The Push For Radio Chips In Smartphones Makes It To The U.K.

NextRadio In U.S. Is Joined By U.K. Coalition

On WEDNESDAY (NET NEWS 10/13), ALL ACCESS told you NEXTRADIO will release major updates available to the public on OCTOBER 17th in conjunction with the release of the latest NEXTRADIO-enabled SPRINT phone, SAMSUNG GALAXY Note 4. NEXTRADIO has also reached a milestone by achieving one million app downloads.

The quest to find a radio chip in more mobile phones has also crossed the pond, as "a global radio industry coalition backed by the BBC and the [BRITISH] Government is aiming to put pressure on smartphone manufacturers to build tuners into handsets to serve younger audiences and boost flagging take-up of DAB [Digital Audio Broadcasting]," reports U.K.'s TELEGRAPH newspaper, which adds, "the communications minister ED VAIZEY is expected to tell a gathering of radio executives in SALFORD on TUESDAY that the BBC will lead the development of a ‘hybrid’ of DAB, FM and internet radio."

Just as in the U.S., British broadcasters will encourage major mobile phone manufacturers such as SAMSUNG and APPLE, "to include DAB hardware in new handsets and help ensure the future of broadcast radio. The project will aim to create standard software that will make it easy for smartphone users to get the benefits of broadcast radio and and the advanced features of online streaming apps, including interactivity and extra visual content."

BBC Head Of Multiplatform Radio MARK FRIEND said a smartphone push was the best way to “remove the barriers that currently exist to listening on your mobile”. It is expected access to radio broadcasts via the same apps as online streaming will provide better reception, improve battery life and cut mobile bills for smartphone listeners.

The project is also backed by U.K. commercial radio, and American and Australian broadcasters.

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