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Internet radio has been an App Store staple ever since it first debuted two years ago, sparked by the huge success of Pandora’s free app. Ever since, thousands of internet radio apps have come out. So why review another new internet radio app?

Because this one has a lot going for it. It’s called Livio Car Radio, and after using it for a few days it’s found its way to the front of my app selection. There are some extra features in Livio’s app that help enhance your experience:

• Variety of stations: Over 42,000 AM/FM stations as well as internet-only streams with RadioTime
• Optimized for vehicle use
• Background listening: port your station into Safari so you can listen while using other apps on the iPhone
• Direct Tune: If you can’t find your favorite station, Direct Tune lets you put in a unique code or address to begin streaming that station
• Find local stations based on current GPS location
• When searching for a specific station or song, the listing will show the program or song currently being played on that station
• Find plenty of podcasts

At first I had a hard time getting used to the user interface, but as soon as I dedicated a few minutes of my time to actually learning it I found it to be a rather easy experience. Sure, it still has its share of UI quirks, but not more than any other internet radio app out there.

The issue I’ve always had with internet radio apps on the iPhone is that there never seems to be one that does EVERYTHING I need it to do for me; but to be honest the Livio app is the closest I’ve found that gets me all of my podcasts, specific radio stations, and particular programs that I always enjoy listening to, all on the same app.

My favorite part of the app was the fact that I can port my current station over to Safari so that I can multitask — be able to send emails and listen to my podcasts at the same time. This to me is a necessity for any app of this category, and Livio nailed it.

Be sure to check out the Livio Car Radio app on the iPhone. The app typically is available for $4.99, though it is on sale for Memorial Day weekend for $1.99 until midnight Monday.

Here is a press release giving a few details on the app:

Many of us with cars will be travelling somewhere for the weekend. We all know how painful it can be to find a good radio station, only to have it fade out as we drive out of the tower’s range or how difficult it is to find a station playing the genre of music I enjoy.

This is where the Livio Car Internet Radio app comes in. The app provides access to over 42,000 AM/FM and internet-only radio streams from around the world, covering all genres of music and news.  Just browse and choose the genre of your choice to tune in to any one of a wide variety of broadcast stations, or just swipe your finger to find a recommended station of a similar genre.

Here are a few of the feature highlights:

- Optimized for the Vehicle: Designed for use in the car, with large preset buttons and horizontal or vertical positioning.

- Biggest Variety: More than 42,000 AM/FM and Internet-only radio streams from around the world in partnership with the RadioTime® radio service.

- Direct Tune: Input a radio station’s unique code to begin streaming the broadcast.

- Easy Search Options: Browse available stations by genre, location, or language, and search by station call letters or keywords. Find local stations based on current GPS location.

- Station Recommendation: Swipe a finger across the on-screen dial and the app will tune to a station of a similar genre.

- Listen in the Background: Stream music in the background on the iPhone while using other applications (via Safari).

- Share with Friends: Post favorite stations for your Twitter followers.