InternetRadio
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Mossberg previews the Slacker Portable
The short of it is that the Slacker is an intriguing concept and decent product with some serious bugginess in the prototypes -- which is why it's probably a good thing it's been delayed until next year. Walt Mossberg has been kicking around the "blocky" player and related service, and seems to think the idea has some legs. The player is basically a portable WiFi internet radio, but it ties in closely with the free ad-supported Slacker service to give you a bit more of control over your listening experience than a traditional internet radio station. You can navigate the device with either the touch-sensitive strip beside the screen or a scroll wheel on the edge of the unit, and Walt found the sound quality good and WiFi capable. Album art, related photos, artist bios and album reviews are all included with the music and shown off on an expansive 4-inch screen, and the stations are saved to the device for offline listening. You can create custom stations based on artists you like, and if you shell out $7.50 a month for premium service you get unlimited song-skipping (usually limited to six per hour), zero ads, and the ability to pick songs to save to the device and play as often as you'd like. You can of course load your own tracks, but that sort of defeats the purpose of being a "slacker." Mossberg thinks the formula could work as long as Slacker can work out the sub-par battery life, touch strip issues and connection problems before the January 31st launch.[Via Orbitcast]
Nokia busts out Internet Radio beta
Despite a well-supported, open smartphone platform, plenty of 3G devices running said platform, and a large, vibrant community of developers, options for streaming radio on S60-based Nokias are disappointingly few and far between. Don't get us wrong, they exist -- trust us, we've tried them -- but it's an obvious use of HSDPA's generous bandwidth that seems largely (and strangely) underserviced. Nokia's finally taken matters into its own hands and released its Internet Radio beta, featuring a library of streaming stations from across the globe that automatically adjust bitrate based on your connection (audiophiles might not be too happy with what they get over EDGE, but hey, beggars can't be choosers). Grab the beta now for your N82, N91, N95, or N95 8GB -- oh, and don't be fooled by Nokia's graphic here, Internet Radio sure as heck isn't working on an XpressMusic 5200.
Revo Blik WiFi internet radio goes easy on the features
Perhaps it's a positive thing that wireless internet radios are really past the point of feature overload and are really fighting it out on looks and price these days. Take the Revo Blik WiFi for example. It's not going to blow anybody's mind with the MP3 and WMA streaming capability, the internet radio compatibility, or that FM tuner and line-in port, but it's still a bit of a looker, and the price is decent at £100 (around $205 of that pretend stuff we pass around here in the States). You can naturally use the unit as an alarm clock, and streaming is compatible with PC and Mac.[Via Tech Digest]
Audi's Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept touts internet radio, B&O system
Granted, Audi's Cross Cabriolet Quattro is still a concept for now, but the proposed infotainment setup is quite swanky, indeed. Reportedly, the vehicle would include a Bang & Olufsen sound system that could stream internet radio thanks to its built-in internet link. Additionally, motorists could "judge" the tracks as they were played, enabling the system to "build up a picture of their preferences and offer individual play lists." The whip also boasts a built-in intercom system with noise cancelling capabilities, and What HiFi even has it that the internet link could be used to fetch map data from Google Earth. In case you couldn't guess, there's no definitive launch time frame or an expected price just yet, but there's no harm in hoping that its infotainment system shows up in a production vehicle sooner rather than later.[Via What HiFi]
Slacker gets official on Portable Player, Premium Radio Service
Looks like Slacker's on the move -- remember those guys? They're the ones with the customizable streaming radio stations that intend to distribute dynamic audio streams by way of internet and satellite. The sat option's not quite ready yet, but the Portable Player is well on its way. The details: It'll be available in 15 (2GB), 25 (4GB), and 40 (8GB) station capacities. (Station capacity is how Slacker gauges storage. Each station carries with it a slew of tracks). Prices are $200, $250, and $300, respectively. 4-inch screen with touch strip and scroll wheel. (Sorry, not a touchscreen, though, nor is it intended for video playback.) The device uses WiFi to connect directly to content, and MTP over USB connection. You can do your thing without using a machine, but if you want to use USB you won't have an easy time using it on non-Windows platforms. It supports MP3, WMA, and AAC playback. The music you sync from the stations is kept in "hidden" storage in DRMed AAC. No, you're not at all allowed to try and grab at this content. 10 hours battery life with removable li-ion battery Premium Radio Service is available for $7.50 per month, enabling unlimited track skipping, ratings music and banning tracks or artists, station sharing, and ad-free station streams More on this thing soon!
