Internetradio -- Engadget

internetradio posts

Engadget's recession antidote: win a VTech IS9181 WiFi radio

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 1st 2009 at 12:00PM

This whole global economic crisis, and its resulting massive loss of jobs got us thinking. We here at Engadget didn't want to stand helplessly by, announcing every new round of misery without giving anything back -- so we decided to take the opportunity to spread a little positivity. We'll be handing out a new gadget every day (except for weekends) to lucky readers until we run out of stuff / companies stop sending things. Today we've got a boomin' VTech IS9181 internet radio on offer, ready to stream jams from the world wide web when not playing back your MP3 collection. Read the rules below (no skimming -- we're omniscient and can tell when you've skimmed) and get commenting! Check after the break for some photos of the prize!

Special thanks to VTech for providing the gear!

The rules:

Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, but if you want to share your proposal for "fixing" the world economy, that'd be sweet too.
You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.)
If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad.
Winner will be chosen randomly. The winner will receive one (1) VTech IS9181 WiFi radio. Approximate retail value is $199.99.
If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within three days of the end of the contest. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen.
Entries can be submitted until Wednesday, July 1st, 11:59PM ET. Good luck!
Full rules can be found here

DIY WiFi radio built with ASUS WL-520gU router, sweat and tears

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 6th 2009 at 3:57PM

Are you just now coming to the stark realization that you've nothing whatsoever to do this weekend? Calm down, there's no need to freak out. Thanks to Jeff Keyzer over at mightyOhm, you can now get to work on your very own DIY WiFi radio. In one of the most elaborate how-to guides we've ever had the pleasure of gawking at, Jeff has detailed exactly how to turn an ASUS WL-520gU router, a few spare pieces of wood and a couple of unwanted knobs into an open source internet radio streamer. Sure, there's always Pandora for those who aren't inclined to get their elbows dirty, but seriously, what fun is that? Roll up those sleeves, grab whatever tools your pop gave you when you left for college and hit the read link. Pronto.

[Via Hacked Gadgets]

The future of Ford's SYNC starts on May 26, future of US auto industry still uncertain

by Tim Stevens, posted May 20th 2009 at 8:49AM

If you were around for our 2009 CES coverage you might have caught our ears-on demonstration of the future of Ford and Microsoft's SYNC technology, which delivered traffic, directions, and weather over a Bluetooth-tethered handset -- no monthly fee or even a data plan required. It was said the update would be included in 2010 Fords, which is still true, ~~but owners of older models can also get in on the fun~~ with an update coming early next week (installable via thumb drive). That's hot, but even hotter is talk of what's planned for the next update: internet radio, and Pandora is on the short list for hopeful inclusion. Have you streamed in a Ford, lately?

Update: As pointed out by commenter ericr34, it actually sounds like owners of earlier SYNC cars may not be able to get in on all this goodness. Here's to hoping that Ford enables pre-recession car buyers to experience the upgrade fun.

VTech's $200 IS9181 WiFi radio now shipping

by Darren Murph, posted May 14th 2009 at 6:21PM

What, you didn't even know VTech was dabbling in home audio now? You should be ashamed! All jesting aside, the outfit's first-ever WiFi radio -- which was introduced "way back" at CES -- is now shipping. Priced at $199.95, the Wireless Music Hub boasts built-in 3W stereo speakers (not to mention a 10W subwoofer), 802.11b/g support, an FM tuner and an auxiliary audio port. Additionally, it can play back MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and RealAudio files stored on any nearby WiFi-enabled computer, though it can't actually get more beautiful with age. Sorry.

Pandora-lovin' Livio Radio sports 'thumbs up / down' controls

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 15th 2009 at 12:01AM

Much like digital photo frames, the whole internet radio sector is getting really, really tired. Thankfully, a little known company by the name of Livio is breaking in to spice things up. The simply titled (and classically styled) Livio Radio is the first and only dedicated device to offer Pandora's signature "thumbs up, thumbs down" controls on both the front panel and a remote, and while we suppose Pandora will be plenty for most of the targeted customers, it can also tune into a comprehensive list of other validated internet radio stations from around the world through Reciva. Outside of that, functionality is indeed limited, but Livio designed this thing to be a simple WiFi mix tape of sorts, not a bona fide home audio player. Naturally, all that's required to get tunes streaming is an AC outlet and an internet connection, so you can feel free to leave your PC / laptop at home. It's shipping now directly from Livio for $150, and the full release is after the break.

