Radio without the Internet for Android - is it a myth or a reality? Smartphones are equipped with chips for various types of connectivity, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, NFC, and a mobile signal antenna. But is there a receiver for FM radio, which is also considered one of the most common wireless connection methods?
Everything will depend on the model of your mobile device. Some phones have built-in FM tuners ready to use. Other devices have receivers that are disabled by default. Many models are not equipped with tuners at all. Unfortunately, there is no universal solution for those who want to listen to the radio on Android without the Internet, but there are ways that are worth trying. Under certain conditions, they will allow you to listen to live FM broadcasts from your mobile device.
NextRadio App
If your phone has a built-in radio, but doesn't have a stock app that allows you to access broadcasts, then NextRadio is recommended. The process of setting up this program is extremely simple: just install the application and make sure that your mobile device supports it, after which you can start searching for radio stations. Many developers deliberately disable tuners on their devices. These tactics are used to force you to connect to the Internet and use more traffic. The official NextRadio website has a complete list of compatible devices.
The modern consumer is already accustomed to the fact that he is always provided with many options to choose from. However, NextRadio offers users only a limited number of available stations located in the immediate area. This application only works with certain phone models that are equipped with special chips. Apple devices and most Android smartphones do not support this technology. Interestingly, even expensive devices like the Nexus 5 were blacklisted. It is technically impossible to add the desired chip with your own hands.
The NextRadio app only works when wired headphones are connected. If you are using Bluetooth headphones or phone speakers, the program simply won't work. The signal quality offered by NextRadio is no better than ordinary FM receivers. Instead of high-quality digital sound, you get a noisy signal that can be compared to an ordinary car radio. The only indisputable advantage of the tuner over digital stations is the lower battery consumption due to the lack of the need to connect to the Internet.
Often experiencing the strongest disappointment shortly after purchasing a smartphone.
For example, the well-known manufacturer Lenovo targets two different markets. The first is aimed at the European consumer, so smartphones are produced in Europe, and the second type of smartphones is “born” in the Chinese space.
If you notice coverage problems, it may be the radio module.
Of course, it is impossible to expect the same quality from such two different models. If you managed to purchase Android, which often began to present "surprises" in the form of a lack of communication, then you managed to purchase the Chinese version.
Unfortunately, the "Chinese" very often refuses to catch a 3G network signal at a frequency of GSM 900.
Faced with such a problem, you will have to delve into some technical parameters in order to understand how to flash the Android communication module.
It will not be too difficult if you carefully read all the steps, comprehend important secrets, understand what the firmware of the communication module is.
Any actions with mobile phones should be done carefully, since ignorance of some basics can provoke undesirable results.
Brick - this is the name of a smartphone that has lost its functionality
If the network signal is poorly supported at the GSM 900 frequency, the conversation will not work, because the connection will be constantly interrupted, respectively, the interlocutor will not be able to make out your speech.
Even if this is the case, it will not be possible to return the device, so you can read the information on how to flash the radio module, and then do these steps yourself.
In order not to become the owner of a Chinese copy, when choosing a device, do not be too lazy to open the cover and inspect all the inscriptions. The Chinese version is accompanied by a strict arrangement of information in a column, while the European version involves the placement of additional logos next to the information, so no columns can be found here.
If you were presented with a Chinese device, you will have to improve it yourself, “make” it work correctly and quickly, but for this you will need to figure out which firmware of the radio module is the most effective.
Radio module firmware
So, having figured out the intricacies of how to reflash the radio module, you can improve your favorite mobile device.
It is very important to follow the firmware algorithm, do not skip any sub-items, so as not to harm and not provoke an even more serious failure.
At the moment, there are several options for how to install a new firmware version on the radio module, so the user will be able to vary and choose the algorithm of actions that will be more understandable to him.
Firmware algorithm
At the very beginning of such responsible actions, it is important to get Root rights to your Android. Next, download TWRP-recovery and save it to your SD card.
