Windows Phone 8 to have FM this Summer

Microsoft announced a new Windows Phone 8 update that will bring features including an FM radio. The announcement came following the launch of the Nokia Lumia 925, which would be the first phone to ship with the update pre-installed.

The update is expected to roll out to existing Windows Phone 8 devices later this summer, and will activate FM radio in handsets that feature capable hardware. A Gadgets story noted that Windows Phone 7.x supported FM radio while Windows Phone 8 did not have this feature until this update. Nokia’s new lineup of smartphones barring the Lumia 620 sport FM hardware, which will become functional after the update.

See the Gadgets story here.

RBR-TVBR observation: As we’ve said, when Microsoft makes a move in any industry it operates in, it usually means others will follow, so this is great news for broadcasters. Coming off one of the worst years on record for natural disasters, an FM-enabled cellphone is vital in getting information to the public when mobile phone networks are overloaded and the power is out. It’s a no-brainer and a great selling point if the manufacturers and carriers choose to use it.