows and then just run the playlists as if they were channels. You can randomize the order of any playlist (another new feature) with the SHUFFLE command in the MY PLAYLISTS tab.

:: SH

[Bev Bassett]

I need help to subscribe. I want the radio channel(s). Also need to know and understand how to access the programming. I am a 'mature' person who did grow up with all these popular devices. I do have a new MacBook Pro, though, and if you guys can guide me through the how-to, I'd love to subscribe to a modestly priced 24/7 service.

SO, HELP!

Thanks,
Bev in Olympia, WA
bev@54321.com

[JR]

HOS V2...One word...

WOW!!!!

Love the new channels. Especially the Ambient/Downtempo. The best part is that the channel cycles thru shows that I wouldn't find otherwise. it's like listening to a new show almost every couple of hours.

Also, the playlist shuffle feature is great. I have been wanting something like this for some time and just didn't know it.

Can't wait for HOS V2 to hit my Android!

I LOVE HOS!!!

[Stephen Hill]

Thanks, JR. We have more good stuff coming...just a matter of time;-)