BlackBerry OS 7.1 brings FM radio to BlackBerry Curve 9360 and 9380

on 9 Jan 2012 09:48 AM

BlackBerry Curve 9380

BlackBerry Curve 9360 and 9380 users will find a nice addition inside the BlackBerry 7.1 OS. In addition to new features like Mobile Hotspot, OS 7.1 will include FM radio. I know, I know ... FM radio?? While it's not the coolest news, it is still pretty neat. The feature will make use of the FM radio circuitry already built in to these two devices. Included in the OS will be an app that will allow users to check out their favorite FM channels and the service will not require a data plan or any data services.

Filed Under: News & Rumors; Tags: BlackBerry Curve 9360, BlackBerry Curve 9380, CES2012, FM Radio

27 Comments

Posted by seb.hebert Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

" know, I know ... FM radio?" Are you kidding me!? This is awesome!! Look, I know I can use a series of Apps to listen to radio but that uses data. I WISH my 9800 had an FM antenna!

Posted by johnmarki Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

I think this is great news for Curve users. I'm on the road a lot and no matter what app I have, it never lets me listen to sports because of legal issues and most of my favorite stations aren't streaming or don't even have support for streaming. With the ability to pick up FM signals, sports will be accessible and legal and the number of stations will increase dramatically. I have to say I'm a little jealous of you Curve owners now!

Posted by panterarck Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Pretty cool I must say.

Posted by Blackberry_boffin Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 134 days ago

Actually it is cool. Everyone has been neglecting the good old radio for too long.

Posted by Rootbrian Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 134 days ago

I listen to FM radio more than I watch television. I have 9 of them, 3 which NEVER get shut off, playing 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Damn why didn't I get a new curve! Lol

Posted by the brother Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Is it possible that this feature can be enabled in other os 7 devices or is it hardware dependent?

9810? Bueller?

Posted by Disparishun Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Actually, that's kind of awesome. Assuming the right APIs, some killer PVR-style apps are possible. This gives me hope for a built-in PlayBook DTV receiver -- which would be killer. Imagine the PlayBook as a portable TV, receiving high-def signals over the air, all without data charges or even any need to be connected to a network? This is definitely heading in the right direction.

Posted by asiayeah Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

I am jealous. Is there a hidden FM circuitry at the Bold 9900? Better still, I wish there's a DAB+ (Digital Radio) circuitry hidden somewhere or in an upcoming BlackBerry!

Posted by bhatchfield Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

The new OS sounds great. Can someone post a link to it please? Thank you very kindly.

Posted by GeneralHerzog Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Hang on a sec!! why does the Curve get FM radio and not the Bold?......this is simply not right! The curve?.....pft!!

WHAT ABOUT THE BOLD!!!!!!!!!!!

the curve!! humph!!!

That's it! I'm firing an employee today. GAWD!

Posted by Altarocks Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Someone's feeling superior ;)

Posted by derekjdech Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Fire the guy with a curve

Posted by Josh_VanderWal Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 134 days ago

love this!

Posted by kthhrrsn Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 133 days ago

LOL! Good idea!!! I'm a jealous 9930 owner...

Posted by KhangBERRY Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 134 days ago

Pity employee who get fired by you. I got Curve 9360 and upgraded to OS 7.1. The FM radio is working very well. But I am thinking to change to Bold 9900. If you felt envy at Curve then we can "exchange" haha...lol =))

Posted by VR6 Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

how about the 9900 please...having FM radio was a huge plus for me and I'm glad BB's bringing it back when so many other manufacturers are cutting it out...simple feature but a good one...and it IS a huge deal!!

Posted by derekjdech Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Blackberry: comes out with a beautiful flagship phone, doesn't make 7.1 official, but gives the others 7.1

Posted by bkkperson Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

If the Curves have always been capable of radio then why didnt they allow it when they were released??

Posted by kthhrrsn Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 133 days ago

They clearly didn't have the software ready yet.

Posted by axllebeer Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Probably the only feature that gives me any regret about going Bold. Sure wish it was included on it, but really not that big of a deal. I sure would use it if it was there though.
Boldly sent from my 9930

Posted by maffyah Monday, Jan 09, 2012 134 days ago

Omg. To think I got the curve cause I decided I'm not spending any more money on high end blackberries until rim releases one that can play some wicked games like an iphone. And now I see this? Sweeeeeeeeeet

Posted by Josh_VanderWal Tuesday, Jan 10, 2012 134 days ago

Rim did a weird move here... Brought out the top of the line phones first. Then after they were out developed entry level phones that are almost next level entry level phones supporting things the higher level phones dont have... ex (from the sounds of it) radio and tag not being in the 9860 (if there is 7.1 for it lol)... Not complaining tho Im happy there getting their ducks in a row... Little victories!