LG’s New Smartphone Can Pick Up Digital Radio

LG Electronics has unveiled its new LG Stylus 5.7-inch device which features a world first smartphone development — a built-in DAB+ broadcast digital radio.

Image: LG

“DAB+ covers 50 million people in 40 countries around the world,” LG enthused in a statement. “Users will be able to access more radio channels with DAB+ than traditional FM, with up to 30 free digital only stations. Unlike radio broadcasting apps that use hefty amounts of data for streaming, DAB+ lets users listen to the radio for free and in excellent audio quality, plus DAB+ broadcasts pictures and text on screen.”

The device was developed by LG in conjunction with The International DMB Advancement Group (IDAG), a global organisation representing radio broadcasters. Peak industry body Commercial Radio Australia, a founding member of IDAG, was closely involved in the development of the device.

Gino Casha, General Manager, Mobile Communications Australia says “The LG Stylus DAB+ shows our commitment to meeting the different needs of the consumer. 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.”

“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 of Commercial Radio Australia.

All consumers need to do to enable the digital radio feature on the Stylus, is plug in the included headset and click on the DAB+ icon that starts a scan of the local DAB+ radio stations in the area — currently available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. They will then be able to select from the list of available radio stations and save their favourite stations for easy access in future.

OPther features of the LG Stylus DAB+ is a 7.4mm thickness, 145g weight, 3,000mAh removable battery and an SD card slot for storage expansion.

LG said pricing and stockist details for Australia will be confirmed at a later date.


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