NAB Responds to Concerns Regarding Mandated FM Chips
Linked by Thom Holwerda on Wed 25th Aug 2010 22:19 UTC
Multimedia, AV A couple of days ago we talked about how the RIAA and NAB are planning on asking US Congress to mandate FM radio chips inside every cell phone. This plan was met with some ridicule, so the NAB decided to write a blog post addressing the critics. Most of the post is overshadowed by an overdose of America's favourite national pastime: WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE. 9/11!
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phoenix
Member since:
2005-07-11

But I want the feature, and I don't know who wouldn't for a few pennies (or even a dollar) per unit. Most people round here get their phones for free with the plan anyway.


I have a phone with an FM receiver in it (SE w580i). It works well. However, it's more of a pain to use than anything. It only works with the wired headphones, using the proprietary SE connector, which sticks out almost an inch from the side of the phone, making it really uncomfortable to stick in your pocket.

It doesn't work with my nice Bluetooth headset. All the other audio functions (including streaming audio from the 'Net) works, but since there's no wire connecting the phone to the headset, there's no FM antenna. So now I'd have to carry around two sets of headphones.

Alternatively, there are Bluetooth headsets that include an FM receiver. Be a lot cheaper than buying a second phone. Or, you can head down to your local dollar store, and get an FM receiver with headphones for $1.

And how is this any different than mandating seat belts in cars?


Adding seat belts doesn't fundamentally alter the way you use the car. Adding an FM receiver would fundamentally alter the way you use a cell phone (require the use of headphones).

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