While MP3 players are continuing to grow in popularity, one thing most lack is a built-in FM radio. Most manufacturers are mainly interested in cramming as much storage in as small space as possible as well as keeping the player light. Apple's iPod is an example that offers huge storage, while lacking FM radio or a removable battery, but has successfully become the market leader.
Now, AudioFeast is aiming to offer radio shows for portable player through a subscription based Radio show download service. Currently, many radio stations such as the BBC already offer online radio shows, but are often limited to playback on the PC only or can only be streamed. However, AudioFeast's service will allow downloads to be transferred to suitable portable players. Initially, AudioFeast will offer a Talk Show subscription service, but expects to later offer a pre-compiled music playlist service where one can download for example an hours worth of a DJ pre-compiled playlist.
However, unlike music downloads or even Microsoft's Janus system, AudioFeast's content has very strict playback conditions. Anyone ever seen Mission Impossible? :p Well, like the show the audio content essentially 'self-destructs' during playback only giving the option to pause or fast-forward playback, but prohibits rewinding or playing back what has already been played beforehand. Currently they offer support for some devices from Creative, iRiver and a few others with a player software update. They are currently working on a streamlined version for the iPod. Talk show subscriptions are expected to cost $ 49.95 per year, while no decision has been made on music playlist download subscriptions.
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AudioFeast announced on Wednesday that it is creating a subscription service that offers downloadable radio shows for portable players--the first of its kind, the company said. It hopes to attract customers who are looking to fill their commute time with something other than songs downloaded from the Internet or ripped from a CD, executives said. Right now, the company is offering a smattering of broadcast talk shows, including programs from National Public Radio and the BBC, available only on the company's Web site. But that initial line-up will be followed by hundreds of Internet music radio stations when the company introduces its full service for portable players in October. Analysts said AudioFeast may have appeal for consumers who are used to listening to the radio and don't want to give up the experience, or who want a constantly rotating music library without having to choose it themselves. Read the full sory here. |
While iTunes is doing very well and many other music services are doing fairly well also, it will be interesting to see how well talk show and pre-compiled playlist download services take on. The main difference here is that these downloads will work much like Microsoft's Janus technology apart from that the content expires as it is being played back, much like how one cannot re-listen to something on the radio unless they were taping it.
However, one main difference between download based talk
shows and those on the radio is that it is not possible to listen to live conversations or join in. This also makes the service unsuitable for up to date news broadcasts, traffic information, weather and so on. But then again, it would allow those who are busy or cannot listen to the radio during their favourite talk show to be able to catch up by downloading at work or home and play it along the journey. Another advantage is the elimination of radio interference or weak reception.
Source: CNET News - Music
