FM Radio Fun for iPhone in June?

[Cody Overcash]

Over the weekend some folks digging in the latest iPhone 3.0 beta 2 firmware build discovered some references to the possible wifi chip for the next generation iPhone due in June. The chip reference is the letter/number code BCM4329 which can be assumes to be in reference to a chip manufactured by Broadcom.

Obvious features of this new chip include 802.11n support to handle those new speedy 5 GHz wifi networks that the iPhone 3g doesn't support. While faster internet on the phone is all well and good, 9 to 5 Mac noticed some interesting details while digging into more specs about the chip.

The BSM4329 chip that could be showing up in the next iPhone in June may have the added benefit of FM radio support. There are all sorts of fun things that can be done with FM support. Listen to FM radio on your iPhone or iPod Touch when you want to catch the game. Grab some good old talk radio . Even better how about some streaming of your library over the airways directly to your car stereo (the chip can transmit in addition to receiving) -- no strings or dongles attached.

Although there would be some awesome possibilities don't expect Apple do have such things enabled by default if they are in fact using that chip. Apple does what they want when they want. Remember it has taken them a couple years since the release of the iPhone for very basic features like copy & paste, MMS, useful bluetooth protocols, etc with firmware 3.0.

Maybe in the near future some jailbreak devs will be able to have some fun . . .

[corradoking]

I guess im going to have to get the new iPhone when it comes out

[MetallicaFan1991]

Finally some new news!!
Read it on iPhone Hacks before though. New iPhone here I come.

[Buckmaster]

It would be awesome if I could listen the the local fm station on my Iphone!

[Ozzyman500]

Weak! I would've held off paying 6 bucks for WunderRadio if I would've known this!

[Channan]

I really hope the FM transmitter feature is activated so I wouldn't have to use my own. The quality isn't the best and it breaks up occasionally, but it's still nice to have when you need it (especially if you don't have bluetooth in your car or if you're in someone else's...etc.).

[Dash-2]

Wireless radio transmit to car stereo would be amazing. I'm investing in THOSE devs!

[blkcadi]

Just another reason to start saving my pennies. Just keeps getting better.

[tattoojack]

if its possible, devs will unlock it for us to use.

maybe at a small price, but none the less.

and if apple is gonna use a chip that has those features, its because they intend to use them.

maybe not now (because they wait for the devs to work out all the bugs for them with the jailbreak apps that they claim are illegal, irony) but eventually.

[D3ath]

So how much longer do you think until we see a legit picture of the new iphone?

[StealthBravo]

two days before it is released

[Channan]

if its possible, devs will unlock it for us to use.

maybe at a small price, but none the less.

and if apple is gonna use a chip that has those features, its because they intend to use them.

maybe not now (because they wait for the devs to work out all the bugs for them with the jailbreak apps that they claim are illegal, irony) but eventually.

I read somewhere that the current 3G already has this. Not sure about it...just thought I'd say something.

[Antiherosk8er]

Hate to rain on your parade but the current iPhone 3G with its chipset has potential FM functionality as well, but Apple's declined to switch it on.

[huntor]

cool

[CaptainChaos]

And you thought your battery sucked now...

[Jordan.nave]

Haha ^ x2

[happyjam64]

hmmm, i know someone inside Broadcom, perhaps he could know something.

[modbox14]

happyjam64, you should talk to them and see what they know

i'm excited, this next iphone sounds pretty good so far. then with 3.0... should be aaawesooome.

[confucious]

Just because a chip has capabilities doesn't mean they can be used.

Not my area of speciality but I believe an FM transmitter or receiver needs more hardware than just a chip with FM capabilities and the chip would have to have the right connections wired up. If it isn't enabled by Apple I doubt if it would be a simple software hack or even an external piece of hardware. I would imagine it would involve some serious hardware hacking - and that means it is unlikely to happen.

Unless, of course, I am totally wrong...

Just because a chip has capabilities doesn't mean they can be used.

Not my area of speciality but I believe an FM transmitter or receiver needs more hardware than just a chip with FM capabilities and the chip would have to have the right connections wired up. If it isn't enabled by Apple I doubt if it would be a simple software hack or even an external piece of hardware. I would imagine it would involve some serious hardware hacking - and that means it is unlikely to happen.

Unless, of course, I am totally wrong...

[billchase2]

This would be awesome. My old LG Fusic transmitted music to the car stereo, but it didn't work very well. Since this is Apple, I'd imagine they'd be picky about it and that it'll do a nice job.