Cambridge Consultants unveils WiFi RadioPro platform
Though not ubiquitous, portable WiFi radios are certainly still longed for, and Cambridge Consultants is hoping to stir up even more demand by offering up a low cost, customizable platform for theses devices to utilize. Shown originally as the Iona WiFi radio at CES, the platform has been renamed RadioPro, and it boasts a manufacturable eBOM of just $15. Furthermore, it supports over 10,000 radio stations, wireless upgrades and a flexible architecture that allows "full customization of the user interface and menus through a dedicated software development kit (SDK)." As if that weren't enough, the design also touts up to 25-hours of active streaming time on a 1500mAh battery, and if all goes to plan, we should see devices that rely on CSR's latest technology hit shelves before 2007 comes to a close.[Thanks, Rob T.]
Sangean intros WFR-20 tabletop WiFi radio
It's been nearly a year since we've heard from Sangean, but the company is hitting back with a swank new WiFi internet radio that's shaped a good deal like its past units. The WFR-20 offers up "direct access to over 6,000 Internet Radio stations (and 21,242 on-demand streams) in 250 locations from 60 genres," and you can organize your favorites in the My Stations folder. Additionally, it's designed to operate with or without a PC, and if you have a networked computer nearby with Windows Media Player, you can have "full access to your digital media library using the UPnP Server." Furthermore, you'll find a three-line display, four alarms, an aux input, dual five-watt speakers, and a wireless remote to boot, but there's no word on a price or release date just yet.[Thanks, Larry]
Internet radio iPods due Wednesday?
Sensing a small gap in existing September 5th iPod rumors, vnunet.com is joining the fray and citing an "industry insider" with word on a digital radio iPod. Apparently the device will stream iTunes songs wirelessly, with a "Buy Now" option if the mood strikes. While internet radio has been a feature of iTunes since time began, it's never really been a big thrust for Apple, and to say that we're skeptical about this "report" is a major understatement. We're also not sure Apple is ready to leave its precious digital hub and finally allow consumers to make purchasing decisions on the go, but we're certainly all for it. Let's file this one under "baseless" until tomorrow when all shall be known.[Thanks, FireFox]
Sirius teams up with Sonos for wireless multi-room audio
Satellite radio provider Sirius really is busy today, announcing a bunch of products, and also a collaboration with Sonos to deliver wireless multi-room streaming Sirius content via broadband. By updating to version 2.3 software, the Sonos hardware can directly connect to Sirius Internet Radio and stream throughout any of the 32 supported zones. Current Sonos owners can also get a 30-day trial to Sirius to try out the system, and decide whether compressed audio sounds better in the bathroom than it does from their computer speakers.
Senators Wyden and Brownback promise to push Internet Radio Equality Act
Things haven't looked great for internet radio stations for a while now, and though SoundExchange has put a pause on the rate hikes while it's in talks with the webcasters, not much progress has been made, and US Senators Ron Wyden (D) and Sam Brownback (R) have decided to do something about it. They're promising to push forward their co-sponsored "Internet Radio Equality Act," which hopes to chuck the new extravagant rates decided upon by the Copyright Royalty Board and return to a flat percentage-of-revenue model. Wyden and Brownback also decry the recording industry's use of a minimum per-station fee to leverage broadcasters into DRM, which "fails to respect the established principles of fair use and consumer rights." While they do support a negotiated solution, the Senators promise to takes steps toward passage of the IREA if there's no progress in negotiations by Labor Day. To throw your weight in behind the movement, check out the read link.
