BBC plans DAB add-on for MP3 players

The deets are slim, but they come straight from a BBC News article, so we're thinking there just might be some weight to them. Apparently the UK's BBC is planning their very own DAB device to act as "clip-on" addition to current MP3 players. Such functionality extension brings the iPod and its dock connector quickly to mind, but BBC isn't naming any names as far as partners go. Right now they're mainly studying the feasibility of such a device, with the main goal being to "make sure that people can listen to digital radio on their own terms." They're also looking into versions for mobile phones and cars, and say they'd "like to get something out sooner rather than later."

[Via Tech Digest]

[David Lazarus @ Aug 12th 2006 5:36PM]

As a UK user who could benefit from this I am not impressed, I love listening to the BBC radio stations particularly BBC7, but until they get the rights sorted out for putting these out as a podcasts they will not get me to add a device that will eat up my iPod battery. I would prefer them as podcasts. If I wanted to get a portable DAB radio then I would get a purpose designed one, not a clip on for an iPod.

[LordTemple @ Aug 12th 2006 7:04PM]

Hopefully they wont just push the BBC content more than the commercial stuff, I cant stand Chris Moyles and other boring corporate BBC radio. It would be great to get Xfm on DAB thru my mp3 player. Im surprised I havent seen anything like this on the market already...

[Sir Chuks @ Aug 12th 2006 8:01PM]

i think this is a great idea, cos i mostly use my ipod in my ride (using an itrip fm transmittor/charger which i think it still ilegal in this country) and to getting an addon dab player to listen to 1xtra, bbc world service and talksport. Instead of getting a whole new system to fit in me car. I'm all for it mate!!

[marklar @ Aug 12th 2006 8:23PM]

i cant believe how many people are whining here about this plan by the bbc, its fantastic that they may be doing this. podcasts are alright for some shows, but, a lot of the stuff the bbc does is current affairs and um...you know its a broadcaster, so an option to listen to it with some kind of attachment to my ipod...well i just cant wait....

[ahsan @ Aug 12th 2006 8:54PM]

I'm down if its available in the US. I love me some BBC Radio 1 but can only currently get it in my car with Sirius, and unfortunately they timeshift so I get Chris Moyles during my drive time, bleh.

[Ian Jardine @ Aug 12th 2006 11:47PM]

You can already receive ALL BBC radio channels via the internet and drill down thru pages of previous shows of all types and play on demand.
Start here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/

[Intrepid @ Aug 13th 2006 3:49AM]

"Will it say something bad about jews every hour so like the real BBC?"
Why don't you jump off a bridge. There are few news sources as trustworhty as the BBC, and not one other news source in the world that's as widely read/watched/listened to.

[Jamie @ Aug 13th 2006 4:05AM]

For the £2 a week that it costs me, the BBC is fantastic. God help the world if it had to rely on dung-heaps like Fox for it's information. Less fantastic is the digital coverage in the UK. I bought a portable DAB radio to use in the car, and as soon as I get above 30 miles an hour, the signal just can't cope.

[Jamie @ Aug 13th 2006 4:07AM]

its not it's, sorry.

[mike @ Aug 13th 2006 8:51AM]

i love chris moyles.

[Adam Vaughan @ Aug 14th 2006 6:48AM]

The BBC bod we spoke to suggested it might be in the UK by this Christmas:

http://www.stuffmag.co.uk/hotstuffarticle.asp?de_id=2185

[Adam Vaughan @ Aug 14th 2006 6:49AM]

The BBC bod we spoke to suggested it might be in the UK by Christmas:

http://www.stuffmag.co.uk/hotstuffarticle.asp?de_id=2185

[MattUK @ Aug 14th 2006 10:47AM]

Looks like the BBC will do for DAB what they did for digital TV, and everyone will benefit, including commercial channels.

[abigsmurf @ Aug 14th 2006 11:49AM]

I'd love to be able to listen to fivelive on my nano, hope they manage to get a small add on that doesn't add to the bulk

[yong @ Aug 14th 2006 11:52PM]

Podcast should be the solution. We do have a device and service coming soon. You will manage your favorate content (programs such as BBC, talk show, etc) though web site. And then the daily download will be as easy as plug your MP3 players on the small device. The device does have ethenet connection and it check the update of BBCm then download the new episode into your MP3 players automatically without a computer.
You will see the product before Xmas.

[Oliver @ Mar 24th 2007 8:04AM]

it is a brilliant idea - i am surprised that no-one has created an iPod extension already

we must remember though that digital radio requiring more power than mp3 playback coupled with iPod's (legendary) tiny battery life means you aren't going to get much listening