Comments on: CES 2009 – internet radio makes it incar http://james.cridland.net/blog/ces-internet-radio-makes-it-incar/ From a radio futurologist - where broadcast radio and new platforms collide. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:26:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Simon Still http://james.cridland.net/blog/ces-internet-radio-makes-it-incar/comment-page-1/#comment-35042 Simon Still Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:16:44 +0000 http://james.cridland.net/blog/?p=1087#comment-35042 I've an earlier version of this radio which will drive an iPod, play mp3's from a thumb drive via a usb socket, and connect to a phone via Bluetooth for calls and streaming audio (for anything you can set to steam via your phone presumably - the quality for mp3s was pretty ropey and streaming internet radio hadn't occured to me). However, the big gripe is the UI and general usability of the head unit - it's difficult to use when stationary and near impossible whilst driving. The use of a 'menu' system with a separate 'OK' button makes even changing FM presets difficult and buttons are very difficult to identify by 'feel'. I’ve an earlier version of this radio which will drive an iPod, play mp3′s from a thumb drive via a usb socket, and connect to a phone via Bluetooth for calls and streaming audio (for anything you can set to steam via your phone presumably – the quality for mp3s was pretty ropey and streaming internet radio hadn’t occured to me).

However, the big gripe is the UI and general usability of the head unit – it’s difficult to use when stationary and near impossible whilst driving. The use of a ‘menu’ system with a separate ‘OK’ button makes even changing FM presets difficult and buttons are very difficult to identify by ‘feel’.

]]> By: Frankie Roberto http://james.cridland.net/blog/ces-internet-radio-makes-it-incar/comment-page-1/#comment-35011 Frankie Roberto Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:00:01 +0000 http://james.cridland.net/blog/?p=1087#comment-35011 3G via Bluetooth? Seems like an odd decision. Why didn't they build a 3G chip into the radio itself (so that you only have to insert a SIM card)? Guess that requires you to have 2 SIM cards, but surely it'd mean a faster, more reliable connection? Internet radio seems like it's missing the point for me. Live radio has its place, but podcasting/radio on demand is far simpler to implement, and can deliver a better experience for more compelling content (ie not 'ambient' radio). 3G via Bluetooth? Seems like an odd decision. Why didn’t they build a 3G chip into the radio itself (so that you only have to insert a SIM card)? Guess that requires you to have 2 SIM cards, but surely it’d mean a faster, more reliable connection?

Internet radio seems like it’s missing the point for me. Live radio has its place, but podcasting/radio on demand is far simpler to implement, and can deliver a better experience for more compelling content (ie not ‘ambient’ radio).

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