Next-Generation iPhone Theoretically Capable of FM Radio Reception and Transmission?

[Stormbringer]

So because you don't want it and never use it they shouldn't allow anyone to have it. That sounds like communism to me.

I'm just saying what I want, just like everyone else. I'm not Jobs who most be concerned what his customers want. Just like I don't want MMS or that I don't make a huge deal out of not having video-recording. Or should we all say "person A wants a 12MP camera, person B want LTE, person C wants a display of 1028*768 resolution, person D wants the device to be under 100grams, so let's all hope Apple will combine these things"?

And seriously, how much of a difference will adding the FM functionality make in terms of performance and storage space?

That "" was not for nothing!

 

[Jayomat]

The finding, however, doesn't mean that Apple will necessarily enable these features in the new iPhone. Apple has certainly been known not to enable all features their hardware is capable of, and FM reception/transmission is one that have shown no interest in supporting in the past.

Do people actually READ what the text says? How can you say: "Oh the new iphone is getting better everyday!" or "whats wrong with macrumors, such bs".... on so on.....

blahh

 

[ipoppy]

It wont have built in radio for sure; it will influence partly on iTunes sales. Not much but that will justify Apple decision to NOT go that route.

 

[BenRoethig]

The more rumors I hear about the next iPhone, the more I want one.

 

[deannnnn]

I think an FM tuner would be insanely useful, but I agree that Apple won't allow access to it. It will be interesting to see what the Jailbreakers can do

 

[srl7741]

New App

IMO what they really need to add is a compass. Google Maps would be a hell of a lot more useful if after locating myself with GPS, I could tell which direction I'm facing. If you're in an area you don't know and there aren't any street signs then its easy to walk in the wrong direction for a minute or so until you can see that you're gps dot is going the wrong way.

Good idea for a new App.

 

[winks360]

of course they wont

Why would they put a radio in it if it has an iPod that would have a negative effect on the number of songs downloaded from the iTunes Store.

 

[Niko03]

IMO what they really need to add is a compass. Google Maps would be a hell of a lot more useful if after locating myself with GPS, I could tell which direction I'm facing. If you're in an area you don't know and there aren't any street signs then its easy to walk in the wrong direction for a minute or so until you can see that you're gps dot is going the wrong way.

There is a decidedly low tech method employed for.. oh.. since the dawn of time.
It's called the sun and at night constellations.
(Sorry couldn't help it)

 

[blackpond]

The more rumors I hear about the next iPhone, the more I want one.

I heard the iPhone will have a random rumor generator as well. Sounds like this is just the phone for you.

 

[Donz0r]

that would be great! My power went out many times last week from those crazy storms. An FM receiver would be great to listen to while no power and waiting to hear if there are any twisters headed my way (didn't realize I didn't have a battery powered radio in the house!)

Add that while having the flashlight app and we're all set!

The current iPhone 3G is capable of receiving FM signals, and it's not implemented.

Neither will this.

 

[koobcamuk]

FM is being phased out all over the world in favour of digital alternatives. I kind of doubt Apple would add a technology that is in the process of becoming obsolete.

There are a few million cars in the world, with their own FM receivers. Beaming out to one of these is something that made the W980 by SE appealing in the UK. Remember iTrip anyone?

 

[The Phazer]

Apple won't put in an FM transmitter because many countries do have legal regulations on even the use of short range FM transmitters. It'd just be too much hassle and I doubt Apple wants to have too many models (sales of iTrips were illegal in the UK until a couple of years ago, I've no doubt the same still applies in some territories.

I'm not holding my breath on an FM reciever, but it would be really, really appreciated. I'd use it loads. I'm sure the networks would be very keen too, as they don't want people streaming radio at all if they can help it - high QoS applications like live streaming cause all sorts of problems on a 3G network because it's not designed for such use. This is why O2's contracts prohibit them.

Phazer

 

[sirenum]

FM sucks

FM is so yesterday. There's still no DAB capable mobile phone on the market... why not add this?

 

[Airforcekid]

FM radio would be a nice small addon i would use it time to time!

 

[Fraghax]

Is there anything the new iPhone hasn't got?!

If everything they say is correct.....the "hasn't got" list would be the a very short one.

