Claiming to be “the worlds first” internet radio, Acoustic Energy introduced this desk top model in the Spring of 2007.  AE claimed at the time that it will link “with any Wi-Fi network”.  The company also said in its initial release that the unit is capable of “tuning in” 99% of the working internet radio stations on the world wide web.  The maker also reports that it works with “all three major streaming formats...Windows Media, MP3, and Real Media”.  Like most of the new models to follow, the AE-17-16B WiFi Internet Radio was a bit pricey, initially listed at about $300.  It's a long way to the $9.95 FM sets now in dollar stores across America, but its a start.  Average model price for all internet radios in the 2nd decade of the 21st century are about half that, with some $99 versions to be found.  The devices are in somewhat more common use in Europe, but now found on the shelf in Sears and Best Buy, and no doubt other future thinking retailers in the US.  Some early sets are displayed and described  below.

Some Internet Radios now being sold...

Freecom Music Pal  - Priced under $200 US, the Music Pal links to internet stations through a service provider called vTuner, a directory with a growing listing of about 5,000 stations, including Music Tampa Bay.  The device also streams MP3 files from a networked PC, supports MP3 and WAV files, displays live RSS & blog feeds, and features a line output jack, Ethernet port and 802.11b/g WiFi, and built-in 3 watt (mono) speaker.  MTB sees this and other similar devices as the equivalent of the transistor radio of the 1950's.    

 

Morphy Richards entered the Internet Radio.market around the beginning of the current decade with this beauty.  Using Wi-Fi networks - The Morphy net radio can access and browse radio stations and provide playback for PC MP3 playlists. The manufacturer lists the internet system as Reciva, another system enabeling access to Music Tampa Bay programming.  The list price at the time of this radio's release was a hefty $330 US + S&H from the UK, though it is believed eBay and other sources can now be used to find cheaper models.

Tivoli NetWorks table top & portable Internet radios - NetWorks includes a  large mono speaker with four-line scrolling display and built-in Wi-Fi.  Various models are availale, inlcuding the portable version pictured with weather-resistant casing and battery power The NetWorksGo was slated for release in early 2008, but pricing was not yet known at the time

 

 

 

SoundBridge Network Internet Radio and Music Player - claims to be capable of pulling in Internet stations, but does not specify its internal system.  Also plays audio files from PC & Mac computers, including WMA, MP3, AAC, AIFF, ALAC & WAV formats.  Pricing is unknown.

 

Denon D -Hi-Fi with hard disk recorder, internet radio and home networking (F103HRDAB) - Internet radio is complimented with other features like DAB (England & Europe), FM,  and CD player with MP3 playback. Also has a built-in hard drive can hold up to 10,000 songs, converting tracks to MP3 with full track data, thanks to online access to the Gracenote database. It can also stream tracks from other devices, such as a PC or Mac.   Price?  Unknown, but certainly "not cheap".

 

Playstation Portable Gaming Controller - Yes, Internet Radio is invading the sacred realm of video games.  Sony's PSP version 3.80 and above include access to Shoutcast and Music Tampa Bay to enhance the game playing experience. 

 

 

Smart Phone & Pocket PC's - Windows Moble 5.0 and above mobile operating system provide a variety of ways to connect to Internet Radio.  Software apps are coming from an increasing number of sources, one of which was found for about $20 from http://www.resco.net/pocketpc/radio. 

Droid - Verizon Android phone users can access the MTB music stream by downloading the XiiaLive Lite from the Android Market.  Click search and type Music Tampa Bay, hit the first result and it should be working.  iPhone, Blackberry & other smart phone apps can also be expected to be found for these devices.

 

 

Grace Digital Audio GDI-IRD4400 Hi-Fi Table Top Wireless Internet Radio - Stream from PC or Mac using 802.11B/G, WEP & WPA compatible, line-out jack for phones & home stereo connections & additional speakers.  Found at Sears.com on-line outlet for under $200.