RAIN: Radio And Internet Newsletter: RAIN 6/9: iPhone will soon include native audio streaming, no FM radio

RAIN 6/9: iPhone will soon include native audio streaming, no FM radio
·Jun 9, 12:01 PM
Posted by: Michael Schmitt

NEW iPHONE OS TO SUPPORT AUDIO STREAMING IN WEB BROWSER

The new 3.0 operating system for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch devices

will include support for audio and video streaming through the gadgets’ Safari web browser. Ars Technica’s Chris Foresman reports that the new OS adds HTML 5 support to the iPhone’s web browser, which then enables web streaming and the automatic selection of the best bitrate to use based on network speeds. Foresman told RAIN that this should allow users to tune in to any webcast that uses the HTTP protocol, though it does not allow for Flash-based streaming. A rep from Apple confirmed this, stating that any source “using open standards like AAC and H.264” can be streamed from the Safari web browser. The new OS is available to download (free for iPhones, $10 for iPod Touches) on June 17.

Apple also revealed the new iPhone 3GS (the “S” stands for speed) yesterday which — while it appears similar to the older 3G model on the surface — includes many internal upgrades. An improved processor, built-in hardware encryption, digital compass, voice control and an improved camera are among the updates. Notably absent is the rumored FM radio, which was asked for by the NAB (RAIN coverage here).

Frankly, that’s not at all surprising. Apple has dozens of applications pulling in streaming radio, many from the simulcasts of terrestrial radio stations, so the company probably views an FM receiver as unnecessary, or even a step backwards. Additionally, Apple has always been big on controlling the content — Steve Jobs and Co. would much rather have users download a station’s application through Apple’s App Store than tune in on their own. The ability to “broadcast” an iPhone’s music content through FM signals to a car radio would have been interesting (Pandora to your car radio, no extra wires required), but as car-makers add Bluetooth support and Wi-Fi connections of their own, perhaps Apple sees that as an unneeded addition as well. Read more on all of Apple’s WWDC updates at Ars Technica here.

PIRATE BROADCASTERS USE NET TO EVADE ARREST

Pirate radio broadcasters are using the

Internet to remotely access their transmitters, making it harder for authorities to find them. In the past, broadcast pirates would send their content to transmitters through radio or microwave links. Authorities, like UK airwave watchdog Ofcom, then developed tools to detect such remote links. Now, online audio streams “can also be used to get the signal via modem to a remote transmitter,” explains Paul Marks of New Scientist (here). This makes it much more difficult for the authorities to track where pirate broadcasters actually are, though Ofcom is developing tools to do so. Interestingly, their “dream is that pirates will migrate to the net and eventually ditch FM.”

VW TO ADD AUTONET WI-FI TO MINIVANS

Volkswagen will be adding Autonet’s in-car Wi-Fi routers to their Routan minivans. The company said that by the end of June, all VW dealerships in the US will be able to add the Wi-Fi router to new Routan minivans. The service costs $29 a month, and is already available on Chrysler and Cadillac models (RAIN coverage here and here). For more, check out Electronista’s coverage here.

TRITON PASSES 4,000 AFFILIATE MARK

Triton Digital has announced they now have over 4,000 station affiliations, adding more than 500 new affiliates since the start of the year. For more, read Triton’s press release here.

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