Are ya fed up with the city life? Feeling like going into the wild outdoors? I mean the city of course! Here’s something you might enjoy taking along with you: the Eton FR500 Solarlink Emergency Radio.

It’s an AM/FM/Shortwave radio and can also be used as a siren, flashlight or even and most importantly as a phone charger. The best part about it is that it has a smart solar cell unit on top of it which makes recharging easy.

Here some more technical specifications just in case you want it use it for its other features:

• AM (520-1700 KHz), FM (88-108 MHz), Shortwave (6000-12100 KHz)
• NOAA weather – all 7 channels plus “Alert”
• Siren and Flashlight
• Power source:
  • From the built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery that takes charge from the dynamo crank and from an AC adapter
  • From 3 AA batteries
  • From the AC adapter alone (
  • From solar power
• Analog frequency dial with digital display
• Built-in cell phone charger
• Digital clock

via Amazon

If you want to listen to new artists on the internet that aren’t popular (yet) and have good sound quality, the OurStage website is the way to go. In this system, users have the power to decide which artists should be on the top charts, in more than 50 music genres.

Now that the introduction of OurStage has been made, the good news is that they developed an iPhone application named OurStage Radio. On top of easily discovering new artists while listening to radio on an iPhone, users can vote “good” or “bad” thanks to a thumbs-up and thumbs-down feature, that serves to rate the songs.

According to your favorite songs, OurStage will afterwards create a “recommended” list with songs that you’re suppose to enjoy listening.

(more…)

Pioneer has launched a handheld satellite radio named XMp3, which is available for purchase as we speak with a price tag of $280. The portable device can be considered a 2-in-1 unit thanks to the double function of working as a media player, and a radio. To take advantage of the media player features, just insert some MP3 (or WMA) files to a microSD memory card.

A useful feature on the XMp3 is the ability to record 5 different XM stations at the same time, which means you’ll never miss your favorite program. The recording limit is close to 100 hours, and thanks to the electronic program guide you can create advanced schedules.

(more…)

If you like either Sirius or XM satellite radio shows, you should be happy to hear the FCC has approved with a 3 vs 2 vote, the merger between this two companies. With Sirius and XM being the only two satellite radio operators in the USA, why do I feel this whole deal has the word monopoly firmly stamped on it? After all with such a strong alliance would anyone else dare to start any other new satellite radio company?
(more…)

If you are still griping about the lack of an FM receiver on your beloved iPhone, here’s a solution of sorts. Starting next month, you will be able to download the AOL Radio app designed specifically for the iPhone, which will give you access to more than 200 AOL and 150+ CBS radio stations. The app is designed to work with the first-gen iPhone and the iPhone 3G, so don’t go dropping your plans for that upgrade come July 11th. The AOL Radio application was already showcased at this WWDC and took home the “Best Entertainment Application” award.

The application will be an ad-supported freeware and you will have to wait till next month when it becomes available on the App Store.
(more…)

How much do you listen to your radio? What devices do you use for getting your favorite station besides an actual radio?

iLuv’s ingenuity regarding audio systems made it possible for them to develop two new HD radio units, the i168 and the i169. HD radio offers crystal-clear digital sound, on screen text and more AM and FM stations. Among other things iLuv was recognized as CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award Honorees for the i1055 and i603 in 2007, so I guess they mean business. Digital radio speaking of course!

The i169 will be available early May starting from $169.99 while the i168 will be available mid April starting from $89.99. They are almost similar buy they are two different HD radios. They offer:

• iPod dock - only for the i169
• dual alarm clock
• digital stereo AM/FM HD radio
• multicast stations
• station and song information display
• PLL digital tunning
• programmable presets for 30 radio stations
• LCD display

Are you still waiting or have you already digitalized your radio?

