How NPR Killed the Radio Star

[n2doc]

Voice-activated app suggests broadcast isn't long for this world
CHRISTOPHER MIMS 01/11/2012

NPR's mobile app isn't just good, it's a joy to use. In a world where most content is strangled by some executive's desire to put advertisements or paywalls between you and accessing your content whenever and however you want it, NPR's alternate funding model and embrace of the web mean that their app lets me get the shows I want when I want them, in their entirety, even if they're currently playing on my radio and technically I'm kind of cheating my local NPR affiliate by skipping around in the online versions of the network's national shows.

Now NPR has revealed a new partnership with Ford, which allows voice-activated control of their app through Ford's Sync system, which is part of Ford's overall "digital car" strategy, which has been covered in-depth on TR.

There's an excellent video breaking down the user experience for the NPR sync app (above) created by filmmaker John Pavlus.

It's a logical extension of NPR's existing mobile strategy, but it makes me wonder: what's this going to do to radio broadcasts? Currently, the advantage of radio is its just-there, always-on simplicity. But if I have a system that requires only that I speak aloud my desire to hear my favorite show, am I ever going to listen to NPR on FM radio again?
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http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/mimssbits/27485/?p1=blogs

[KatyaR]

1. I just read somewhere yesterday that auto manufacturers

are getting rid of CD players in new cars--I guess they figure everyone will move to apps and internet radio. I have a feeling it won't be long before OTA radio goes the way of OTA TV--just another way to make money.

On the other hand, having a built-in MIFI in your car to receive internet, etc., would ROCK!

[Old and In the Way]

2. CD players are passe. They are integrating USB hooks into their stereo systems.

So you can plug in your MP3 or cellphone/music player. It's the way most people are moving...discrete analog or even digital media is a management pain in the car and really, the digital storage capability is so large, why bother with discrete media. I'd love to use a Pandora or NPR application in the car, but that would need an always connected WIFI (not really feasible now) or cell network (expensive).