The new Pure Sensia launched to the press and radio industry today, and as an internet-connected radio with a 5.7″ touchscreen, it’s hard not to be a bit impressed by the technology. But what’s more interesting is what it allows radio and audio providers to do in the future.
I need to disclose that I’ve been discussing the Sensia for a while as part of Absolute Radio’s Pure Sensia promotion. (Obligatory plug: You can win 4 Sensia’s every Thursday for the next 3 weeks by listening to Absolute Radio or visiting the website).
What’s really interesing is that it’s internet-connected, but doesn’t have a browser or any ability to play video. And both of these are conscious decisions by Pure, in order to ensure that the Sensia is a radio that does lots more, rather than a TV or PC that happens to have a radio built-in. And I think that’s a vitally important definition when the long awaited convergence of devices in the home has really kicked in.
The new Pure Sensia internet-connected DAB Radio
So you get access to FM, DAB, Internet Radio and Podcasts. But it also allows an audio provider to display slideshow images and now playing information alongside the broadcast, for example. And in the future there are lots of ways that this can allow more utiility and interaction.
Plus it also has the facility for internet applications, which are limited for launch to news, weather, Twitter and Facebook, but will soon be opened-up. Suddenly there are a number of possibilities which also tie into the existing plans most people have for mobile devices and internet projects.
For me it’s all about looking at how we can increase enjoyment and interaction, and minimise annoyance. What things generally bug people when they’re listening to a tradional radio at home, and what things would they love to do if they could? Can we streamline the interaction with an on-air presenter, or create new ways for people to get involved? Can we make commercial messages more of a service to people? And how does this compliment mobile phone listening and interaction,or PC (or Mac) based listening and interaction?
Combine this with radio in the iPod Nano, and HD radio in the Zune, and the complimentary nature of radio seems to be leading to a bit of a wave of incorporating what is a great complimentary medium into technology. Now it’s just about making the most of those opportunities to better serve listeners.
