News

Radioplayer has announced the launch of a new ‘smart radio’ feed for internet-connected cars, and that the Audi/VW group are the first car-maker to sign up to use it. A key feature of the Radioplayer Car application is that the software can automatically switch between the DAB and FM radio networks, and the internet, tapping whichever option is currently offering the strongest signal for the driver's radio station.

Also fitted is Renault's R-Link infotainment system with satnav, DAB radio and Bluetooth.

Presented at IFA Berlin during the Digitalradiotag event, the latest report found that 11 million people over the age of 14 (15.7 percent of the population) have access to a DAB+ receiver, with 6.2m digital radios now sold in total. With digital radio continuing to make good progress, the DLM has renewed its push for legislation to guarantee radios are sold with both FM and digital capability.

European digital radio markets came together today to announce support for the newly published ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) Euro standard for DAB digital radio.

In Germany, television has long been converted to digital with radio, the transition hs been more difficult. However this could change as DAB+ has now crossed the threshold of ten million listeners.

RTÉ has said it is "currently exploring" ways to improve its digital radio coverage in the north, with only a small percentage of people able to access its stations.

Renault has launched a new Iconic Special Edition on its Twingo city car with new interior and exterior upgrades. Technology on the Twingo Iconic over and above the rest of the range includes DAB radio, Bluetooth, cruise control and speed limiter.

Frontier Silicon, the leading provider of smart audio and digital radio solutions, announces that it is working on technologies which will allow its smart radios and wireless speakers to be controlled via Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dot devices. Consumers will be able to use voice commands to control content selection. They will also be able to control their FM or DAB digital radio via their Alexa device.

The European Union should intervene to address "unacceptable" cross-border digital radio coverage, an MP has said. "Ireland is a small country with two systems of everything including telecommunications provision, and all the problems that causes for people in the border corridor," he said. "It is high time that, with the help of the EU, these telecommunications problems are addressed and overcome.

It shows a number of presenters from the history of the station hosting hour long shows – around 50 of them – to mark 50 years since BBC Radio 1 launched on September 30th, 1967.