Now you need to download special software from the Play Market that will help you update Recovery. An excellent assistant in carrying out such actions can be the Mobileuncle MTK Tools utility.
Install this program, run it and find the "Recovery Update" item. After you click on this item, the system will ask for the location where the Recovery file was placed. Of course, you should specify the SD card.
It is important to find working versions of the radio module firmware from trusted sources, download them and save them.
After the process is completed, it remains to clear the cache by deleting all unnecessary files from the smartphone. To do this, find the item "Wipe cache / dev link", click and wait for the cleaning to complete. Now just restart your mobile device, after which you can start using it.
To flash the radio module, you can use another method. To do this, you will first have to download and save the desired firmware version, as well as the android-info.txt file.
Unpack the firmware, find the Radio.img file, move it to a new folder, where you also drop the android-info.txt file.
Now name this folder PC10IMG, and then archive it in zip format. Move this created archive to the SD card.
After such actions, turn off the device, remove the battery for five seconds, then reconnect it, but only while holding down the "volume down" key.
In this case, a program request “Do you want to start update” will appear on the screen, to which a positive response should follow, namely, pressing the “volume up” key.
After the process is completed, which will occur automatically, you should reboot the mobile device, and you can start using it, since the firmware of the radio module is completed.
So, the firmware of the radio module is not as complicated as it might seem at first. It is only important to follow the algorithm, not to ignore any wishes of experienced users. Only in this case, the mobile device will please you with correct operation and speed.
Many people think that the era of radio is long gone and that now every user can customize their own playlist. But there are also people who are fans of the radio. After all, radio is not only the best music, but also a collection of fresh news and interesting programs. So that you always have the opportunity to quickly catch the radio signal, the developers have created an interesting application - Spirit2 Real FM Radio. We will consider all the advantages and disadvantages of the application below.
Proapplication
Here is a new application that can replace a real radio. Spirit2 Real FM Radio works in real time. The key feature of the app is that it does not need an internet connection to run.
What can Spirit2 Real FM Radio offer us? The application is a follower of the first version of Spirit1. It is difficult to single out significant changes, since the application is still being developed and there will be some changes in its operation.
By installing the Spirit2 Real FM Radio app, you get a portable radio device that plays the most popular radio stations. Each user will be able to enjoy the best tunes at any time, as well as listen to interesting shows and the latest news.
Control
It will not be easy to deal with the controls, especially considering the fact that the entire application interface is in English. But over time, even the most inexperienced users will be able to fully use the capabilities of Spirit2 Real FM Radio. To select the desired wave, scroll the wheel in a circle or click on the arrow. At your request, you can also adjust the volume, tuner and other characteristics.
Decor
As already mentioned, the application currently does not have support for the Russian language, which creates some inconvenience. Despite such minor flaws, the application has a stylish interface that is conducive to the work of all users.
pros
- Stylish design
- Affordable Management
- Support for the best radio stations
- Network connection not required
Minuses
- Huge number of errors
- Not all devices supported
Video review
The ability to listen to the radio on a mobile device has appeared almost since the creation of the phones themselves. As you know, the most popular mobile platform is Android. In today's review, we will consider applications for listening to radio via the Internet.
From such applications, you should not expect something super-new and unique. Such programs are an opportunity for users to always be aware of events, listen to their favorite music, programs and podcasts. Below we will analyze the most popular programs for listening to radio via the Internet. In the review, we will not touch on the applications of specific radio stations.
Yandex Radio (Download)
Let's start with Yandex.Radio. The application is able to provide you with a personal music player and select a radio station not only according to the wave, but also according to the tastes and mood of the user. For example, if you want to listen to sports news, Yandex.Radio will provide you with a huge list of available and currently active stations. The app is free, but the station's broadcast will be interrupted by commercials. After subscribing to Yandex.Music, your player will broadcast without any restrictions or interruptions to the air.
