CNET: FM In Cell Phones? 'An Epic Fail'

Can You Say Cynical?

In a video report, CNET calls it "an epic fail for the music industry." What are they talking about? Yes -- FM tuners on mobile devices.

Last week (NET NEWS 8/17), ALL ACCESS reported there's been many things that broadcasters and those supporting a performance fee for radio have disagreed on, but one that they both embrace wholeheartedly is adding FM tuners to mobile phones and other portable devices.

Now CNET chimes in, calling the idea of forcing a tuner on cell phone manufacturers as "pulling a GOOGLE/VERIZON." The video report makes fun of the idea, continuing, "because music can only exist on the radio -- and radio can only exist if cell phones have radios in them ... by law."

The online video report wraps up its rant by concluding that once STEVE JOBS gets involved, he will put an end to things "by blowing up the universe."

View the CNET video here. The part about FM tuners runs from 1:00-2:00 as part of five-minute news posting. CNET is owned by CBS.

[What do you think? If cell phone manufacturers put an FM or FM/HD chip in a cell phone, will it make a difference? Or, with so many station apps now available, is having an FM chip a moot point? Comment below.]

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