The first smartphone to include DAB and DAB+ is now on sale in the UK.
LG’s Stylus 2 model, available exclusively from O2, runs the latest version of Android and features a 5.7-inch screen, rear 13MP camera, 1 watt speaker and 16GB storage. The 3,000mAh battery is removable and a MicroSD slot is included for additional storage space.
The inclusion of a DAB/DAB+ tuner means users can listen to digital radio stations on the move without using an internet radio app like TuneIn. Whilst these apps provide unprecedented choice, using them on 3G and 4G mobile data can quickly eat into contract data allowances. The DAB/DAB+ tuner uses the broadcast radio signal like conventional DAB sets.
A new ‘hybrid’ version of the popular Radioplayer app is included with the smartphone. The app allows users to stream hundreds of UK radio stations, and will use a DAB/DAB+ signal when available to save power and data.
“We’re very proud of our app and think O2 and LG customers will love being able to listen to the UK’s best radio stations, whether that’s via DAB/DAB+, Internet streaming or seamlessly switching between both,” said Michael Hill from UK Radioplayer.
The ability to save data usage and battery consumption is ideal for sport commentaries. This summer the Olympic Games in Rio, Euro 2016 football tournament and England’s test matches against Pakistan will be covered in hundreds of hours of commentary and analysis.
The new phone is available for £219.99 on pay as you go, or free on certain pay monthly tariffs.
“We love bringing new technology to our customers and helping them get the most out of it, and we think our customers will love the LG Stylus 2 with its built in DAB tuner,” said Magnus McDonald, Head of Devices for O2 in the UK.
No other manufacturers have yet announced a smartphone including a DAB+ tuner. It’s the first time a mobile phone has been available with DAB in the UK since the Virgin Mobile Lobster was on sale in 2006.