The radio is soon going to attain a new avatar with the release of 'Visual Radio' with radio listeners being able to watch visuals while listening to FM radio on their mobile phones. Mobile operators including Hutch and Airtel are reportedly all set to launch the new service, with three other companies, namely Nokia, Hewlett-Packard (HP), and Radio Mirchi.
Through this service, listeners will be able to tune into the radio station and receive interactive information and graphics that are synchronized with the broadcast. In addition to the option of purchasing a range of concert tickets, games, video clips and ring tones, users will be able to participate in audience polls, votes and competitions. The audio can be received via a regular analog FM radio whereas graphics and text will be streamed over a data connection.
The application will be available in over ten Nokia handsets including the Nokia Nseries phones, N70, N71, N72, N80, and N91. Nokia's Visual Radio handsets are reportedly available in the price range of Rs 6,000 to Rs 25,000. There will be no rental for GPRS connection on post-paid; the only charges applicable will be that of usage and download. It is possible that after the introductory period is over, operators might fix a monthly fee on the service. In any case, downloading of songs or participating in interactive services will cost users some amount.
Helsinki in Finland and Singapore are the other two places where 'Visual Radio' has kicked off commercially. TAt the India Radio Forum 2006, A P Parigi, managing director, Radio Mirchi, said that initially, Visual Radio would be available =on Radio Mirchi in Delhi, and later in Mumbai. He hinted at the possibility of Visual Radio becoming the next big money spinner for cellular operators.
Pankaj Mathur, country manager of sales, HP India, expressed the view that Visual Radio is a classic confluence of telecom, radio, and music, and that the key to success here would be to offer listeners quality content.
