O esforço para fazer convergir o iPod com a rádio (à margem da Apple)

«Manufacturer Roberts Radio and digital technology company Frontier Silicon have joined forces to develop the UK's first DAB/FM plug-in for the iPod. Digital radio stations will be able to reach a potential audience of millions by opening up their services to iPod users.The device, which is "about the size of an egg" will be launched in late autumn. It will be sold by major electronic retailers for £49.99. The Digital Radio Development Bureau (DRDB), the industry body set up to ensure digital radio is picked up widely and swiftly, is backing the launch.A DRDB spokeswoman said: "FM radio plug-ins for iPods have already proven popular so we are feeling positive about the DAB/FM plug-in." BBC director of music and audio Jenny Abramsky was also enthusiastic about the plug-in but added "One of the key challenges is not just getting DAB onto iPods, MP3 players and mobile phones but to get it onto all mobile devices." Abramsky said approximately 13 million MP3 players had been sold in the UK, the majority of which were iPods. She added the DAB plug-in would be a good way of preventing younger audiences from slipping away from digital radio. Apple declined to comment on whether it will consider incorporating DAB/FM technology on iPods in the future.» (fonte: «DAB/FM iPod plug-in to give digital radio boost», Broadcastnow, Yvette Mackenzie, 24/05/07; via Netfm)

Uma opinião: «One of the most common complaints about the iPod is that it lacks a simple radio. It's a common feature in so many portable audio players now that it seems almost ridiculous that the iPod doesn't have such a feature built in as standard»