Slacker Radio Streams Election Night Coverage to Kick Off Windows 8 App

Online radio service Slacker has launched its app for the new Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows 8 PCs and tablets, designed to make use of what’s new in the operating system: tiles, multitasking, share charm and the touch-based user interface features. First up is everyone’s favorite topic: Obama v. Romney, with live Election Night streaming coverage.

"Great apps make a great Windows 8 experience, and Slacker’s (News - Alert) personal radio app incorporates some of the Windows 8 features we’re most excited to share with our users," said John Richards, senior director, Windows App Marketing at Microsoft. "Not only does it take advantage of the same striking visual design principles as Windows 8, but also it is a great app for the way people currently consume media — on every device, virtually wherever they go."

To kick things off, Slacker will be delivering live Election Night coverage via a live ABC News Station feed, but it also offers 200 expert-curated, artist-hosted showcase and leading music festival stations. That includes personalized ESPN (News - Alert) Radio, comedy and others.

The new app is designed to encourage music discovery, the company said, letting people interact with each other and explore their favorite music with a touch or swipe. Music fans can access detailed artist biographies, in-depth album reviews and song lyrics and share stations using the Share charm.

 “With Slacker for Windows 8, we’ve been able to create one of the most immersive and engaging music experiences that now lets people discover, share and enjoy music like never before,” said Jonathan Sasse (News - Alert), senior vice president of products and programming at Slacker. “Windows 8 is one of the most innovative platforms that we’ve developed on, and we’re incredibly excited to be able to bring the Slacker experience to Windows 8 devices around the world.”