RIAA wants -- surprise -- DRM on all digital radio
And we thought these folks claiming that random electrical / WiFi / RF waves could turn you into a toad were off-kilter. Recently, a push has reportedly been going on in content guardian circles which would force anti-stream-ripping DRM software to be latched onto internet radio feeds everywhere, presumably to combat the elusive cash-stealing epidemic going on across the globe. As you'll recall, the RIAA has already demanded that XM-Sirius pay higher royalty rates because of (wait, we're still searching), but thankfully, the Digital Freedom Campaign stepped into action and proclaimed that "requiring webcasters to implement mandatory DRM technologies to prevent any personal recording of internet radio streams is an imposition on both webcasters and consumers." 'Course, this statement came after Mitch Glazier (of the RIAA) purportedly stated that there was no need to wait until the aforementioned ripping became "a big problem to start addressing it," insinuating that we should all just blindly deal with another restriction regardless if there's actually a problem that needs to be solved. Interesting logic, indeed.[Via CreateDigitalMusic]
Freecom's MusicPal WiFi radio now on pre-order
Internet radio -- a market which seems to be heating up lately -- is getting another entry to the game in Freecom's latest device. The company has just announced its MusicPal WiFi radio, which can access up to 5,000 pre-programmed internet stations (or you can add your own), stream your MP3s and WAVs from your PC or network, and can be connected to your home stereo when it's time to really party. The petite, stylish device runs on the Linux 2.6 kernel, has 802.11b/g and wired 10/100 RJ45 connectivity, and sports a 128x64 pixel monochrome LCD display. The MusicPal goes on sale in August for €129, although the company is taking pre-orders right now. Too bad royalties are poised to kill the internet radio star this Sunday.[Thanks, Jeroen S]
Digital download service coming to Pure's DAB radios
If you're feeling a little constricted by the relatively limited amount of digital download venues out there (especially across the pond), Imagination Technologies and UBC Media Group are on the rescue wagon. Recently, the duo has announced plans to create a service which will "allow listeners to purchase music directly from DAB digital radios." The system will reportedly combine Imagination's new DAB and internet digital radio platform with UBC's Cliq instant music purchase technology, which will satisfy the desire for instant gratification by providing a "buy now" option on select DAB radio stations. Exact terms remain undisclosed at the moment, but we do know that those oh-so-attractive Pure Digital systems will be among the first to sport said purchasing technology whenever it goes mainstream.[Via RegHardware]
Tivoli announces NetWorks WiFi radios
Tivoli, well known for its small and classy wood-framed AM/FM radio systems, is branching out into the world of internet radio with two new models called the NetWorksGo and NetWorks Table Radio. As the names suggest, one is a portable (and by portable we mean about the size of a car battery), while the other is, obviously, meant for desktop use. The new models will stream MP3, WMA and Real Audio using WiFi or an Ethernet connection, and stations will come from a pre-selected list provided by the company, although according to reports, users need only "send Tivoli an e-mail" to have a station added to the device. No word yet on pricing, but they should be available later this year.[Via slipperybrick]
Linux-powered VoIP uber-phone does WiFi video conferencing
We're not sayin' we'd put one of these bad boys in our living room or anything, but adorning the board room table with a four-line VoIP phone that sports a built-in 3.5-inch LCD, webcam, and Zach Morris-style handset wouldn't be a half bad use of resources. The SysMaster Tornado M20 uber-phone does a lot more than hold down IP calls, as it also manages to handle video conferencing, IPTV, video- / audio-on-demand, internet radio, voicemail, email / chat / news, and local weather information. This conglomerate even touts a dual-core processor, 32MB of RAM, and 32MB of flash memory, and the integrated Ethernet jack, WiFi, RCA audio outs, and Linux-powered UI are all welcome additions. Of course, we've no idea if you can rig up Tetris on this thing and use the 4, 8, and 6 keys to control your pieces, but it'll only cost you $260 and a tick of your time to find out.
