Beolit12 and FM

Having done quite well with some shares recently, I was thinking of treating to myself and getting a Beolit12 for sitting outside in the summer.  I know what you're thinking, it's not waterproofed against a British summer.

Anyway, the lack of and FM radio does annoy me.  I really don't want this to turn into a discussion about the pros and cons of FM radio though.  Let's just all agree to differ on that front.

Is there likely to be a design change though to fit this in a new version, say later in the year?  I honestly wouldn't mind paying a bit more for a complete product - sort of like they used to do with the BeoCenter2 (wasn't that DAB for a bit more cash before it was standard?)  Alternatively, are any of some of our technical minds on the forum thinking/looking at offering this as a retrofit service?

Calvin:

Is there likely to be a design change though to fit this in a new version, say later in the year? 

I don't think this is going to happen. To support FM, you need the electronics in the device, plus an FM aerial and there's no FM aerial connection on the Beolit 12, plus I think B&O wanted the device to be controlled via your iPhone.

Can't you just get Tunein Radio for your iPhone and use this? I bought the Pro version of this app and you can stream all the usual channels, plus find many local ones, too. 

Alternatively, find a Beosound 3? I use this in the kitchen for basic FM support. Very basic though. Once you've used Tunein radio, manually finding FM frequencies feels a little 80s - plus you can't get Radio 5 Live and many other channels.

I really cant se this happening! I work in radio and we are moving ahead with the turn off of FM. Given that the BeoLit is beautifully designed for the iPhone etc, I think B&O are hoping you will download the BeoPlayer app and then have access to over 13,000 radio stations.

I actually listened to FM for a couple of minutes yesterday on my B&O Century. It was so weird, there was all hissing noises as the guy was talking! 

Sorry but fitting FM just doesn't make economic sense these days. 

moxxey:

Calvin:

Is there likely to be a design change though to fit this in a new version, say later in the year? 

I don't think this is going to happen. To support FM, you need the electronics in the device, plus an FM aerial and there's no FM aerial connection on the Beolit 12, plus I think B&O wanted the device to be controlled via your iPhone.

Can't you just get Tunein Radio for your iPhone and use this? I bought the Pro version of this app and you can stream all the usual channels, plus find many local ones, too. 

Alternatively, find a Beosound 3? I use this in the kitchen for basic FM support. Very basic though. Once you've used Tunein radio, manually finding FM frequencies feels a little 80s - plus you can't get Radio 5 Live and many other channels.

Moxxey is right.  Every radio station you can think of is available on your iDevice, either in tune in radio or from their own website.  There is no way they will ever add an FM tuner, in fact I would be suprised if we ever see another product with one fitted.

I suspect you're probably right.  I might pick myself up a BeoSound3.  Actually, the reason I thought they might do an AMFM upgrade model is cynicism - ie I can imagine them trying to get away with charging an extra £100 or £200 for what would amount to about £5 of components already used elsewhere.  Typical modern B&O?  As I said, maybe I'm just cynical.  If truth be told, the BS3 is far more what I'd be needing anyway, I'm just a magpie for new shiny things sometimes

I found the Beosound 3 an average quality item to be honest and don't miss it. The Beolit 12 Tunein App combo is definately the way to go as a combination. I'm amazed at some if the obscure stuff I can listen too

Yes, the BeoLit 12 is a WONDERFUL performing sexy little design! Calvin, I really think that you will be happy with it! I use the B&O app for the radio stations - it's great, i'm listening to an 80s & 70s disco music station from the South of France! Let me put on my GoGo Boots and do the hustle!

Calvin;

You are wise  to consider the Beosound 3, or perhaps an older Beolit radio. Good investment, too.

They also sound good, look good, and have proven the test of time outdoors. One can begin to consider other radios ( Zenith TransOceanics, Lowe, Grundig, for example ) but they start getting more technical at that point, and there are obvious sacrifices in sound quality.

The Beoplayer Mp3 chip feature of the Beosound 3 is very good: I use this more than the FM radio, and mine survived 6 months in the Amazon without any problems. Just ensure that you find one that hasn't any problems with the top touch pad.

Calvin,

You can listen to inernet radio via iTunes/BeoLit12. That's what I do, when I want to listen to radio. I don't use FM anymore.

hfat

Hi Calvin

Like Paul said you won't be sorry with the Beloit 12 and the b&o app for your iPhone. But if you're worried about using bandwidth for something that is essentially free (fm band via aerial) then a bs3 would suffice.

Naturally you require portability ( you mentioned the english weather) so the beocentre is not suited at this stage to your requirements.

I love the b&o app and would love the bl12 to be able to dock the iPhone so it could charge. But then there is the marvellous BS8.

Choices choices but in the end is about what you want :-)

Happy deciding.