Clark Howard's Tips
New features in cell phones, radio
May 21, 2004
Some new technologies have caused turmoil in the radio business. These are things that will provide new ways to get information.
First of all, Nextel has started a system in California whereby drivers can see exactly how traffic is moving on their cell phones. As you drive, green arrows are displayed if people are going full speed, yellow if people are slowing down and red if it's stop and go.
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Cell phones know where you're going, so you no longer have to ask for directions. You can learn more about it at zipdash.com. The technology has existed in Germany for a while. If another driver is in a wreck up ahead, the system alerts the driver to get off the road right away.
The satellite radio services — XM and Sirius — also provide a similar service. They provide local traffic and weather information in certain areas. But people who have these satellite radio services are not very excited this new technology because the reports are very canned and computerized.
It's all about choice on demand. And people who live in congested areas will have more and more choices when it comes to getting their traffic.
On the other hand, something radio people may love is a new Tivo-type for radio. Let's say there is a favorite radio show you love to listen to but that comes on at an inopportune time. This little handheld radio works just like a digital recording device for television. You can record it ahead of time and listen at your leisure.
There is also a rewind function that allows you to record and play back as much or as little as you want. It's available from Pogo Products and is about $150.
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