fmradio
Latest
Samsung phones will have functioning FM chips from now on
Samsung is the latest company to team up with NextRadio to bring FM service to its new phones. The company will unlock FM chips in all its upcoming smartphones in the US and Canada. The bulk of smartphones around the world are manufactured with an FM chip, but hardware makers often do not unlock them.
Tesla’s Model 3 patch adds futuristic features like an FM radio
Tesla's latest update for the Model 3 adds an FM radio and a tripometer. Let that sink in for a bit. Sure, plenty of cars don't have CD players anymore, but a radio is pretty standard equipment. Same goes for the tripometer. Actually, the tripometer missing is a little more egregious than the radio. Typically, the tripometer is used to measure how far you can go on a tank of gas, or, in the Model 3's case, a full charge. This is the sort of thing that illustrates Tesla was in such a rush to get the hardware out the door that it overlooked everyday features we take for granted.
FCC Chairman wants Apple to enable FM in iPhones for emergencies (update)
You might think of radio as an archaic form of listening to music, but it's still one of the more effective ways to get information to people, especially when cell networks go down. Most smartphones already have an FM chip baked right into the chipset, but they tend to be inaccessible, especially in the US. Now FCC Chairman Ajit Pai is asking Apple to activate these FM chips already in iPhones. "Apple is the one major phone manufacturer that has resisted (activating the chips)," said Pai in a statement. "But I hope the company will reconsider its position, given the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria."
LG might finally enable FM radios in US phones
Radio might be so last century, but it's a cheap and effective format for broadcasting media -- and it won't cost you any data to tune into. Many foreign-built smartphones actually come with radio tuners, but they're hard to find in devices meant for the US -- if they aren't disabled by carriers. LG is partnering with NextRadio to provide free access to FM radio for users in the Americas who buy the device maker's future smartphones.
Norway is killing FM radio and folks aren't happy
Norway has started switching off FM transmitters today, becoming the first nation in the world to dump the 80-year-old standard. The changeover to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) will give citizens more stations, better coverage, program time-shifting and more, the government says. However, the majority are against the changeover, according to a recent poll. "We are simply not ready for this yet," MP Ib Thompson told Reuters.
IHeartRadio app gets on-demand features through Napster partnership
Massive conglomerate IHeartRadio, which owns over 800 radio stations in the US, is getting into the on-demand music streaming market, just as it promised earlier this year. The company just added two paid plans to its iOS and Android app that bring many of the streaming features found in competitors like Spotify and Apple Music. First and foremost is the ability to search for and play any track you want, any time you want, without being beholden to whatever IHeartRadio's FM stations are playing. That music library will be powered by Napster, which had been operating in the US at Rhapsody until recently.
AT&T will require working FM radios in its Android phones (update: just a request)
You might think that conventional radio is becoming less relevant as time marches on, but AT&T begs to differ. It's requiring that Android phone makers not only include active FM radio chips in their devices from 2016 onwards, but that they switch on chips in as many existing phones as possible. There's no immediate explanation for the throwback, and we've reached out for more details. However, it may boil down to matters of efficiency and utility. FM radio reduces the need for streaming audio if you're not picky about content, and it can be an important source of news during emergencies, when data networks might be down or oversaturated. We're sure that manufacturers won't be happy, since they'll have to work on FM support just to get handsets on AT&T's store shelves. All the same, it's nice to see providers enabling features for a change... even if they're ones that you're not very likely to use. Update: We've since learned that this isn't as strict as it sounds -- it's a request from AT&T, not a rule. If an Android phone maker declines to include FM, it won't get the boot. [Image credit: Getty Images]
Norway will lead the effort to switch off FM radio
Some countries are already stepping up their transition to digital radio, but Norway thinks it can one up them all. The nation's Ministry of Culture has revealed plans to switch off FM radio across the country in 2017, making it the first country to scrap conventional broadcasts. The staged shutoff (which begins January 11th that year) is focused on improving channel choice and quality, according to the government. While there are just five national stations on FM, there's room for roughly 42 using cleaner-sounding DAB technology. It's about eight times more expensive to use FM, too, and digital radio is more reliable for getting messages across in an emergency.
Security researcher uses radio frequencies to smuggle data out of isolated network
Think your completely isolated, internet-disconnected "air gap" computer network is secure from wireless infiltration? Think again -- security researchers at Ben-Gurion University in Israel have found a way to lift data from closed networks using little more than a standard computer monitor and FM radio waves. It's a pretty clever trick: researchers have created a keylogging app called AirHopper that can transmit radio frequencies by exploiting the PC's display. A companion app on an FM-equipped smartphone can decode those transmissions and record the host machine's keystrokes in real-time.
