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Next Radio App

U

umfan

http://nextradioapp.com/

I've been hearing ads for this app with increasing frequency. It does seem to be a concerted and seemingly well executed effort to give smart phone users a reason and method to listen and interact with FM radio. At a minimum, it does demonstrate that the industry is taking concrete steps to remain relevant.
 
Podcasts, streaming. It had to start somewhere. Radio needs to step up to the plate, and educate about nextradio.


I urge all FM stations to run the promos. It gives us another opportunity to get us out there. We are in a college town, so many kids have their headsets on, and will start a education campaign when ATT rolls out Nextradio on their phones. We to tell listeners about Next radio.

For listeners:
http://nextradioapp.com/

For broadcasters:
http://tagstation.com/
 
For current users of TuneIn, iHeart or Simple Radio this app would be step backwards if it streams only local stations. As a news and talk radio listener in the NYC area about 50% of my listening is local.

A better idea, it seems to me, would be an app that streams stations from anywhere but inserts local commercials. From a listener perspective I'd much rather hear local ads than Ad Council PSA's and other obnoxious filler. And who knows, I might buy something!
 
wadio said:
For current users of TuneIn, iHeart or Simple Radio this app would be step backwards if it streams only local stations. As a news and talk radio listener in the NYC area about 50% of my listening is local.

A better idea, it seems to me, would be an app that streams stations from anywhere but inserts local commercials. From a listener perspective I'd much rather hear local ads than Ad Council PSA's and other obnoxious filler. And who knows, I might buy something!
Click to expand...

It actually doesn't stream the stations via Internet like TuneIn, iTunes or iHeartRadio, it uses the phone GPS to get the location of the device and download (over the internet, oh the irony) a list of FM stations that can be tuned over the air, their genres, schedule, info contact, logo, etc. IMHO it will make a small impact, if it makes any, only forcing some carrier to unlock the FM chip, but if the user has no interest in turning the radio on we are at point 0.

Internet is here and at one point the FM or AM transmitter will be the secondary source, the primary will be the Internet stream. Stations need to work on their websites and make the streams the most easy to reach possible, I've been browsing some stations websites (big and small) and in most cases it's quite hard to get to listen to the actual station, either because the stream is not available at all, the audio streamed sucks or it loads a GIGANTIC player full of ads. If I'm not one, or at least two clicks and 30 seconds away from my stream I'll change station, and I guess the average Joe will do the same.
 
Totally agree, broadcastguy!

After writing the above post I decided to take another look at Android radio apps and found one called, "My Tuner." So far all the stations I listen to are included. This is the closest thing I've found to what you seem to be looking for -- a single app where you can change stations with one click, and without a lot of flashing ads. And, buy the way, this is RADIO -- any ads should be AUDIO.

In the settings there's a checkbox for "Location Marketing." I turned it off to test the app but I've enabled it again to see if they stream any local ads. If they do, I say bring 'em on!

It seems to me, THIS -- a single app that's a gateway to the radio universe -- could be a Pandora killer. I know a car dealer who advertises on Pandora and loves it. They're getting targeted results. They're experimenting with different demos and zip codes and gradually increasing their buys.

But Pandora isn't for everyone. Broadcast radio offers much, much more but the technology is becoming less relevant in today's world.

I understand the desire of radio group owners to create their own multi-media empires, but ultimately I think that's a mistake. "Radio" needs a destination -- a place where listeners can easily discover the wealth of programming that's out there without going through hoops to access it.

Think of a great restaurant. If you put it out in the wilderness it won't succeed as a destination unto itself. You could add a gas station and a convenience store (the radio equivalent of a website and a Facebook page) but without being part of a thriving destination it won't survive.

The "My Tuner" app or something like it is my idea of what could get the job done.
 
wadio said:
"Radio" needs a destination -- a place where listeners can easily discover the wealth of programming that's out there without going through hoops to access it.
Click to expand...

Keep in mind there are thousands of radio owners. Sure, the biggest understand what you're talking about. But the rest don't. Even the NAB has no control over some of them. And putting your content on digital apps costs money. In most cases, the costs is greater than the advertising revenue. That's why Pandora has yet to turn a profit, even though it keeps announcing revenue increases. The whole digital radio business is a revenue stream for the music industry. They are the only ones making money, and by the way, they're not happy with the rates. So while the listening public is shifting its listening platform to the internet, they're unwilling to pay for it. Sure, Spotify just announced their paid service has 30 million users. That seems like a lot. But when you put it next to the number of free users, it's a drop in the ocean, and they're not making money either.

At some point, radio listeners are going to have to realize that listening on the internet isn't free. It isn't like broadcast radio. The costs are greater and the revenues are lower, so it's no way to run a business. It doesn't matter if your app has 50 million users if they're all listening for free. That may translate to a monthly "radio fee" that'll show up on your ISP bill. But what about the move for free wifi? Then who pays the radio bill? Let me know when you solve that problem.
 
Too much thinking on this, and too technical for the average listener. NextRadio activates the tuner. Doesn't eat data, saves the battery, and no ad blocking is necessary, and it is local...and free!

A win win situation.
 
TheBigA said:
Keep in mind there are thousands of radio owners. Sure, the biggest understand what you're talking about. But the rest don't. Even the NAB has no control over some of them. And putting your content on digital apps costs money. In most cases, the costs is greater than the advertising revenue. That's why Pandora has yet to turn a profit, even though it keeps announcing revenue increases. The whole digital radio business is a revenue stream for the music industry. They are the only ones making money, and by the way, they're not happy with the rates. So while the listening public is shifting its listening platform to the internet, they're unwilling to pay for it. Sure, Spotify just announced their paid service has 30 million users. That seems like a lot. But when you put it next to the number of free users, it's a drop in the ocean, and they're not making money either.

