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Thursday, November 12, 2009

App/hardware lets iPhone and iPod Touch receive HD Radio broadcasts

If you want to listen to HD Radio on your iPhone or iPod Touch, then you need to shell out $80 for Gigaware HD Radio accessory, designed for and sold exclusively at RadioShack. Then you have to download an app:

The accessory and HD Radio application combination takes advantage of the iPhone 3.0 operating system and its ability to support external accessories. iPhone 3.0 allows application developers to utilize external hardware support. Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch models updated with 3.0 software, the application is available on the App Store and requires the compatible Gigaware accessory.

The Gigaware Navigation Control HD Radio Receiver, for use in conjunction with the HD Radio application, is the first unit to enable iPhone and iPod touch models to tune into HD Radio broadcasts, including HD2 and HD3 multicast channels. Exclusively available at RadioShack stores and through www.radioshack.com, the receiver enables HD2/HD3 channel reception, delivers Program Service Date (PSD), produces CD-like digital quality sound and gives consumers the freedom to operate the Apple device remotely. An iTunes Tagging button on the navigation control allows users to tag songs for future review and purchase on the App Store.

I guess this is good if you plan on buying an HD Radio receiver. However you can listen to radio broadcasts on your iPhone/Touch from Clear Channel for free with the I Heart Radio app (and for a small monthly fee Sirius XM).

I'm surprised iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio, has not released a free, standalone app that just plays HD Radio. Many HD Radio stations are available online after all. CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here