iHeartRadio finally returns to Windows Phone 8 with latest update

Just around six months ago we reported on how the popular streaming app iHeartRadio was pulled from the Windows Phone Store, with an error in it being "posted early”. The issue surrounding the app involve it basically not working any longer, and it was generating quite a negative buzz in user reviews.

Well, here we are on July 1st and behold, iHeartRadio is back on Windows Phone 8 with a 1.0 release. And no, this isn’t the same version we say in January as it has a fresh new coat of paint (aka redesigned) and features some nifty Windows Phone 8 tools, such as Lockscreen support.

The app launches nicely, asking permissions for location based services (to determine live radio stations in your vicinity) and to change your lockscreen when playing content (it defaults to a red screen when not active) you also get the doublewide tile support as well. It’s also fast and fluid, which is a nice change from the previous version that exhibited some lag here and there. Finally streaming, well, streamed…all is working in that regard.

The app boasts over 1,500 live radio stations that you can listen to on your phone, plus the ability to “create a station” based off your favorite genre or music. They added “like” “dislike” options to the service back in March 2012 and those are still present here to better refine what song comes next. Heck, there’s even a sleep timer now so that you can doze off to your music.

Way before Pandora hit Windows Phone, iHeartRadio was one of our favorite apps. When it disappeared, we thought it would only be for a few weeks, but their time in the desert turned out to be longer than expected. All in all, iHeartRadio for Windows Phone 8 seems like it has been worth the wait.

Download iHeartRadio for Windows Phone 8 here in the Store. Thanks, Josh, Paul and Monty, for the tips!