Exploring the Hidden FM Radio Feature on Your Smartphone

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Cellphones with AM radio functionality have become increasingly rare in recent years. While FM radio is a common feature in smartphones, AM radio has been phased out by many manufacturers. However, there are still a few options available for those who want to listen to AM radio on their cellphones.

One option is to download a dedicated AM radio app. These apps allow users to tune into AM radio stations from around the world, providing access to news, talk shows, sports broadcasts, and more. These apps often have a user-friendly interface and offer a wide range of stations to choose from.

Another option is to use an FM radio app that also includes AM radio functionality. Many FM radio apps have expanded their offerings to include AM radio stations, giving users the ability to listen to both types of broadcasts in one app. These apps typically use the headphone jack as an antenna to improve reception.

It is worth noting that not all smartphones have the necessary hardware to support AM radio. Some manufacturers have chosen to omit AM radio functionality altogether in favor of other features. It is important to check the specifications of your phone before downloading an AM radio app to ensure compatibility.

Car manufacturers, on the other hand, have been moving away from including AM radio in their vehicles. Some electric car models, such as BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Tesla, have either already removed or plan to remove AM radio from their vehicles. This shift is driven by the increasing popularity of streaming services and digital radio options.

While AM radio functionality is not a standard feature in most smartphones, there are still options available for those who wish to listen to AM radio on their cellphones. Dedicated AM radio apps and FM radio apps with AM radio functionality can provide access to a wide range of AM radio stations. However, it is important to check the compatibility of your phone before downloading these apps.

Exploring the Hidden FM Radio Feature on Your Smartphone 1

Do Cell Phones Have AM FM Radio?

Cell phones do not typically have AM/FM radio built-in as a standard feature. However, some smartphones have the capability to receive FM radio signals due to the presence of certain chips used by their manufacturers. These chips have built-in FM receivers alongside the main features that smartphone manufacturers focus on. So, while FM radio is not intentionally included in smartphones, it can be accessed through these chips if they are present in the device.

Is There an App to Listen to AM Radio?

There are several apps available that allow you to listen to AM radio on your mobile device. These apps provide a convenient way to access AM radio stations from around the world. Here are a few popular apps that offer this functionality:

1. TuneIn Radio: TuneIn Radio is a widely used app that allows you to listen to AM radio stations from all over the world. It offers a vast selection of AM stations, including news, talk shows, sports, and music. The app also provides access to FM radio stations, podcasts, and on-demand content.

2. iHeartRadio: iHeartRadio is another popular app that provides access to AM radio stations. It offers a wide range of AM stations, including news, sports, and music. The app also features personalized recommendations and a variety of additional content, such as podcasts and live events.

3. Radio.com: Radio.com is an app that allows you to listen to AM radio stations from major broadcasting companies, including CBS Radio. It offers a wide selection of news, talk, and sports stations, as well as on-demand content from popular radio shows.

4. Simple Radio: Simple Radio is a user-friendly app that lets you listen to AM radio stations from around the world. It offers a clean and simple interface, making it easy to browse and discover new stations. The app also provides access to FM radio stations and podcasts.

5. Radiogram: Radiogram is an app that allows you to listen to both AM and FM radio stations, as well as internet radio stations, from all over the world. It offers a diverse range of stations, including news, sports, talk shows, and music. The app is free to use and does not include any ads.

These apps provide a convenient way to listen to AM radio on your mobile device, giving you access to a wide variety of content from around the world.

How Can You Listen to AM Radio Without a Radio?

To listen to AM radio without a traditional radio, you can use various alternatives that utilize modern technology. Here are a few options:

1. Smartphone Apps: Downloading FM radio apps such as iHeartRadio or TuneIn Radio on your smartphone allows you to access thousands of live and local radio stations. These apps are typically free to download and offer a wide range of stations that you can tune into at any time.

2. Online Radio Platforms: Many radio stations now broadcast their content online. You can visit their websites or use online radio platforms like Radio.com or Streema to listen to AM radio stations from your computer or mobile device. These platforms usually provide a vast selection of stations from all over the world.

3. Streaming Services: Certain music streaming services, such as Pandora or Spotify, offer curated radio stations that include AM radio content. While these stations may not be live broadcasts, they provide a similar listening experience based on your preferences.

4. Internet Radio Devices: Consider investing in an internet radio device, also known as Wi-Fi radios or smart speakers. These devices connect to the internet and allow you to access a wide variety of radio stations, including AM stations, without the need for a traditional radio.

5. Podcasts: While not live broadcasts, podcasts cover a wide range of topics and often include interviews, discussions, and storytelling similar to AM radio shows. Numerous podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts offer an extensive library of podcasts that you can listen to at your convenience.

Remember, these options require an internet connection, so ensure that you have a stable and reliable connection to enjoy uninterrupted AM radio streaming.

Conclusion

While FM radios are not intentionally built into smartphones, some smartphone models may have FM receivers as a byproduct of the chips used by manufacturers. However, the availability of FM radio functionality in smartphones can vary. To access AM/FM radio stations on a smartphone, users can download FM radio apps such as iHeartRadio, which offers thousands of live FM and AM radio stations for free. It is worth noting that some car manufacturers are removing AM radio from their new vehicles, particularly electric models. while the presence of FM radio in smartphones is not guaranteed, there are still options available for those who wish to listen to AM/FM radio on their mobile devices.

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Sanjeev Singh

Sanjeev is the tech editor at DeviceMAG. He has a keen interest in all things technology, and loves to write about the latest developments in the industry. He has a passion for quality-focused journalism and believes in using technology to make people's lives better. He has worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, and has written for some of the biggest tech blogs in the world. Sanjeev is also an avid photographer and loves spending time with his family.