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.
shebmiller Jan 9, 2012 at 9:50 am
" 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!
johnmarki Jan 9, 2012 at 9:54 am
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!
panterarck Jan 9, 2012 at 10:09 am
Pretty cool I must say.
Blackberry_boffin Jan 10, 2012 at 6:42 am
Actually it is cool. Everyone has been neglecting the good old radio for too long.
Rootbrian Jan 10, 2012 at 7:14 am
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
the brother Jan 9, 2012 at 10:32 am
Is it possible that this feature can be enabled in other os 7 devices or is it hardware dependent?
9810? Bueller?
Disparishun Jan 9, 2012 at 10:37 am
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.
asiayeah Jan 9, 2012 at 11:04 am
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!
bhatchfield Jan 9, 2012 at 11:26 am
The new OS sounds great. Can someone post a link to it please? Thank you very kindly.
GeneralHerzog Jan 9, 2012 at 12:27 pm
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!
Altarocks Jan 9, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Someone's feeling superior ;)
derekjdech Jan 9, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Fire the guy with a curve
Josh_VanderWal Jan 10, 2012 at 5:39 am
love this!
kthhrrsn Jan 10, 2012 at 8:12 am
LOL! Good idea!!! I'm a jealous 9930 owner...
KhangBERRY Jan 10, 2012 at 5:40 am
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 =))
VR6 Jan 9, 2012 at 1:15 pm
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!!
derekjdech Jan 9, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Blackberry: comes out with a beautiful flagship phone, doesn't make 7.1 official, but gives the others 7.1
bkkperson Jan 9, 2012 at 3:30 pm
If the Curves have always been capable of radio then why didnt they allow it when they were released??
kthhrrsn Jan 10, 2012 at 8:13 am
They clearly didn't have the software ready yet.
axllebeer Jan 9, 2012 at 3:59 pm
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
maffyah Jan 9, 2012 at 6:13 pm
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
Josh_VanderWal Jan 10, 2012 at 5:39 am
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!
mdguy99 Jan 10, 2012 at 5:29 pm
I don't think the radio is a make or break for most 9900 users. PVR type functionality would be awesome.
CentiZen Jan 10, 2012 at 10:36 am
The signal and sound quality is quite good, I am using it right now and once you get it postitioned correctly the quality is very impressive.
srl155 Jan 10, 2012 at 10:53 am
Does the FM radio support RDS?
maffyah Jan 10, 2012 at 1:23 pm
I can't get it to install on my phone. Can someone help please
alonthegreat Jan 11, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Where can i get OS 7.1 ?