Music Radio For Your Phone (or Blackberry)(or PC)
Loyal readers know that some time ago now, I acquired one of those new-fangled Android “smart” phones. And (they) probably saw my recent mention that I was giving the new (to the USA) Spotify online music service a tryout as well.
image source = engadget.com
By definition, smart phones are more than just phones – they are cameras (movie cameras, even) and, with Internet access, web surfers and music players and GPS navigators and more. They can be mini televisions, and we can watch Netflix.. etc., etc., etc..
I was hoping that Spotify would give my ‘droid added music “streaming” ability – and it would, if I sign up for a premium service level (otherwise, it is PC only). Currently, though, I am not enough of a ‘music person’ (too busy) to justify a monthly fee for music access for my phone, though I can say that my early perusals of Spotify’s “library” lead me to think music lovers will find it a true bargain..
Currently, I plug in my headphones, and use the ‘droid’s FM Radio feature and tune in my fave local stations; or play some songs that I have loaded onto my memory chip (no, I do not purchase tunes). I have the Pandora app, but have found I never use it.. but here are some free music alternatives for you smart phone/Blackberry/iPhone owners:
[note: these can be used on your PC as well.]
• Pandora Radio
“Pandora radio is the personalized internet radio service that helps you find new music based on your old and current favorites. ”
• FlyCast
“FlyCast is the mobile broadcast network that gives you what you really want – choice. Choose what you want from the best music in all genres, talk radio, …
• Slacker Personal Radio
“Slacker Personal Radio is the easiest way to create free radio stations. Listen anywhere to free personalized Internet radio stations playing your favorite music.”
• Spotify (currently “invite only”)(Go there and sign up to receive an invite..)
Also, I have heard raves about XM Radio (Sirius), which requires a subscription.
I am sure there are other music services out there in Internet Land, and I hope music lovers will write in with their faves/reco’s. What music apps do you use?
Today’s reading:
• Netflix betting on subscriber fallout in Q3, everyone over it in Q4
“Netflix posted solid Q2 earnings on Monday, but naturally, all of the attention was focused on the recent price hikes. Nevertheless, Netflix execs feel confident that all the complaining is just hype.” Read more..
• Great Instructional Videos to Learn the Basics of Windows 7
“I am always on the hunt for instructional material for people that use their computers in their homes..” Read more..
Today’s quote: “Jumping for joy is good exercise.” ~ Unknown
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
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TechPaul,
How do you like that Android? I almost (and still thinking about it) swapped out my Blackberry for one; however, I had a really difficult time using the touch screen for texting. Of course, I am as about as graceful as dodo bird.
Rick
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Funny! I couldn’t thumb-type…
As I wrote in Additional Android Adventures…, back in April, “I have not experienced “buyer’s remorse”, nor a case of “the honeymoon’s over” – but, in fact, can say my little ‘droid has “grown on me”. I appreciate it a little more each day.”
I would say that is just as true today.
I will also say that my Blackberry 8830 went straight into a drawer.. (I could not give it away).
However, I do not really type on my ‘droid. I either talk to it (voice recognition) or “Swype” one finger across the letters. Which took a very short while to get used to.
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Thanks Paul. I’d forgotten that I even had a Pandora account!
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IzaakMak,
I know what you mean. Pandora got a lot of press there, some while back, and then seemed to fade from view. But the project not only is still there, but has gotten better.
Pandora really wasn’t for me, as I am kind of closed-minded it turns out, not “into” learning new artists or finding new music. I want my songs to be “familiar old friends” (my “genre” = “classic rock”) that I know all the words to.
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I know what you mean. It’s classic rock for me too. I went ahead and downloaded the FlyCast desktop app and created an account. I like the classic rock channel they have but I think the DPI settings change I made is causing the content to be too large for it’s window (which can’t be re-sized). I also checked out Slacker Personal Radio. I didn’t sign up, but I like the fact that I could play some music without having to.
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IzaakMak,
Well.. that would be easy enough to verify.. simply set it back to 96 and then open the program and see…
It may prove out that you want to leave it at 96, and adjust your “resolution” slider down a notch to get that easier to read effect.. (not recommended practice, but if it works..)
And I hope you’ll stop back by and let us know how you find FlyCast.
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I ended up going with the default (96 DPI) settings with a lower resolution, which made the FlyCast app display properly. Thanks again Paul.
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IzaakMak,
I hope that will prove out a “working compromise”.
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