Internet radio

fenlander_uk

TuneIn's most recent upgrade went all social media orientated. I prefer a radio app that emphasises stations and easy access to favourites. After trying all the main options on Play Store, I've switched to an app called 'Rad.io'. Give it a try.

(I couldn't even sign up to TuneIn as it crashed every time I tried.)

lammy82

bryanb wrote: »

Thanks Lammy, could you come back please and tell me how it sounds. BB

Edit, Just had a look at the spec, not sure if you can operate it on mains elec, perhaps just leaving the charger connected?

I'll be sure to report back when I've got it in my hands! It should arrive tomorrow. The reports I've read all say it sounds great, so that's what I'm hoping for

Yes, it runs off the charger if you want to leave it plugged in.

DCFC79

SpanishBlue wrote: »

Thanks, but I'm using it right now on my laptop. Whilst there is an option to "Follow", I can't see how to add as a favourite. Even when I have "Followed" a few radio stations, there does not appear to be an option to call up the list so that I can choose which one I want to listen to.

Are you on the website or Phone app ?

On the pc if you search for a station and click follow if you like it, I was signed in so cant say you could do it when not signed in.

SpanishBlue

I'm on the the website, logged in using Facebook. I have followed a few radio stations, but can't see a way of calling up the list and choosing one to select.

lammy82

bryanb wrote: »

Thanks Lammy, could you come back please and tell me how it sounds. BB

Edit, Just had a look at the spec, not sure if you can operate it on mains elec, perhaps just leaving the charger connected?

I promised I'd report back on my Q2 internet radio - I must say, I've fallen in love with it instantly. It is simple and fun to operate, and sounds great listening to speech radio (Radio 4, World Service) or music (Classic FM & Magic 105.4). The quality is good enough that I can detect that Magic FM has a slightly lower bitrate than it ought to, but it still sounds good. It's only small, so don't expect miracles, but I can tell it's got a genuinely good quality speaker in it which sounds so much better than my phone's speaker (my current 'internet radio'!)

My intended usage is to keep it in the kitchen, and flick it on in the morning whilst making my tea and toast (Radio 4), then maybe have it on Classic FM or similar whilst cooking/eating in the evening. Although I'm planning to leave it plugged in most of the time, I also want to be able to take it onto the patio if I'm making the most of the sunshine, and it fits the bill perfectly as it has a built in battery which is recharged whenever it's plugged in.

The only thing that would make it perfect would be if I could change the station presets using an app on my phone rather than having to plug it into my laptop, but I'll live with that. I don't think I'll change the station presets very often.

Changing station whilst it's switched on seems to take just a couple of seconds. However, if it's been switched off using the power switch, then from turning it on it takes a bit longer before it starts making sound - I just timed it at 20 seconds from cold. That's mainly because it has to connect to the WiFi. If you've just muted it by putting it face-down then un-muting takes a second or two just like changing station.

If you can get one for around £30 (see eBay) I would say it's a very good introduction to the world of internet radio!

And I promise I've got no affiliation with the company that makes it

Cornucopia

Another vote for Tunein. I use it a lot on my Android phone, with no major issues. It does have a favourites feature, and other useful features like a built-in alarm clock and sleep timer. And I don't think I've had to sign-up or anything.

The only issue I have is that my phone is quite old, and Tunein appears to be making a little unstable (although it could be something else). Getting a new one tomorrow...

bod1467

I've found that TuneIn's audio output can be a bit flaky at times on my wife's Nexus 7 (2012) - as in it can get distorted or buffer. That's why we changed to the Radio Player app, which seems to run much smoother.

buglawton

For up to 4 stations the Q2 cube radio, £40 from Amazon, is excellent. Rich sound and operates all day on usb charger connected or for 6 hours on the internal battery. My 80+yo mother has one since there are no buttons and no settings to upset, you rotate or tilt the cube to change channel and volume. I too have a Q2 for listening while doing DIY.
I also have a Revo in the living room, mine was a refurb around £110 excellent (mono) sound.