9 to 5 Mac has received word that Apple is working on bringing FM radio capabilities to its iPhone and iPod touch lines. More specifically, Radio.app (as it is known) will purportedly have permission to operate in the background (because Apple’s apps are better than the 80,000 other apps that don’t get to run in the background, or something) and “will offer the same functionality as the FM radio in the new iPod Nanos.”
Thanks to our friendly neighborhood tear-down enthusiasts, we’ve known that the iPhone 3G S and the iPod touch (2G and 3G) have included a FM receiver (which is part of the chipset used for Nike+) for quite a while. We’re sort of doubting that Apple would share the FM-radio-wealth (at least not with those who’ve already purchased their iPhones/touches) without asking for a buck or two in return – but even so, the addition of FM is so frequently requested that it’s just nice to see happen. According to the knowledgeable tipster:
The holdup on this app is that Apple is trying to integrate the Mobile iTunes Store purchases into the functionality of the program. For instance, if you like a song you are listening to on the radio (and that station supports tagging and you are in the US), you will be able to push a button and see the song (and all of the information around it) in the iTunes Mobile store. With another click, you’ll be able to make a purchase. This is an extension of the Song Tagging feature used in the iPod Nanos.
Come on, Apple. Make the right call here and unleash the incredible technology that is FM radio. Or, if you prefer to let the Zune HD (and others) maintain a slight edge with its integrated FM capabilities, so be it. The ball is in your court.
Apple should make the app free and get their .02 worth through integration with app store….
Of course there is a HUGE can of worms in the entire subject matter of old school and new wave platforms…. for another blog.
I am surprised some other company hasn’t already made an app for the FM radio functionality, if it’s been there this long. And if they did make an app, I could see being charged for it, but considering I just got my first iPhone this year (3GS) and have yet to pay for any Apple apps or updates I guess it just seems weird to me that everyone thinks Apple will charge for this function.
Unlike the ZuneHD, I am guessing this chip doesn’t support HD digital radio, does it? That would be a pleasant surprise – and worth paying for.
Regardless, looking forward to see if this actually happens!
It will probably take an OS firmware update from Apple to unlock the FM receiver so that they or ’some other company’ can make apps that work with it. Otherwise, I’m sure you’re right- there’d be a bunch of apps available by now.
It’ll also probably be an update from 3.x to 4.x- maybe free for iphones, but us ipod touch users will have to pay for it. (cost me ten bucks to get 3.0!)
I’m anxious to see as well.
My 1 question is this: Would iPhone 3G (no S) users be able to join in the fun too?
BJ
Nice.. But Apple should make it free and much easier.
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listen to wunderradio app everyday. Terrific application, check out review to see how good this is – http://short.to/o7io.
However the one thing that is annoying about it is that as its an application you cant do anything else on the iphone while it is playing. If you want to write a message or play a game, the application turns off. Hopefully now the iphone will become even more multifunctional. what next? To the moon!!!!
I am really locking forward to the radio for
my iphone
MatsRG
Thanks for sharing this valuable information.