Gallery: Pandora-lovin' Livio Radio sports 'thumbs up / down' controls

Continue reading Pandora-lovin' Livio Radio sports 'thumbs up / down' controls

Sirius XM developing iPhone / iPod touch streaming radio app

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 12th 2009 at 1:26PM

My, my -- now isn't this something? Shortly after narrowly avoiding a dastardly collision with bankruptcy, Sirius XM is looking to connect itself with profitable enterprises in an attempt to build market share and regain interest from budget-conscience consumers. Just weeks after hearing that the sat radio company could be preparing a few Sirius / DirecTV bundles, CFO David Frear has now confirmed on a recent earnings call that the outfit is indeed developing an iPhone / iPod touch app. It's interesting to think that a satellite radio firm could be warming to delivering more content via the internet, but it's the apparent diversion from being a standalone offering that has us even more intrigued. It should be interesting to see how the pricing model works with this forthcoming app -- will users be able to get an iPhone subscription only? Will it be tossed in gratis with traditional subscriptions? So many questions, not enough patience.

[Image courtesy of SiriusBuzz]

Verizon Hub spotted streaming internet radio

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 23rd 2009 at 8:26PM

We've already heard a few of you clamoring for internet radio support on Verizon's Hub, and if a mall unit is indicative of shipping units, your prayers have been answered. Mr. Dave Zatz happened upon a Hub while checking out the good word at a Verizon mall kiosk, and sure enough, WiFi radio functionality was in tact and working smoothly. We're told that the company's initial music partner is Clear Channel's iheartradio.com, though details beyond that are nonexistent. In all honestly, the Hub seems like the perfect device to see all sorts of added utility via firmware updates, so we're crossing our fingers in hopes that Verizon feels the same way.

Blaupunkt shows off miRoamer-powered internet car radios

by Nilay Patel, posted Jan 13th 2009 at 4:32PM

We'll be honest: apart from the ridiculous custom cars and the Viliv S7, we pretty much avoided the car audio-oriented North Hall at CES this year -- which means we sadly didn't get any facetime with Blaupunkt's miRoamer-powered TravelPilot New Jersey 600i internet car stereo. (Apparently double-DIN is big in the Jerz.) The prototype head unit connects to a cellphone over Bluetooth to access the internet, and uses the miRoamer service to stream "tens of thousands" of stations on the service -- which the company estimates will consume about 2GB of data a month, so you'd better hope your data plan doesn't cap you off or charge you for overages. The radio is expected to arrive in the second half of the year for $399, which isn't bad, but doesn't do much good for the squares like us who never swap out their car stereos -- which is probably why miRoamer is targeting 2010 for placement in OEM head units. One more pic of the single-DIN sized "Hamburg" model after the break.

Continue reading Blaupunkt shows off miRoamer-powered internet car radios

VTech plunges into home audio market with IS9181 WiFi radio

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 6th 2009 at 9:00AM

VTech, the company you likely associate with old school telephones and educational toys, is breaking out of its shell in a big way. The outfit has just announced its first foray into the wide world of home audio with the IS9181 internet radio receiver. Said device packs 802.11b/g WiFi connectivity and can easily tap into over 11,000 free internet radio stations; additionally, it handles traditional MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV and RealMusic audio files stored on a WiFi-enabled computer (Macs included), and the built-in auxiliary jack enables it to play back jams from practically any other source, too. You'll find a pair of three-watt stereo speakers, a ten-watt subwoofer and a Class D amplifier pushing everything to 11, but you'll have to curb your enthusiasm until it launches this Spring at $199.95.