Asustek to show off gear aplenty at Computex
Asustek looks to be taking advantage of this week's big Computex trade show in Taipei to show of its latest round of "rock solid, heart touching" gear, which the folks at Infoworld has thankfully rounded up for us. As is often the case, not everything on display is entirely new, including the company's previously announced super-upgradeable C90 laptop, and its A33 "media player," which is actually more of a media center, packing a DVD burner, 320GB hard drive, dual channel TV tuner, Bluetooth, and 802.11n WiFi. Among the newer products are a pair of Internet radios, one of which, the Asustek Internet Radio 3 (AIR 3), boasts an iPod dock on the top, along with a USB port to let you play tunes off a USB stick. Look for it to set you back about $400 when it's released later this year, while the iPod-less AIR 1 radio will only run you $200. Also announced are a pair of 2 megapixel webcams, one with an autofocus lens and one without, costing $110 and $90, respectively. In addition to showing of its wares, Asustek's also talking a bit about some of its future plans, saying that it expects to launch its first high-definition disc player by the first quarter of 2008, which it says will "likely" be a Blu-ray device.
Can't get enough PSP podcasting? We visit AGI
PSP Fanboy has visited the likes of All Games Interactive before, and despite this, they asked to have us back. For those unaware, All Games is an internet radio station that plays gaming news and music. It's essentially doing for radio what G4 originally tried to do for TV. Our segment begins an hour into the show, and we cover a variety of topics, including colored PSPs, Sony's Gamer's Day, overlooked games and the general state of the handheld. Even a few jokes are thrown in for good measure. While you'll want to tune in for the PSP segment, please note the entire show is worth listening to. Give it a listen, and remember that we'll be producing our very own podcast very soon.
Terratec's NOXON 2 radio / music server now does iPods
Joining the hordes of other fine music servers out there that have caved to the silent iPod demands, Terratec's latest has ponied up the ten-percent in order to boast about iPod compatibility. The NOXON 2 music streamer sports a stylish white, silver, and black motif, a top-mounted iPod dock, USB host port for connecting flash drives and external HDDs, optical audio output, headphone jack, streaming internet radio sans a PC, FM tuner, a wireless remote, built-in in Ethernet, and WiFi to boot. The device also supports OS X, Linux, and several flavors of Windows, 802.11b/g, 802.3(u), UPnP, WEP, WPA / WPA2, and a plethora of audio formats including MP3, M3U, PLS, OGG, AAC, WAV, and WMA. Notably, this unit actually packs its own 2.1 speaker system if you're on the go, which consists of a three-inch "subwoofer" and a pair of 1.5-inch tweeters, leaving us all to wonder where the integrated mids are. Still, such a convenient little streamer won't run you cheap, as Terratec apparently feels this thing is worth a whopping €349 ($473).[Via Slashgear]
Terratec's NOXON 2 music server now does iPods
Joining the hordes of other fine music servers out there that have caved to the silent iPod demands, Terratec's latest has ponied up the ten-percent in order to boast about iPod compatibility. The NOXON 2 music streamer sports a stylish white, silver, and black motif, a top-mounted iPod dock, USB host port for connecting flash drives and external HDDs, optical audio output, headphone jack, streaming internet radio sans a PC, FM tuner, a wireless remote, built-in in Ethernet, and WiFi to boot. The device also supports OS X, Linux, and several flavors of Windows, 802.11b/g, 802.3(u), UPnP, WEP, WPA / WPA2, and a plethora of audio formats including MP3, M3U, PLS, OGG, AAC, WAV, and WMA. Notably, this unit actually packs its own 2.1 speaker system if you're on the go, which consists of a three-inch "subwoofer" and a pair of 1.5-inch tweeters, leaving us all to wonder where the integrated mids are. Still, such a convenient little streamer won't run you cheap, as Terratec apparently feels this thing is worth a whopping €349 ($473).[Via Slashgear]
Linux-based Audiobot Pro broadcasts your own radio station
Streaming internet radio through the home most certainly isn't new, but Tables Turned is making good use of its name by flipping the sequence in reverse and allowing users to create their own radio stations and blast them back to the web. The aptly-named Audiobot Pro is a Linux-based device which enables customers to "distribute audio to radio stations and music venues." Made for those who adore simplicity, you simply connect up an audio source and it "automatically records, formats, and uploads MP3 recordings to any website." Moreover, it can also broadcast an actual internet radio stream for others to tune into, and each Audiobot operator can control the device by inserting their own "uniquely encoded USB key into the front of the device." Don't expect to crank up your own pirate station without a bit of up-front costs, however, as the Audiobot Pro will set you back $1,200 right from the start.
