Sharp have announced the launch of their new ‘Osaka’ family of radios with the pocket/handheld DR-P520 model. The new radio receives DAB/DAB+ and FM stations, has a built-in rechargeable battery, Bluetooth connectivity and comes with with modern digital radio features like SlideShow and BestTune™.
With BestTune™ technology the radio will combine the available FM, DAB and DAB+ radio stations into a single list. The radio then selects the best signal for optimal listening and removes duplicate listings. This can be useful when the best way to hear a favourite station at home is on an FM frequency, but at work a DAB+ signal will provide better reception.
The 2-inch colour display will show the typical station information for radio stations, but also SlideShow images where provided by broadcasters. There is space to save 40 BestTune, 40 DAB and 40 FM station presets and dual alarms are included.
In addition to the FM and digital radio modes the DR-P520 comes with Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. This will allow the radio to double as a Bluetooth speaker for listening to music, streaming services and podcasts from another device.
Weighing in at 160g and measuring 130mm x 70mm x 26mm the compact radio is aimed at listeners that head out for picnics and camping trips. A keylock switch will prevent accidental button presses when the radio is dropped into a pocket or bag. A foldaway antenna and carry strap round out the handheld design.
Playback is from the mono speaker on the front of the device which boasts an output power of 1.5W (RMS). Headphones plug in to the 3.5mm socket on the right side of the radio for personal listening.
Below the headphone output is a USB-C socket for power. The Sharp DR-P520 has a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery which should provide up to 12 hours of listening.
The Sharp DR-P520 “Osaka” pocket radio is available to buy from Amazon and Sharp’s website with an RRP of £69.00.