PCRadio (Download)
The next internet radio for android is "PCRadio". Of the differences, one can immediately note a significantly reduced traffic consumption compared to similar applications. Allows you to maintain a connection with the station even with a 2G connection. Each user will find his own in it. PCRadio has a structured set of genres, each containing dozens of stations. The player itself is pretty good to listen to. The built-in equalizer is perfect for connoisseurs of sound, providing the most flexible sound settings.
Photo: PCRadio for android Just Radio (Download)
Consider another popular online radio with a simple name - "Prosto Radio". The name speaks for itself - everything is simple and without unnecessary frills. The application has no paid features. Immediately from the minuses - when you turn on the power saving mode on your smartphone, "Just Radio" starts freezing and delays in playback. The application is compact and does not take up much space on your smartphone. The absence of ads and lightning-fast connection to broadcast streams will definitely please users.
Tuneln Radio (Download)
Probably the most downloaded and popular Internet radio for android of all existing in the Play Market. Over 100 million downloads speak for themselves. Incredibly convenient and thoughtful interface. A very impressive collection - more than 100,000 music, sports, entertainment, educational and even conversational stations. You will have to pay extra to get additional features. A paid subscription costs about 7,000 rubles a year. Expensive! Whether it's worth it or not is up to you.
FM Radio (Download)
Another application that can be found on the Play Market is FM Radio. Absolutely free and high-quality application with great functionality. Of the unusual features, the following can be distinguished: sleep timer, alarm clock, shortcuts. Initially, it was not famous for its design and amenities. But with the updated interface, FM Radio has reached more than 10 million downloads. The most significant minus of the program is that on some devices with the screen turned off, the application does not work. Hangings after some time of use were also noticed.
This program is able to play streams of about 63,000 online radio stations, which, although not a record, is still a very worthy indicator. Of course, one can get confused in such an extensive catalog, so all stations are sorted by country, genre, and thematic areas. For the busiest, there is a convenient function to automatically select radio stations similar to the one you are currently listening to. In addition, the program contains a built-in equalizer, you can listen to the sounds of your favorite station, and even save the broadcast stream to your device in MP3 format. Even many paid programs cannot boast of the last function.
TuneIn Radio
TuneIn is without any doubt the flagship of its kind. Here you will find the largest catalog of available radio stations, the most sophisticated interface, the widest range of functions and many other characteristics that start with the word "most". A big plus of TuneIn Radio is that it has clients for almost all existing platforms, so you can listen to your favorite radio stations on any device. However, some popular features, such as recording songs, are blocked in the free version.
PCRADIO
This very simple radio receiver was able to get into the review only due to the fact that it contains in its catalog a large number of radio stations from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and other countries of the post-Soviet space. Perhaps this is where you can find music close to you, listen to sports reports or find out the latest. In the description, the author writes that PCRADIO optimizes all streams for listening in poor Internet conditions, so its program can be used even with a mobile connection. The free version has ads and the shutdown timer and stream recording are not available.
Radio.net
Free application with a large catalog (more than 30,000 online stations) and a standard basic set of functions. The built-in filter system allows you to sort radio by genre, language, country and even city. There is a search and save your favorite streams to your favorites. Fans of listening to radio programs before going to bed will benefit from the built-in sleep timer. You can also use radio.net as an alarm clock by pre-setting the time to wake up and the station you want to hear at that moment.
XiaLive
XiiaLive provides easy access to the famous SHOUTcast online catalog, which currently has about 50,000 radio stations in various genres. If necessary, you can add your own stream if you know its URL. The application allows you to save radio stations and individual songs as favorites, and also keeps a playback chronicle. An interesting feature of the program that distinguishes it from its competitors is the ability to rewind or fast forward songs. However, to do this, you must set a buffer large enough in the settings to save the audio stream. Among the additional features, the presence of which is already becoming a rule in such programs, we note the shutdown timer, alarm clock, several themes, integration with Last.fm, Twitter and.
