iHeartMedia Unveils New Platform Integrations at CES 2026 | AI, Fitness & Smart TV Expansion
iHeartMedia has once again positioned itself at the center of the digital audio revolution. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, the media giant announced a powerful lineup of new platform integrations designed to make its radio, music, and podcast ecosystem more accessible than ever—across smart devices, AI assistants, fitness equipment, and living room screens.
The announcements underscore iHeartMedia’s long-term strategy: meet listeners wherever they are, whether that’s on a treadmill, through an AI chatbot, or via a smart TV interface. With partnerships spanning Google, iFIT, TiVo, and major consumer hardware brands, iHeartMedia is betting big on seamless audio discovery in an increasingly connected world.
CES 2026: A Defining Moment for Digital Audio Platforms
CES has become more than just a showcase for gadgets—it’s now a battleground for platform dominance, AI integration, and content distribution. In this environment, iHeartMedia’s presence at CES 2026 signals a clear intent to remain a dominant force in audio entertainment.
Rather than focusing on standalone apps, the company is embedding its content directly into ecosystems people already use daily.
Key focus areas highlighted at CES 2026 include:
Artificial intelligence–powered discovery
Cross-device accessibility
Frictionless content consumption
Strategic partnerships with hardware and software leaders
iHeartRadio Integrates with Google Gemini AI Assistant
A New Era of AI-Driven Audio Discovery
One of the most headline-grabbing announcements from iHeartMedia was its new partnership with Google, bringing iHeartRadio content directly into Google Gemini, the company’s next-generation AI assistant.
Starting in early 2026, users will be able to access iHeartRadio’s expansive catalog of:
Live radio stations
Music playlists
Top podcasts
Exclusive audio programming
—all through voice or text commands inside the Gemini ecosystem.
How the Integration Works
The integration allows users to interact with iHeartRadio content naturally, using prompts such as:
“Play a pop radio station from iHeartRadio”
“Find a true-crime podcast on iHeartRadio”
“Play the latest episode of my favorite iHeart podcast”
This functionality will be available across:
Android devices
iOS devices
The Gemini web interface
By embedding audio discovery directly into an AI assistant, iHeartMedia is removing barriers between users and content—no app switching, no manual searching, just instant playback.
Why This Matters for the Audio Industry
This move highlights a broader industry shift:
AI assistants are becoming primary gateways to content
Voice-first discovery is reshaping how users engage with media
Brands that integrate early gain long-term visibility
For iHeartMedia, Gemini integration ensures its catalog remains highly discoverable in an AI-driven future.
iHeartMedia Expands Fitness Tech Partnership with iFIT
iHeartRadio Comes Preloaded on NordicTrack Equipment
In another major CES announcement, iHeartMedia revealed an expanded partnership with iFIT, a global leader in connected fitness technology.
Beginning early this year, the iHeartRadio app will come preinstalled on iFIT-connected equipment, including:
NordicTrack treadmills
NordicTrack exercise bikes
Other iFIT-enabled fitness machines
This eliminates the need for users to manually download or configure the app.
What Users Can Access During Workouts
Fitness enthusiasts will be able to enjoy:
Live local and national radio stations
Curated workout playlists
Podcasts across news, entertainment, and wellness
—all directly from their fitness equipment screens.
The move blends audio entertainment with physical wellness, tapping into the growing trend of immersive, connected workouts.
Nationwide NordicTrack Equipment Giveaways
Supporting the Launch with On-Air Promotions
To promote the expanded iFIT partnership, iHeartMedia is leveraging its vast radio network. Throughout January, iHeartMedia stations across the United States will host giveaways featuring NordicTrack fitness equipment.
This cross-platform promotional push combines:
Traditional radio reach
Digital brand partnerships
Consumer engagement through contests
It’s a textbook example of how iHeartMedia monetizes its ecosystem beyond audio alone.
iHeartMedia Becomes Official Music Sponsor of “Trainer Games”
Expanding Beyond Hardware into Entertainment
The collaboration with iFIT extends well beyond fitness machines. iHeartMedia has been named the official music sponsor of iFIT’s new reality competition series, “Trainer Games.”
Key details include:
Premiere date: January 9
Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video
Host: Amanda Kloots
The sponsorship aligns iHeartMedia with premium streaming content while reinforcing its connection to health, motivation, and lifestyle branding.
iHeartRadio Expands Living Room Presence with TiVo OS Integration
Audio Meets Smart TV Ecosystems
The living room remains a crucial battleground for digital media, and iHeartMedia is making significant inroads through an expanded partnership with TiVo.
At CES 2026, the company announced that iHeartRadio is now fully integrated into TiVo OS, the smart TV operating system powering televisions from brands such as:
Sharp
Panasonic
What This Means for Viewers
Users with TiVo OS-enabled smart TVs can now:
Access iHeartRadio directly from their TV interface
Stream live radio, playlists, and podcasts
Enjoy full app functionality without additional devices
This positions iHeartRadio alongside major streaming services in the living room—blurring the line between audio and video entertainment.
A Unified Strategy: Audio Everywhere, Effortlessly
Taken together, the CES 2026 announcements reveal a cohesive strategy rather than isolated partnerships.
Core Pillars of iHeartMedia’s Platform Strategy
Ubiquity: Be present across AI, fitness, mobile, and home environments
Ease of access: Reduce friction through preinstalled apps and AI discovery
Partnership-driven growth: Align with category leaders instead of competing directly
Audience-first thinking: Deliver content when and where users want it
By embedding itself into everyday technologies, iHeartMedia is future-proofing its relevance in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Why These Integrations Matter for Advertisers and Creators
Beyond listeners, these integrations also carry major implications for:
Advertisers
Expanded inventory across new environments
Context-aware ad placements (fitness, home, AI)
Greater audience data insights
Podcast Creators and Artists
Increased discoverability through AI platforms
Access to non-traditional listening environments
Stronger brand partnerships
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for iHeartMedia?
With CES 2026 setting the tone, industry watchers expect iHeartMedia to continue pushing into:
AI-driven personalization
Smart car dashboards
Wearable technology
Global content distribution
As audio consumption habits evolve, iHeartMedia is making it clear that it intends to stay not just relevant—but embedded.
Final Thoughts
iHeartMedia’s CES 2026 announcements mark a significant milestone in the evolution of digital audio. By integrating deeply with AI assistants, fitness technology, smart TVs, and streaming entertainment, the company is redefining how, where, and when people listen.
In an era where attention is fragmented and platforms are converging, iHeartMedia’s strategy is simple yet powerful: make great audio impossible to miss.
