I remember in the early days of Android and cell phones there were apps to listen to FM radio. In order for it to work, you had to have a headphone connected to act as the 'antenna' and get reception.
Then, I don't remember the last device to have it in it. I betcha there was a few that I've tested over the times, but it's never been something that I looked for on a phone. Sitting in the car, at my desk or around the house; it's CBC all the time for me. But, using my phone, I've never needed to listen to the radio. If I really needed to, I could bring up the website for the radio station and listen online (but sure, it'll use data, whereas an actual FM radio wouldn't).
Samsung has recently offered its support in unlocking the FM chip on their devices to work with apps like NextRadio.
Are you excited about this ... or just another feature you may not use?
Samsung Becomes Latest Phone Manufacturer to Unlock the FM Chip
INDIANAPOLIS (January 9, 2018) – Tagstation LLC, owner of the NextRadio® app, announced today that Samsung, the largest Android handset maker in the world, is the latest device OEM to continue its support for NextRadio by unlocking the FM Chip in upcoming smartphone models in the U.S. and Canada.
Many smartphones in the world are manufactured with hardware capable of receiving free FM radio signals. Market leaders like Samsung are taking the step of unlocking the FM Chip, which will allow Samsung users to connect directly with the NextRadio app, listen to their favorite local stations, and use less battery and less data than streaming radio apps.
“Samsung should be lauded for taking this important step,” said Paul Brenner, President of NextRadio powered by TagStation. “They are providing their customers a more engaging, immersive radio experience and, as importantly, a means to connect with life-saving information in emergencies.”
When cellular coverage is congested or unavailable, the FM Chip will provide life-saving information from local radio stations. On the heels of widespread natural disasters in Puerto Rico, Houston and the Florida coast, calls have increased for all phone manufacturers to unlock the FM Chip in smartphones as a public safety necessity. Samsung joins LG, Motorola and Alcatel in taking this step to both meet consumer demand and to provide a lifeline in emergency situations.