Broadcasters want phones to come with a 'hybrid' radio format
You may think that radio is dying in an era when on-demand music streaming is nearly ubiquitous, but some of the world's biggest broadcasters (unsurprisingly) disagree. The BBC, Clear Channel, HD Radio's Ibiquity and a handful of others are researching a "hybrid" radio format that would give smartphone users the advantages of reliable, low-intensity digital or FM radio with the interactivity and "enhancements" of internet streaming. In theory, this would keep your costs down and your battery life up without giving up the creature comforts of modern technology.
Sprint announces FM radio and Entertain Me app bundle for future smartphones
Sprint is hedging a bet that FM radio isn't dead. Today, the Now Network revealed that certain Android and Windows Phone devices will debut this year with support for terrestrial radio stations. The move is a differentiator for Sprint, which is the first US carrier to make such an initiative. As it stands, we're told to expect these smartphones to include the NextRadio tuner app. Not to stop there, Sprint has also revealed an application bundle known as Entertain Me, which will be located in the Sprint Zone on Android devices. Here, users can access Sprint TV and Movies, Sprint Music Plus, Spotify, Slacker, iHeartRadio, Shazam and Rumpus. It's currently unclear whether each of these apps will come pre-installed, or whether we'll find the ability to download the titles individually. Naturally, we're hopeful for the latter -- no matter how good an app is, it's always nice to have a choice. More details follow after the break.
TDK introduces new wireless Boombox and two new weatherproof speakers
TDK's Boombox rocked minds and windows alike with its modern take on a retro classic. Buoyed by its success, the cassette-maker of old is back with new audio hardware at IFA. Three devices, again on the speaker front. First up is the Boombox Wireless, which is a similar, but updated, design from the original and features not only streaming sans cables via Bluetooth, a rechargeable battery, too. If you don't want to cut the cord completely, there's a 3.5mm aux input, USB slot for charging plus an FM radio and headphone output. Next up is the Wireless Weatherproof Speaker, which despite being described as "rugged" and boasting an IP 64 weather compliant design, looks like any regular device. It, too, has Bluetooth streaming and built-in battery, along with 3.5mm input and built-in microphone. If these two were all looking a little bit oblong, then the curious Wireless Charging Cube might be for you. Yep, it's Bluetooth streaming again, but also plonk your Qi induction compatible device on top, and it'll juice that while you jam (there's a non wireless charging / charger version also.) How much do these slabs of sound cost? The Boombox is $399, the Wireless Weatherproof is $250 while the Wireless Charging Cube is $399. Not a peep on availability at this time, we'll connect you up though, once we get it.
Pure updates Evoke Mio radio with six new colors, thinks you need a new shade for summer
Do you really think a black FM radio -- or even worse, one in an off-season shade of grape --- can get you through the summer? Radio maker Pure wants to correct your errant ways. The company is expanding its Evoke Mio radio line with six new "on-trend" color options. The radio is already available in black, teal, grape and cherry, and now Pure is adding pepper, mustard, paprika, sage, rose and seagrass shades. While the colors are new, the specs are the same as on the original model: there's digital and FM radio, space for 30 presets, an auxiliary input for a PMP and an auto-dimming OLED panel. The new Pure Evoke Mio collection will go on sale in June for £130 (it's unclear if the radios will head stateside as well).
Huawei Fusion hits AT&T's GoPhone lineup, prepaid Gingerbread for $125 (update)
Hey, not everyone needs a bunch-of-core superphone tied down to a two-year contract, so it's always nice to have some solid prepaid options, right? If you shook your head yes to that, you'll be pleased to know that AT&T's just added the Android Gingerbread-loaded Huawei Fusion to its GoPhone lineup. The device features a 3.5-inch (320 x 480) display up front, while on back there's a 3.2-megapixel shooter. Other goodies include Bluetooth 2.1, FM radio functionality and support for up to 32GB of storage via MicroSD. If you're still nodding your noggin, the Fusion and its (essentially) utilitarian specs can be yours for the keeping, sans contractual commitment, for just $125. You'll find more info at the links below. Update: Well, our mistake folks. It turns out this phone has been available on AT&T for quite some time now. Thanks to everyone in the comments for pointing this out.
Soundfreaq's Sound Stack Bluetooth speaker sports dual subwoofers, $400 pricetag
Soundfreaq doesn't release speaker systems often, but it's safe to expect something spectacularly sexy when it does. Such is exactly the case with its latest audiophile-aimed creation, the Sound Stack wireless speaker. The company is toting this $400 Bluetooth-enabled HiFi rig as a "2.2" speaker system, thanks to its DubSub design -- a duo of active subwoofers pump out lowend in an effort to complement its two other "full-range" drivers. Soundfreaq's also packed this puppy with its UQ3 processing to keep the soundstage wide despite the unit's size. Better yet, downloading a free Remote App (available on Android and iOS) unlocks the system's FM radio -- perfect for when you're feeling nostalgic. If that wasn't enough, the Sound Stack's also loaded with an iThing dock and a USB input, both of which can be used to re-juice your devices while streaming. If your Gadget Acquisition Syndrome is already kicking in, fret not, the Sound Stack is available for purchase now. You'll find more details past the break.