 

[Tones2]

I could care less about FM RADIO itself, since I listen exclusively to internet radio. So I really just wish that Apple would approve the Live365 app that was submitted in early January. COME ON it's been 3 MONTHS!

But a built in FM transmitter would be nice.

Tony

 

[iMacmatician]

There is a decidedly low tech method employed for.. oh.. since the dawn of time.
It's called the sun and at night constellations.
(Sorry couldn't help it)

It's a cloudy day today…

 

[JayMan8081]

It would be interesting to see these features added to a new iPhone model.

 

[bigchief]

Why would they put a radio in it if it has an iPod that would have a negative effect on the number of songs downloaded from the iTunes Store.

It would be good for emergencies such as hurricanes, tornados, earth quakes, and for local news and sporting events. It wouldn't be something for most people to use all the time but it would be nice to have if you need it. So why not?

 

[willybNL]

FM Radio... is that still out there? (just joking).

DVB-T would be awesome on the iPhone

 

[willybNL]

It would be good for emergencies such as hurricanes, tornados, earth quakes, and for local news and sporting events. It wouldn't be something for most people to use all the time but it would be nice to have if you need it. So why not?

Don't you see it? RDS... yeah: RDS has the ability to send traffic jams.
But than again, so does internet.

 

[SFC Archer]

It isn't a "laser", but a pico-projector in the new iPhone would be a cool feature to have. Add an iPhone edition of iWork or MS Office and I would make due without a laptop. Though there'd need to be some sort of link to a printer, which would be nice.

My iPhone PRINTER works just fine. Can print anything I want.

Along with this ONE and this ONE and maybe this ONE and all the others that are similiar in one way or another.

Maybe this PROJECTOR or this ONE when and if it comes to the U.S.

There are just some things that need to be accessories. You can not cram every dang wish into the iPhone and still have it look the way it does and have a half way decent battery.

FM is already available on the iPhone. I listen to my two favorite FM stations from Louisville every single day. If I miss my Bob & Tom show, I am a grump the rest of the day. The developer will add your station to his APP if he is able to and usually does it that day. The UI of the app is being worked on and is only getting better but the number of stations I get is amazing.

 

[Bevz]

IMO what they really need to add is a compass. Google Maps would be a hell of a lot more useful if after locating myself with GPS, I could tell which direction I'm facing. If you're in an area you don't know and there aren't any street signs then its easy to walk in the wrong direction for a minute or so until you can see that you're gps dot is going the wrong way.

I second that... A compass would be very useful...

 

[SFC Archer]

It wont have built in radio for sure; it will influence partly on iTunes sales. Not much but that will justify Apple decision to NOT go that route.

Why would they put a radio in it if it has an iPod that would have a negative effect on the number of songs downloaded from the iTunes Store.

BECAUSE....FM is where ARTISTS release their MUSIC to get it out into the world which causes listeners to BUY FAVORITE SINGLES from iTUNES. If radio goes away, how will the artists get their songs out into the public for public opinion/votes. NO ONE buys CD's anymore...they want singles!!! The artists present these singles on FM and get the free marketing so that people like you will PURCHASE SINGLES from iTUNES.

Is it really that hard to figure out, or why the artists thank the fans and the RADIO STATIONS when they win the awards???

Just a little common sense goes along way for your artists to stay in business!

 

[utahnguy]

Replace your FM transmitter? Not a chance.

I know, I know... You read the part about gaining the ability to transmit FM and thought you could FINALLY ditch the annoying 3rd party FM transmitter.

I had a phone that did this a few years ago - the LG Fuziq if I remember correctly. It was gimmicky, hard to use, and most of all, it just didn't work. FM transmitters require a LOT (relatively speaking) of juice to work well and you would drain your battery in less than an hour if not plugged in. Besides that, almost every car coming out has at least an AUX in port and full on iPod integration is getting to be a common feature. Lastly, one of the key examples Apple chose to show us in the 3.0 preview was the ability to control FM transmitters, I just can't see them doing that if they planned in immediately killing the need to do so.

I won't say that I think Apple couldn't advance this technology if they had to, and the iPhone probably has more potential to do this correctly with a more spacious battery than the Fuziq had, but it's just not Apple's style to do something if they can't do it extremely well. My prediction is that Apple will either disable the FM (receiving and transmitting) capabilities or use a version of the chip that doesn't include it.