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