UPDATE - We received a very useful comment from Aaron Read about this topic:
ORIGINAL POST:
Everybody knows it is imperative that the maximum number of Smartphones be capable of receiving FM station program streams. Manufacturers and retailers have been slow in including FM into many Smartphone menus.
Unless and until the iPhone comes with an FM enabled, then
it doesn't matter...AT ALL...how many other phones do.
The iPhone might only command a comparatively small percentage of the total smartphone market (esp overseas, but even in the US it's only like 15%) but because the rest of the market is so fragmented across hundreds of different makes/models of Android phones (not to mention the incredible inconsistency between versions of the AndroidOS itself) it's still the iPhone that drives the conversation.
And, of course, Apple will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NOT EVER put an FM radio in the iPhone. It makes absolutely no sense for them to do so, so they won't.
Accordingly, all the talk about FM radios in smartphones is basically mouse farts.
The iPhone might only command a comparatively small percentage of the total smartphone market (esp overseas, but even in the US it's only like 15%) but because the rest of the market is so fragmented across hundreds of different makes/models of Android phones (not to mention the incredible inconsistency between versions of the AndroidOS itself) it's still the iPhone that drives the conversation.
And, of course, Apple will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NOT EVER put an FM radio in the iPhone. It makes absolutely no sense for them to do so, so they won't.
Accordingly, all the talk about FM radios in smartphones is basically mouse farts.
-- Aaron Read
ORIGINAL POST:
Everybody knows it is imperative that the maximum number of Smartphones be capable of receiving FM station program streams. Manufacturers and retailers have been slow in including FM into many Smartphone menus.
However, there are
quite a Smartphones on the market now that have FM radio access. Recently Slashgear [link], a digital media review
and retail site, provided an overview of Smartphones to “get” FM. This is story
is partially based on that report.
According to Slashgear many people already have
Smartphones that can tune in FM. The
device owners just don’t know about it. The major reasons cited for this lack
of knowledge are the perceived lack of interest by consumers and the lack of
promotion for the feature. It would appear these reasons are directly related. The
consumer has to bring it up.
If you wonder
whether your device has FM radio capabilities, download the app NextRadio
from Google Play and it’ll check for you. Here are some of the devices and add-ons that Slashgear recommends:
• BEST OF THE BUNCH #1: LG G Flex and G Flex
2
Amazon price: $259.00*
Other good choices
are the LG G Stylo, LG Stylo 2, and LG Realm. The LG Tribute 5, LG Tribute HD,
and LG X Power.
• BEST OF THE BUNCH #2: Samsung Galaxy
Express Prime, Galaxy Express 3, and Galaxy Grand Prime
Amazon price: $119.95*
Other good choices
are the Galaxy J3, Galaxy J7, Galaxy MEGA on Boost Mobile and Sprint and The
Galaxy ON5.
• Alcatel Idol 4S, ONETOUCH Conquest,
ONETOUCH Elevate, and ONETOUCH Pixi 7
Amazon price: $349.00*
• HTC One M9, One M8, One M8 Harman/Kardon
edition
Amazon price: $328.00*
• Huawei’s “Union” device is available at
Sprint, Virgin Mobile, and Boost Mobile.
Amazon price: $599.99*
• Kyocera Hydro ICON, Hydro REACH, and Hydro
VIBE
Price not available
• Motorola Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus, Moto G
(XT1031 and XT 1548), Moto E (XT1526), and Moto G (3rd Gen)
Amazon price: $149.00*
Some Android
devices also offer access to their FM Radio hardware, including those made by
BLU: Studio G Plus, Energy M, Energy Diamond Mini, Grand 5.5, Diamond M, Studio
C 8+8, Pure XR, Dash L2, Studio G HD, and Studio G. BLU also makes the
following devices with FM radio activated and available: Studio C HD, Vivo 5,
Vivo XL, Studio Selfie 2, Grand 5.5 HD, and the BLU Life XL 3G.
* Prices vary
because of call-in plans and rebates
Unless and until the iPhone comes with an FM enabled, then it doesn't matter...AT ALL...how many other phones do.
ReplyDeleteThe iPhone might only command a comparatively small percentage of the total smartphone market (esp overseas, but even in the US it's only like 15%) but because the rest of the market is so fragmented across hundreds of different makes/models of Android phones (not to mention the incredible inconsistency between versions of the AndroidOS itself) it's still the iPhone that drives the conversation.
And, of course, Apple will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NOT EVER put an FM radio in the iPhone. It makes absolutely no sense for them to do so, so they won't.
Accordingly, all the talk about FM radios in smartphones is basically mouse farts.
BTW, I'm not going to lie: any chance to use the phrase "mouse farts"? I totally going to do it. Take that one to the bank. It's just too good a phrase to keep under a bushel basket. :)
ReplyDelete