[EAS] FM Chips Useless???

[Adrienne Abbott]

>From today's RBR-TBR:

 

Microsoft is preparing a new Windows Phone 8 update, The Verge has learned
<http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/26/4148200/windows-phone-8-update-fm-radio-s
upport> . Sources revealed that the software maker plans to support FM radio
hardware in its latest update, returning a hardware feature that the company
dropped with its latest mobile operating system. Windows Phone 7 used to
support FM radio hardware, and Microsoft has been working to bring this
support back to Windows Phone 8. The hardware support will be part of a
General Distribution Release for Windows Phone 8. The Verge has heard that
the Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 will support FM radio, while other compatible
handsets will also include the support. See The Verge story here
<http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/26/4148200/windows-phone-8-update-fm-radio-s
upport> .

RBR-TVBR observation: When Microsoft makes a move in any industry it
operates in, it usually means others will follow, so this is great news for
broadcasters. As NAB has been saying to Phone manufacturers and Congress,
coming off one of the worst years on record for natural disasters, an
FM-enabled cellphone is vital in getting information to the public when
mobile phone networks are overloaded and the power is out. It's a no-brainer
and a great selling point if the manufacturers and carriers choose to use
it.

 

I've heard a rumour that the FM chips in existing cell phones can't simply
be "turned on" with a programming update and that the chip currently built
into any cell phone is basically useless. The source tells me that we will
all have to buy new phones if we want to have FM radio with our phones.does
anyone know for sure whether or not this is true? Or is it a marketing ploy
to get us to buy new phones?

 

Adrienne Abbott

Nevada EAS Chair

Nevada Broadcasters Association