(more…)

The Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 cleared the FCC hurdle! Well, at least one half of it did. The Wireless Laser Keyboard 7000 was seen proudly wearing its FCC seal of approval. The keyboard uses 2.4GHz technology and offers a 30-feet working radius, much like the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave keyboard. Now, I have been using the Logitech keyboard for a few months now, and I’ve decided that’s the keyboard for me - it’s just that good. The Microsoft keyboard, on the other hand, comes in a different design, and also appears to be nice - but I could probably tell more if I got my hands on one.

Anyway, the Wireless Mouse 7000 should be approved soon, and you can get your Microsoft wireless system for US $149.95.

(more…)

Nokia’s latest service for mobile phones, the Nokia Internet Radio, is now available. In order to listen to radio shows broadcasted on the Internet, simply download and install the Internet Radio application from Nokia’s website and install it onto your Nokia S60 3rd Edition phone. The software, still in its beta, will later be made available by default on the 3rd edition Symbian-based phones.

Nokia claims it as a new way to discover music, as the station directory available with the service lets users browse music by station name, genre, country or language. In addition, you also get hourly updates of the top ten most popular internet radio stations - which you can the n add to your Favorites list for easy accessibility.

For improved audio quality, the service picks streaming servers that are appropriate for your current network speed. Currently available for download to Nokia N82, Nokia N91, Nokia N95 and Nokia N95 8GB, it will be embedded in later S60 3rd edition devices.

Nokia Internet Radio

(more…)

JVC Mobile Entertainment has just announced the industry’s first plug-and-play HD Radio receiver. The new transportable for car and home, KT-HDP1, is currently shipping to Best Buy stores across the country.

An AM/FM/HD Radio multicast tuner, the KT-HDP1 adapts to most vehicles and has three installation options: a do-it-yourself car install kit that does not require removing the radio; a simple home kit; and, a professional car kit that does require removing existing radios. HD Radio data is show cased on a full dot matrix LCD display. Other features include white back light and blue key illumination, 5-way navigation keys, 18FM and 6 AM preset channels HD Radio station scan and seek and 3.5 mini plug audio out.

The device is available for $129 for the tuner itself plus $49 for the home and do-it-yourself car kits or $39 for the provision car installation kit.

(more…)

Motorola Incorporated has recently launched its TLKR T3 and T5 range stylish, easy to use and colorful two-way radios. The range combines the design legacy Motorola is known for with the technology and innovation originally developed for professional users, resulting in compelling devices for teenagers, young and sporty adults and adventurous families.

Both TLKR radios incorporate a practical and eye-catching hanging loop feature, enabling a wide range of ways to carry and use the devices. The TLKR T3 has been designed for young people who enjoy being connected to friends, playing urban sports or experiencing the great outdoors.

The TLKR T5 has been designed for independent adults who enjoy an active lifestyle and also comes in a pack of two radios.

The TLKR range is ideal for consumers looking for an inexpensive and cost-effective way to stay in touch with people in their lives, as all conversations are free. It’s the ultimate accessory for anyone serious about adventure and style.

The TLKR T3 and the TLKR T5 will be available from October 2007. The pricing is yet to be confirmed.

(more…)

Cobra has a new two-way radio model in the microTALK series. The Cobra LI 6700 WX is a convenient way to keep in touch with your friends or family when you are out on a hiking trip or in a crowded public event. Carrying the microTALK LI 6700 WX is a breeze thanks to the handy belt clip - it can fit nicely on a purse or backpack as well. The wireless handset offers a backlit LCD display that gives information on things like the current signal strength, memory location number, VOX icon, channel numbers and battery indicator.

There’s also a 10-channel memory on the device. The Scan feature lets you scan channels, stored memory and privacy codes (up to 142 privacy codes supported). The LI 6700 WX is powered by batteries, and on a full charge you get a talk time of about 12 hours. In the VOX (Voice Activated Transmit) mode, the microTALK can be used in a hands-free mode, where it automatically transmits when you speak. The sensitivity level can be adjusted to the volume of your noise to avoid ambient noise from triggering transmission.

No word on the pricing or availability yet, but the Cobra microTALK LI 6700 WX should be out soon.

(more…)