Your Guide to Radio Apps on Ubuntu Touch: FM and Internet Streaming
Listening to the radio offers a unique connection to live music, news, and commentary that pre-recorded playlists simply can’t match. For users of the Ubuntu Touch operating system, a growing selection of applications brings this classic medium to your mobile device. Whether you want to tune into local FM broadcasts or stream stations from across the globe, there’s an app for you.
However, it’s crucial to understand the two main types of radio apps available: traditional FM radio and modern internet radio.
- FM Radio Apps rely on your device’s built-in FM receiver chip. This means they only work on specific hardware and do not use your mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Internet Radio Apps stream audio over your internet connection. They work on any Ubuntu Touch device and offer access to tens of thousands of stations worldwide.
Let’s explore the best options in each category.
Unlocking Traditional FM Radio on Your Device
If you own a device with a supported FM chip, such as the BQ Aquaris E4.5 or Meizu MX4, you can enjoy over-the-air radio without an internet connection. These apps depend on a background service called fm-radio-service to function correctly.
uRadio
uRadio provides a clean and straightforward interface for accessing both FM and internet radio stations. Its core strength lies in its simplicity for FM tuning. You can easily scan for available local stations, listen live, and enjoy broadcast radio just as you would on a traditional receiver.
FM Radio
As its name suggests, this application is dedicated solely to FM radio. It offers a minimalist design focused on one task: scanning the airwaves for local stations. You can scan for channels, select one from the discovered list, and save your favorites for quick access later. It’s a lightweight and efficient choice for pure FM listening on compatible phones.
Streaming Global Stations: The Best Internet Radio Apps
For those without a compatible FM chip or who want a world of listening options, internet radio is the perfect solution. These apps work on all Ubuntu Touch devices and leverage the vast, community-driven radio-browser.info database, giving you access to an incredible variety of stations.
ubuRadio
ubuRadio is a powerful and feature-rich client for internet radio. It allows you to explore a massive catalog of global stations with robust search functionality.
Key features include:
- Searching by station name, tag, country, or language.
- Saving your favorite stations for one-tap access.
- A clean, intuitive interface that makes discovery easy.
Whether you’re looking for a news broadcast from another country or a specific genre of music, ubuRadio is an excellent all-around choice.
Tuner
Tuner is another fantastic application that taps into the radio-browser.info database. It provides a polished user experience with powerful filtering options, making it simple to find exactly what you’re looking for. With Tuner, you can easily filter stations by country, language, and tags to narrow down the immense selection. Like ubuRadio, it also allows you to save a list of your favorite stations, ensuring your top picks are always readily available.
Which Radio App Should You Choose?
Selecting the right app depends entirely on your device and listening habits.
- For local, data-free listening: If you have a compatible device like a BQ Aquaris E4.5 or Meizu MX4, uRadio or FM Radio are your best bets for accessing traditional FM broadcasts.
- For global variety and universal compatibility: If you want access to thousands of stations from around the world or your device doesn’t have an FM chip, ubuRadio and Tuner are the top contenders. Both offer excellent search and favorite features, making them powerful tools for any radio enthusiast.
With these excellent applications, the vibrant world of radio is always just a tap away on your Ubuntu Touch device.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/useful-ubuntu-touch-apps-radio/
