Johann   tag: technology

The iPhone didn't change the world, it just made idiocy more visible.

http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/16/14636508/ajit-pai-smartphone-fm-radio-activation

Though it’s not well known, most smartphones include an FM radio that would be capable of receiving and streaming local stations. In the United States, the majority of these are disabled — Pai says that as of last fall, only 44 percent of the “top-selling smartphones” in the US had activated FM radios, compared to 80 percent in Mexico.

“you could make a case for activating chips on public safety grounds alone,” since radio could enable phones to receive emergency alerts even when wireless networks are down.

He [..] says it’s best for the market to sort things out.

This is no doubt frustrating to radio stations and consumers. Even Pai points out what a benefit this would be, saying “most consumers would love to access some of their favorite content over-the-air, while using one-sixth of the battery life and less data.”

And therein also lies the problem. While FM radio would be a benefit for consumers, it’s also a big drawback for carriers and some phone manufacturers. Every minute someone is streaming FM radio is a minute they’re not using data to stream music — and that cuts into carriers’ data sales. Giving consumers the chance to pick free FM radio also means fewer track sales on iTunes and fewer new subscribers to services like Apple Music.

it seems like it’s in large part up to phone makers at this point

Come again?

frustrating to consumers + most consumers would love to + benefit for consumers

=

up to phone makers

.. ?!? Because "phone maker" is how you spell C.O.N.S.U.M.E.R.S., or what?

But it's about progress, you see. It's not about putting people on a leash and under constant surveillance. It's about giving people the choice to live the connected, digital lifestyle they so crave. If people wanted it any different, it would be different. It's this way because that's what people want and they deserve to get what they want.

And maybe at some point detaining those who don't have a smartphone and/or a "social media" account for questioning at all sorts of check points -- but that's then, not now, and by then there will be plenty of spineless fuckers washing up to defend that, too.