BY DANIEL MCSWAIN
For all the hard questions facing the radio industry, a number of of experts and analysts speaking at last week's NAB Radio Show suggested that many of the answers for broadcasters are online [RAIN coverage here.]

While webcasters and evangelists of radio's future on the Net have long seen huge potential in the arrival of ubiquitous Internet access, two recent developments mark big steps in making the universal wireless dream a reality.

Last week in Chicago, Sprint hosted a river boat tour for a group of technology journalists and industry insiders designed to show off its newest project: WiMax wireless technology.

The product, dubbed "Xohm: WiMax from Sprint", showcased the potential of the new wireless technology, which uses high-power antennas to transmit wireless signals over much larger distances than a traditional Wi-Fi system. Guests were encouraged to use the variety of devices on board, from laptops to cell phones, over the wireless network set up by Sprint around Chicago's downtown area.

Ars Technica reporter Eric Bangeman called the WiMax demo "far superior to Verizon's EV-DO service" and was impressed with the strength of signal and speed of the technology onboard the vessel. He quoted Sprint CTO Barry West as telling the crowd that they were witnessing "the birth of a new technology that's going to change how human beings communicate."

According to Ars Technica, the Xohm network is slated for a full launch in Chicago, Baltimore and Washington D.C. by March or April 2008. Sprint plans to follow the launch with a nationwide rollout, and should reach all major markets in the U.S. by the end of 2008.

Net radio in cars going mainstream
U.S. auto buyers, however, won't have to wait until next year to get wireless Internet access on-the-go. The Ford Sync system, developed in tandem with Microsoft, is landing in an increasing number of 2008 models, and as this video shows off, delivers a simple Internet radio solution to consumers via the Sync system [click image to launch in new window].

For a technology like broadcast radio that has enjoyed "ubiquity" for decades in cars, homes, and every other place radio waves reach, the advent of universal wireless Internet access should be seen as a healthy chance to expand their businesses to a new medium. These two developments reflect the booming consumer demand for Internet in the everywhere and all-the-time varieties. Like panelists and experts repeatedly pointed out at the NAB Radio Show, broadcasters would be smart to give the people what they want.

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From Digital Music News: "As Facebook continues to grow, its larger network is attracting new users and third-party applications alike. Of course, music is a major part of the online experience, especially on social networking destinations...

"Jumping into the fertile ring is Boston-based Finetune, a music application that focuses on customized playlisting and discovery [see RAIN coverage here and here]. Finetune allows members to create, share, or dynamically generate playlists based on favorite artists and songs, and even port their playlists onto personal blogs and webpages.

"Just recently, Finetune tweaked its core application for Facebook by accentuating sharing and networking aspects...

"Finetune currently claims a user base of 1.2 million, though the Facebook play is likely to boost that figure. The company also boasts a collection of roughly two million tracks, legally acquired from both majors and independents through non-interactive licenses."

Read this entire item from Digital Music News here.

From Gizmag.com (Australia): "European electronics company BlueTinum has announced the imminent release of what it labels 'Internet Home Entertainment System.' Aiming to give consumers a complete solution that covers all the digital audio and video bases, the system combines the features of Internet Radio, Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) Radio, MP3, DVD, an iPod cradle, direct PC streaming and good old FM Radio in one package...

"The included remote will control your iPod when placed in the system’s iPod cradle. An SD/MMC Cardreader and USB connectivity is included and if the 2 x 15W stereo speakers don’t pack enough punch for you the system can be connected to an external amplifier with the line-out connection.

"The wooden finish 'Internet Home Entertainment System' will be available in different models [top-of-the-line BT-H1510 is pictured] with entry-level models such as the BT-H1506 offering only the audio devices such as Internet Radio and DAB/FM...

"The standard edition model of the Internet/DAB/FM/PC radio is expected to hit the market around Christmas this year retailing from EUR69,00 (US$97) and increasing in price depending on the specifications of the unit."

Read this article online here.

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