A Look at Microsoft Zune's FM Radio
Sunday, September 17, 2006 at 7:52 AM
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Hear 2.0 is featuring a look at the FM radio included in Microsoft's new Zune player.
No this isn't the first MP3 player to include FM radio, but it is by far the highest profile one. The iPod's FM tuner add-on doesn't count in my book. The whole concept of integrating a radio into a digital audio player is to allow for effortless listening to music, and discovery of music (essential for the continued success of MP3 players). It also provides the sense of "choice" to the consumer.
Satellite radio provides the same thing. Only better. It's just a matter of time before Microsoft and/or Apple come to this realization.
[Hear 2.0]
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Comments
I bet getting reception on the go will be harder than with an S50....... (yes, i was kidding). I know Sirius stopped advertising the S50 as a "portable radio". But they used to!
Posted by: tussel ? | September 17, 2006 8:31 AM
Interesting that everyone seems to be coming to this conclusion NOW. While MP3 players are great, I never bought one WITHOUT aradio, since radio essentially gives you UNLIMITED songs and content to choose from.
In fact, I never understood the reticence to put AM radio on a unit as well. My love for listening to a baseball game doesn't vaporize just because I have an MP3 player.
Posted by: Max | September 17, 2006 11:11 AM
As much as I'm not an MS fan, the Zune isn't a bad looking device. Nice, large screen. The question is how it will work. Time will tell. The iPod has such a HUGE advantage over all the "iPod killers" -- for now, I'll stick with my XM Helix and my iPod video.
Posted by: iband | September 17, 2006 6:10 PM
that thing will be great for downloading music free commercials on the go!
Posted by: delbert_grady ? | September 18, 2006 7:40 AM
I want the brown one to match my poo.
Q: What's the difference between a Zune and a steaming piece of shit?
A: $300
Posted by: MikeHunt ? | September 18, 2006 9:54 AM
I think the reason MP3 player companies are hesitant to put AM as well as FM capability is due to the high amount of interference that is evident with most AM broadcasts. Hell, I get a ton of interference in my car just trying to listen to 1050 ESPN. Between the dips in the road, satellite transmission signals from gas stations, and any other tiny thing, AM reception pretty much sucks. AM waves just don't travel that well compared to FM. But still, it's not like it would take that much technology to enable reception of an AM signal, just to be able to have it.
Posted by: theicepik ? | September 18, 2006 11:51 AM
Iriver did it far better a year ago. Creative too.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | September 24, 2006 8:21 PM