Astro has just announced its new music and radio streaming mobile app called RAKU.
The satellite TV and radio operator said that local music and radio lovers can now enjoy Malaysia’s very own radio and music streaming service on their smartphones, tablets and PCs on RAKU.
RAKU is available in two versions; Free and Premium. All Malaysians can enjoy free RAKU and access millions of songs, talk content and localized content. The app will also feature local community updates such as news, traffic and sports.
The free version of RAKU offers the following:
- Shuffle play on Albums & Playlists
- Listen to live radio stations
- Tune in to radio station created by the community
- Local & International Podcasts
- Supported by Ads
Consumers who wish to enjoy more functionality can subscribe to RAKU Premium. RAKU Premium comes with unlimited access to millions of tracks from a vast music catalogue, customized playlists, radio on-demand, and other bespoke add-ons such as being able to download music to their device for listening when offline. With Premium access, they can create their own radio station and playlists and share the personalized playlist with their friends on social media. RAKU Premium is available at RM14.90 per month for all Malaysians or at RM9.90 for existing Astro subscribers. Both pricing includes GST.
Local artists with a playlist on RAKU include Noh Salleh, Tres Empre, Bittersweet, Enterprise, Man Bai, Alleycats, Dasha Logan and many more including indie bands like Paper Plane Pursuit, Pop Shuvit and Bunkface. Local DJs with playlists on the radio streaming service include Ean, Jin and RD (hitz fm), Haniff and Hani (ERA fm), and Aanantha (THR Raaga).
Henry Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Astro said, “RAKU is designed for Malaysians, enabling users to pick and choose the best of local and international music and radio content with options to combine with podcasts. RAKU looks to increase its advertisers’ value proposition by offering innovative opportunities for advertisers to engage with their target consumers.”
Jake Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Astro Radio, said, “I am pleased that RAKU is able to strengthen its commitment to supporting Malaysian artistes and indie bands by offering a new way of connecting with their fans. Advertisers who are interested in engaging their consumers also have the chance to leverage on RAKU’s extensive reach through its innovative media buy. Now they can offer a specific ad targeted to a single consumer in a single context, offering more cost-effective advertising.”
RAKU streaming requires an Internet connection and available via its website, Android and iOS devices. RAKU is available in BM, English, Mandarin and Tamil.
