Listening to radio FM on the pocketPC?

[beto6971]

I'm quite happy with my PDA (TyTN) because it has a lot of things in only one device, except for the GPS (as opposed to the iPaq 6915) which I wouldn't use anyway because here in Southamerica there's no maps available for the PPC software. So that's not really an issue for me.

The only device I miss is a FM tunner. Sometimes I have to use public transportation and I'd like to listen to my preferred station (not the driver's) without having to carry a second device.

I've been looking for it on the internet, with no succes. I saw a CF card, but my device has a microSD!!! I guess it'd be really difficul to put a tuner in such a small device. :(

Anyone have seen something like that?

[Janak Parekh]

I have not seen any microSD solutions, no. There may have been a SD solution once (and there certainly was CF), but I don't think you'll ever see microSD -- the form factor is simply too small to effectively allow the integration of a FM chipset and an antenna, and I don't think the demand is big enough.

The two alternatives I can suggest:

1. Use a GPRS/3G connection and listen to Internet streaming audio. Some stations, especially here, offer an Internet stream. This only works, obviously, if you can get unlimited data.

2. Get a very small FM tuner to accompany you. Not a perfect solution by any means, but it certainly works and won't weigh too much.

You may occasionally see a future Pocket PC with FM support, but I don't expect that to be widespread, either.

--janak

[GSmith]

The other solution to bringing your own chosen audio is to use a podcatching client. FeederReader allows you to download audio to fill you storage card with podcasts of your choice. You might be surprised at the podcasts available. I recently put together a podcast list that contains almost all of the national shows available on my local NPR station. It's a very suitable replacement for an FM tuner if you remember to "top up" while connected to the internet--and with a cell phone data plan, it's easy to download more wherever you are.

There is the added advantage of being able to view news and blogs in text as well.

For a couple of hints on how to find blogs, news, and podcasts, see http://feederreader.pocketcasting.com/viewtopic.php?p=3107#3107

Greg Smith
Author, FeederReader - Windows Mobile news, blogs, audio, video, podcasts downloaded direct to your Smartphone or Pocket PC
www.FeederReader.com - Download on the Road

[Menneisyys]

I have not seen any microSD solutions, no. There may have been a SD solution once (and there certainly was CF),

Yup, both SD and CF, msot of them are also WM5-compliant.


You may occasionally see a future Pocket PC with FM support, but I don't expect that to be widespread, either.


I wish PDA manufacturers would include FM radio in most / all their models (as does S-E or Nokia). At least the Flame will have one.

[Janak Parekh]

I wish PDA manufacturers would include FM radio in most / all their models (as does S-E or Nokia). At least the Flame will have one.
You guys must have great FM radio stations and good coverage. It's not worth it here, in New York. Between steel buildings, the subway, and lousy pop music, I've completely stopped listening to FM (except for my clock alarm, which tunes to the NYC classical radio station in the morning). I, for one, do not lament the loss of FM capability in modern units. ;)

--janak

[tom dunne]

I found it almost impossible to get an SD FM tuner when I was purchasing my device a few months back. I had almost as much trouble finding a device with an FM tuner.

Eventually I found the O2 Atom and I have to say, the FM tuner is probably the one feature I use the most.

That is until somebody buys me a 2Gb memory card for Christmas. :D

[beto6971]

Thanks to all for the answers. I think it's pretty much what I wanted to know.

Actually I'm already using the podcast solution, but still it's out-dated :oops: (I know! I ask for too much). I'd like to hear the live station.

I have to give a try to the GRPS solution, because the stations I use are broadcasted on the net. Question is if I can get a realaudio player for the PPC?

I feel a bit jealous of the O2 Atom. My TyTN is a good device, its only missing the FM 8)

[Brad Adrian]

Well, since the price of memory cards has continued to go down and my favorite Classic Rock station jumped ship and went Country (argh!), I've found it's simply more satisfying to load my device up with MP3s.

[Janak Parekh]

Question is if I can get a realaudio player for the PPC?
I believe Real actually released one, but it was the buggiest RealPlayer ever. I have no clue if it's even offered anymore. :|

--janak

[Nurhisham Hussein]

They still do - unfortunately it's still the same version.

[Menneisyys]

Question is if I can get a realaudio player for the PPC?


There is. I've published quite a lot of info on making it actually work with streaming stations; see for example this (http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=344&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1)

[TMAN]

You can stream radio stations using this site. http://www.tuned.mobi/

I found most of the stations I listen to in Colorado without a problem.

[spangelsaregreat]

Hi,

Get an Artemis/P3300/MDAC3. PPC with FM radio built in, works really well.

Regards