Livio Radio outs Bluetooth Internet Radio Kit for iPod, iPhone, but you can just call it 'The Kit'
Livio Radio's Bluetooth Internet Radio Car Kit may not be the most mellifluous product name we've ever heard, but it's certainly an apt one. Known as "The Kit" for short, this plug-and-play device allows drivers to stream music from their iPhone or iPod Touch, directly through their car's FM radio. The system also boasts hands-free Bluetooth calling capabilities and a set buttons that let you control Livio's Car Internet Radio application, providing access to over 45,000 radio stations with no monthly fees. Interested parties can grab their own Kit at the source link below, for $120. Otherwise, just steer past the break for an espresso shot of PR.
Tivoli Audio announces PAL+ and Model 10+ clock radios, we go ears-on
If those clock radios up there look familiar, it's because their maker, Tivoli Audio, has been spitting out pretty much the same thing for the past 11 years. Their innards, at least, have changed with the times, and here at IFA the company is showing two models -- the portable PAL+ and the more stationary Model 10+ -- both of which hinge on support for digital radio. They're each compatible with DAB, DAB+ and DMB, in addition to good 'ol FM, have dual alarms and support five station presets for each band. The main difference is that the PAL+ is weather-resistant and battery-powered, rated to last three and a half hours unplugged. At 1.85 pounds it's still heavy enough that we'd never throw it in a carry-on, but in a world where it cost less or money were no object we might take it to the beach. You could, if you were so inclined, use the included remote to navigate the UI, though there's also a scroll wheel up top -- a neat idea, we thought, until you realize pushing that button in the center to cycle through each and every menu gets annoying fast. As for the audio quality, the speakers are powerful enough that their sound could rise above the din of the show floor, but we could still hear some tinniness coming through. The pair are available now, fetching $299 (£299) and $399 (£399), respectively, which means HD radio or no, these are, still, glorified alarm clocks. %Gallery-132357% %Gallery-132360% %Gallery-132363%
Qualcomm unleashes tri-band WiFi and new mobile wireless chipset
Qualcomm might be all juiced up about getting its Snapdragon processor in 250 upcoming devices, but that doesn't mean the company has forgotten its wireless roots. The San Diego-based chip maker announced that its partnership with Wilocity has finally bore fruit in the form of the AR9004TB chipset. This tri-band wireless setup adds 60GHz WiGig to the usual 2.4 and 5GHz dual-band 802.11n formula for "multi-gigabit in-room performance." Though far from finalized, the 802.11ad standard being pushed by the WiGig alliance should be able to hit speeds of 5Gbps -- more than enough to blast several HD video streams around your home. It also packs Bluetooth 4.0 for your less bandwidth intensive (and more battery sensitive) computing needs. Going smaller scale, Qualcomm also unveiled the WCN3660, a wireless chipset to complement its Snapdragon CPU in smartphones and tablets. Inside this sliver of silicon is a dual-band Wi-Fi radio, Bluetooth 4.0, and an FM radio. It also supports Wi-Fi Display (not to be confused with WiDi) for beaming video to a WiFi-enabled TV or monitor. Head on after the break for more PR than you can shake an antenna at.
iRiver's T9 is the affectionate, all-purpose MP3 player your inner schoolgirl always wanted (video)
Been searching for an MP3 player that can do it all, including whisper sweet nothings in your ear? Behold the iRiver T9, a slim, Barbie pink number with screen savers that say, "I love you" and "enjoy your life." For such a gimmicky device, it actually offers a healthy feature set, including an FM radio, voice recorder, step and calorie counters, a built-in USB connector, and the ability to shake to skip. Too bad the storage taps out at a puny 4GB. No word on pricing, but for now you can peep a less patronizing color palette in the gallery below and head past the break to play a game sweeping the Engadget staff: "spot the MP3 player in the video of dancing schoolgirls." %Gallery-124097%
Alcatel Onetouch 905A gets measured by the FCC, receives a stamp of approval for AT&T
When we played with Alcatel's entry-level Android offerings at this year's MWC, it was assumed the handsets would begin infiltrating the domestic paygo market -- of course, we hadn't expected a previously unseen feature phone to be the first arrival. The Onetouch 905A recently graced the FCC, and it's now clear for take-off on AT&T, bringing a 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen at 320 x 240 pixels, a 2 megapixel camera and FM radio to Ma Bell's bottom shelf. Get a good look, because if you accidentally destroy your iPhone and are needing a quick fix, the Onetouch 905A has "punishment phone" written all over it.
