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At the IBC in Amsterdam a few weeks ago, something was announced that could change all that - which rejoices in the acronym OMRI. OMRI - the Open Mobile Radio Interface - is intended to be a standard way for app developers to be able to communicate with an FM, or DAB+, chip inside the phone. It’s a standard API, and it opens up the possibility of radio apps being much smarter.

This is a great, simple, radio with unfussy and easy controls. It looks great and feels well-built. It's probably the best budget radio that Pure have ever built in terms of simplicity and ease of use. The colour screen offers much potential. For its current Argos price of £49, it's unbeatable value.

The Numan Two 2.1 internet radio comes with CD player, USB port, Bluetooth and WiFi module and DAB+ tuner. The DAB+ tuner also ensures a good, rich sound.

FM-only radio receivers could be taken off the shelves entirely in Germany after 2019, if the Culture Committee of the Federal Council’s recommendation is taken into effect. The Culture Center wants the sales of FM only radios to be stopped after 2019 to increase the uptake of DAB/DAB+ radios.

DAB+ launched in Germany 5 years ago and Ralf Reynolds, Head of Sales, Germany, at Roberts Radio reflects on the growth of digital radio. He said " We see DAB + as a continuation of a great history and at the same time as a trigger for even more variety and flexibility. In the future, people can individually use their radio and put together their own personal soundtrack from regional, national or international channels, podcasts, and streaming music."

The infotainment system is upgraded in this model to the Uconnect NAV with an integrated navigation system and a seven inches (17.8 cm) large touch screen that receives DAB+ digital radio channels.

Low in price and small in stature, it would be easy to dismiss this competitively priced portable radio as cheap and cheerful, especially considering the fact that it resembles a brightly coloured Lego brick.

TechniSat has made a special edition radio to celebrate Klassik Radio. The special edition radio is available in anthracite and white and features a one-touch key for the nationwide via DAB+ broadcast stations and is priced at 149.99 euros.

The head of Radio France, Mathieu Gallet, said DAB+ could be interesting for broadcasting certain programmes that currently have poor coverage with FM due to limited frequency availability (FIP, Mouv), and possibly also France Musique for better quality of sound : "If the state will support us financially, I have no problem with DAB+".

Patrick Hannon from World DAB summarises his highlights from IBC this year. At the show, there was significant interest in digital radio – both from countries interested in setting up DAB+ trials (for example, in Eastern Europe and the Middle East), and from more established markets looking to the world’s first digital radio switchover which starts in Norway in January next year.