The phenomenal success of the iPod never ceases to amaze me. Why would people pay so much money for a barebones, single-function device when they could have a multi-functional Windows Mobile device for the same price? Now the big buzz is that the iPod can do video. Big deal! The Pocket PC has been able to display video from its inception in April of 2000, and more recent Windows Mobile devices can do a whole lot more! This article explores some of those possibilities.
Satellite radio
There are two satellite radio networks currently available: Sirius and XM. Both offer over 130 channels covering a broad spectrum of entertainment, news, and talk shows with commercial-free music in every conceivable genre. Fortunately, there are applications that will allow you to listen to the content on each network. Pocket XM Radio Pro from eBook Software (priced at $19.95; the Pocket PC version is available from http://PocketGear.com; the Smartphone version is available from http://Smartphone.net).
Listen to satellite radio on your Pocket PC or Smartphone with Pocket XM Radio Pro
I tested the program and found that streaming reception was somewhat better on my Pocket PC than on my Smartphone. On my Smartphone, it was better via Wi-Fi than over cell networks.
Get Sirius: SiriuCE is a freeware program available at http://www.emulamer.com/SiriuCE.html. Download the CAB file for installation on your Pocket PC for connection to the Sirius network. Unfortunately, there is no Smartphone version yet. The program works exceedingly well with no buffering delays. Donations will be appreciated by the developer.
In order to use these programs you must have an active account with XM and/or Sirius ($12.95 per month). In addition, your Pocket PC or Smartphone must be connected to the Internet via a wired or wireless connection—you don't use a satellite Radio receiver. With an active account, you can also listen to satellite radio on your PC. Both programs work on all versions of Windows Mobile. Unfortunately, unlike car receivers, neither program displays the name of the tune playing or the artist, which is probably a function of Windows Media Player limitations. It certainly is a pleasure to have the same content available on my pocket pals as on my car radio. Well, at least the music content with no commercials is the same, but very few of the talk channels are available.
Internet radio streaming
Pocket Player is one of the better music players for the Pocket PC.
For the past couple of years I have enjoyed using Pocket Player ($19.95; http://www.conduits.com) to listen to streamed, live radio broadcasts over the Internet from http://SHOUTcast.com and other sites. (By the way, if you've ever been a closet DJ or wanted to host your own radio show, you can do it free with Shoutcast.) Some of the robust features of Pocket Player include: MP3, WMA, FLAC, and WAV support; 10 band equalizer and preamp with presets; visualizations and album art support; skinnable screens; a Today screen plug-in; playlists and bookmarks; audiobook support; Bluetooth remote control and headphone support; sleep timer and auto screen shutoff to save battery. I use Pocket Player as a benchmark for other music player programs.
Resco Radio lets you record streaming radio. It supports a variety of audio formats.
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