At some point, radio listeners are going to have to realize that listening on the internet isn't free. It isn't like broadcast radio. The costs are greater and the revenues are lower, so it's no way to run a business. It doesn't matter if your app has 50 million users if they're all listening for free. That may translate to a monthly "radio fee" that'll show up on your ISP bill. But what about the move for free wifi? Then who pays the radio bill? Let me know when you solve that problem.
Click to expand...

Good post -- up the the last sentence. Don't know why you always seem to feel it necessary to get in a personal dig.

I think you're referring mostly to music content where either the licensing costs need to come down or listeners need to pay a subscription fee to cover the cost. There's probably some happy compromise, especially with news and talk.
 
Groove1670 said:
Too much thinking on this, and too technical for the average listener. NextRadio activates the tuner. Doesn't eat data, saves the battery, and no ad blocking is necessary, and it is local...and free!

A win win situation.
Click to expand...

Yes, for LOCAL radio.
 
wadio said:
There's probably some happy compromise, especially with news and talk.
Click to expand...

Maybe. The problem is the audience for news & talk is becoming pretty specialized. You know you're in trouble when even the public radio folks are starting to get worried.
 
However this part from the NextRadio website is NOT true

Did you know that all current smartphones sold in the US have built-in FM receivers? It’s true!
Click to expand...

I say this because I JUST BOUGHT a Samsung Dual Core Prime from T-Mobile & IT DOES NOT have a built-in FM receiver

They're NOT gonna win ANYBODY over as long as they're engagin in DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING !!! :mad:
 
JeeperOne said:
However this part from the NextRadio website is NOT true



I say this because I JUST BOUGHT a Samsung Dual Core Prime from T-Mobile & IT DOES NOT have a built-in FM receiver

They're NOT gonna win ANYBODY over as long as they're engagin in DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING !!! :mad:
Click to expand...

If this is the phone you bought http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_core_prime-6716.php it actually has an FM chip inside, they just don't preinstall the software (app) to make it work!
 
broadcastguy said:
If this is the phone you bought http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_core_prime-6716.php it actually has an FM chip inside, they just don't preinstall the software (app) to make it work!
Click to expand...

I bought this same model phone from Verizon last Fall and it didn't show the FM chip being available in it there either. Is it possible that it varies depending on the carrier? I've been happy with the phone, but if it has the FM capability I'd like to be able to use it.
 
Last edited:
Yes. it's all about the carrier. Verizon is famous for not activating the FM chip in their phones. Other carriers have begun to activate the FM chip in some new phones. But the radio industry has done a poor job of educating the public on this issue.
 
anotherguy said:
I bought this same model phone from Verizon last Fall and it didn't show the FM chip being available in it there either. Is it possible that it varies depending on the carrier? I've been happy with the phone, but if it has the FM capability I'd like to be able to use it.
Click to expand...

It probably has the chip. Try downloading from Google Play an FM radio app and give it a try. Like in all phones, headphones are the FM antenna.
 
joebtsflk1 said:
Yes. it's all about the carrier. Verizon is famous for not activating the FM chip in their phones. Other carriers have begun to activate the FM chip in some new phones. But the radio industry has done a poor job of educating the public on this issue.
Click to expand...

Same goes for MetroPCS despite a T-Mobile relationship. :(
 
broadcastguy said:
It probably has the chip. Try downloading from Google Play an FM radio app and give it a try. Like in all phones, headphones are the FM antenna.
Click to expand...
Tried that. All the apps I'm getting (Except for one designed for Motorola phones) are for ONLINE radio

The app for Motorola phones doesn't even detect he prescence of a chip (Neither did NextRadio itself)

NextRadio is LYING & needs to add a disclaimer indicating that their app will not work on all devices (They can have Google Play do a compatibility check to determine this). If the device isn't compaible with the app, Google Play will indicate as much when the device user attempts to download it

If they don't do this, THAT IS DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING !!!

Not only that but WHO is going to risk VOIDING THE WARRANTY to enable some chip which the carrier may have had rigged to RENDER THE PHONE INOPERABLE if enabled or tampered with ?? Answer - NO ONE !!!

That's REALITY !!

Cheers & 73 :)
 
Last edited:
JeeperOne said:
NextRadio is LYING & needs to add a disclaimer indicating that their app will not work on all devices (They can have Google Play do a compatibility check to determine this). If the device isn't compaible with the app, Google Play will indicate as much when the device user attempts to download it

If they don't do this, THAT IS DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING !!!

Not only that but WHO is going to risk VOIDING THE WARRANTY to enable some chip which the carrier may have had rigged to RENDER THE PHONE INOPERABLE if enabled or tampered with ?? Answer - NO ONE !!!

That's REALITY !!

Cheers & 73 :)
Click to expand...

You can check their webpage, they have a compatibility list.

You don't need to tamper anything, in the worst case scenario you'll have to deal with your carrier so they activate the chip. Did that with my phone and it worked. If you work in the broadcast industry you have a strong reason to tell them why you need this.
 
In relation to the app itself, one can only infer that 'Next Radio' will surely be prosperous to a huge audience. With growing demand for news, music and general information at a rapid speed, such an application only seems relative to today's culture and society. Of course such a view excludes comment on the financial implications discussed within other threads.
 
I just recently bought a newer Samsung phone (Galaxy J3 V) from Verizon and this thread reminded me to find out about the Next Radio app for it. I was able to download the app, but then it said the FM radio wasn't available. :( What's the point of making the app available for phones that don't have the FM radio activated? :mad: I take it that Verizon is still not activating the FM chip even though it's there. :confused:
 
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