LG has delivered a world-first smartphone with a built-in digital radio receiver that will allow users to listen to their favourite stations for as long as they want without using data.
The LG Stylus DAB+ was unveiled at the world’s largest radio conference, Radiodays Europe 2016 in Paris today.
The device, which is expected in Australia later in the year, has a 5.7-inch screen and features the world’s first built-in DAB+ broadcast digital radio.
It comes with a DAB+ supporting chipset and an exclusive application that allows users to enjoy digital radio broadcasts.
And unlike the popular radio apps which chew through data while streaming the radio to listeners, the LG Stylus DAB+ provides excellent audio quality plus pictures and text from the station and doesn’t use any data at all.
The device was developed by LG in partnership with the International DMB Advancement Group (IDAG) – the global body that also represents Commercial Radio Australia.
“The LG Stylus DAB+ shows our commitment to meeting the different needs of the consumer,” says Gino Casha, LG’s General Manager, Mobile Communications Australia.
“We have developed a piece of technology that gives a hassle-free digital radio experience, so consumers are able to listen to select radio stations simply and without incurring costly data usage charges.
“The device is ideal for many consumers as it provides premium functions at the price of a mid-tier phone.”
The LG Stylus DAB+ is just 7.4mm thick and weighs only 145g. It also has a removable 3000mAh battery and a microSD card slot to expand the onboard 16GB memory.
The 5.7-inch display has a HD resolution of 1280 x 720 with 2GB RAM and running the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.
“This is an exciting development for Australian consumers as listening and viewing entertainment, news, music and pictures broadcast via digital radio will use no data, compared to music streaming services which can use more than 2MB of data per minute, depending on the quality settings,” said Joan Warner, CEO, Commercial Radio Australia.
Pricing and release date for Australia has yet to be announced.