Continue reading VTech plunges into home audio market with IS9181 WiFi radio

ASUS officially launches iPod-friendly AIR3 internet radio

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 26th 2008 at 7:34AM

Not that this debut is anything shocking (thanks, FCC!), but we're still stoked to see ASUS get all official with its AIR3 sound system. Sure, it's not exactly treading on new ground, but for those looking for a touch more functionality in their iPod sound system, the internet radio inclusion is one that's much appreciated. ASUS talks pretty big about the device's audio prowess, noting that it utilizes a Texas Instruments Class-D amplifier and HDSS (High Definition Sound Standard) certified drivers. Also of note, the unit includes S-Video / composite video outs and supports UPnP sharing via 802.11b/g WiFi or Ethernet; if that's not enough to catch your eye, there's also a useful auxiliary input and built-in weather forecast display that pulls down updates from the world wide web. As ASUS always does, we're left hangin' sans a price or release date, but we suppose it's teaching us a lesson in patience... or something.

[Via iPodNN]

iLuv's iNT170 internet radio-alarm appears, no one's too excited

by Laura June, posted Dec 4th 2008 at 4:32PM

Not to be left out, iLuv's also brought out another internet radio / alarm combo and it looks exactly like you'd think it would. Only cooler. The iNT170's packing access to 15,000 radio stations and podcasts through its built-in WiFi, aka INTERNET (see photo). It's got two 2.5 watt jAura sound speakers, a dual alarm clock, plus a 3.5mm line-in if you need to plug in your PMP. The clock self-updates via INTERNET, so you'll never be able to use that Daylight Saving Time excuse for being late to work again (we recommend the "flooded basement" or "sick cat" in its stead), and you'll have the option to wake to INTERNET or regular radio in addition to the old standby buzzer. It's available now for $199.

Sanyo R227 WiFi radio headed to the US

by Donald Melanson, posted Dec 4th 2008 at 3:59PM

It was fun while it lasted, but it looks like Sanyo's R227 WiFi radio is no longer that rarest of rare things: a Canadian exclusive, as the company has now announced that it'll be available in the US in January. The radio itself, of course, remains the same, with it still packing both WiFi and an Ethernet jack for a wired connection, along with a backlit LCD display, support for AAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV and WMA files stored on a networked computer, a stereo headphone jack, an FM tuner, and a pair of 2W RMS speakers. The one thing that has changed slightly is the price, which now comes in at a slightly more affordable $169.99.

[Via Electronista]

Nokia introduces Home Music WiFi radio

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Dec 2nd 2008 at 12:38PM

Hot on the heals of today's look at the N97, Nokia has dropped the dime on Home Music, the company's first internet radio. Meant for the office or smart home, the device features WiFi and Ethernet connectivity, as well as the usual USB port, aux line-in, analog and digital outs. For those of you who kick it old school once in a while, it also sports an FM receiver and a 10W speaker. No pricing or shipping date yet, but you'll know as soon as we do. In the mean time, hit the read link for more specs and info.

[Via Electronista]

ASUS AIR3 iPod speaker system / internet radio hits the FCC

by Darren Murph, posted Nov 9th 2008 at 6:45PM

While the iPod sound system boat has already sailed (numerous times), there's always a minor boom in copycats when the holiday season draws near. Thankfully, ASUS' latest contribution to the over-saturated market is one with a differentiating factor, as the AIR3 tunes into internet radio stations as well. According to the posted user's guide in the FCC, the unit can play nice with dock-connecting iPods, stream WiFi radio stations and play back music from any other DAP via the 3.5-millimeter auxiliary jack. You'll also find a 128 x 64 resolution FSTN graphics display, S-Video / composite video outputs, an Ethernet jack and a total of four drivers to kick out the jams. An obligatory remote is also bundled in, though there's obviously no indication of a price tag or release date in those absolutely riveting FCC documents.

Sanyo introduces WiFi-enabled R227 tabletop radio

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 28th 2008 at 3:30PM

Internet radios aren't anything new, but Sanyo's putting its own spin on things with the WiFi-packin' R227. Aside from offering standard FM reception, this tabletop device also tunes into thousands of internet stations / podcasts, and it enables listeners to search by country or genre. You'll also find a pair of stereo speakers, one-button on / off, a bundled remote, an Ethernet jack, auxiliary input for DAPs and an audio output for connecting to larger, more robust sound systems. For now, it seems the unit will be exclusive to Canada where it will be offered in a black wood gloss finish for $219.99.