I’m not saying you should go out and buy one of these today but it sure is tempting. I found this story on Podcasting News and I’m going to let James tell the story because he does it very well. My main reason to post this is to keep you up to date on what’s happening with technology that will continue to change the way we communicate. Notice that he does point out “in the home” since these aren’t real portable YET.
VTech has introduced a new $200 WiFi radio that promises to make traditional radio irrelevant.
The horribly named VTech IS9181 is a Wi-Fi music streaming device, designed to make accessing the near-infinte variety of Internet radio as easy as traditional radio.
The IS9181 connects to any wireless network (802.11 b & g) and lets you access more than 11,000 free Internet radio stations worldwide. It also lets you access audio files (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, Real) stored on you Wi-Fi-enabled computer (PC or Mac). The IS9181 also offers localized weather (based on zip code).
The End Of Traditional Radio In The Home?
The IS9181, and devices like it, are going to rapidly make traditional radios obsolete.
The device works like a radio, but it gives you access to thousands of stations that you can’t get on a traditional radio, while still giving you local weather.
How long can traditional radio, and even satellite radio, last with competition like this?