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43 Radio Innovation Examples

From Plant-Powered Audio Systems to Custom Radio News Apps

— December 17, 2014 — Tech
This list of radio innovations includes examples like custom radio news apps and plant-powered audio systems that defy convention. While traditional radio may be less popular than it once was, a growing interest in podcasts is making audio programs a hit for mass audiences once again.

Podcasts like This American Life and its recent spin-off series Serial have made storytelling radio shows more popular than television. Reviving retro entertainment, these narrative programs immerse listeners into their world and provide them with a sense of mental stimulation they may not otherwise get when watching their favorite TV show.

On the technological front, mobile radio apps and subscriptions are a staple of the latest smartphone models while traditional sound systems are taking on a nostalgic look. From the personalized to the vintage-inspired, retro radio devices are taking the place of modernist sound systems. This pattern is a result of the music industry's recent revival of nostalgic tech like record players and vinyl LPs.

App developers are also using radio technology to bring romantic pairs together through voice-activated dating apps and are creating modernized tech devices that take inspiration from retro jukebox sound systems.

When examining the marketing industry, major brands are sharing their message on the airways with compelling and thought-provoking ads that target consumers who are likely to commute to and from work.
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
42
Mod Tilted Transmitters
Mod Tilted Transmitters
This Portable Radio Embodies Quirky Features That Make Old Tech Talk
<
41
Custom Radio News Apps
Custom Radio News Apps
Newsbeat Converts Text-Based News Stories to Voice-Read Audio Stories
<
40
Transmission-Improving Circuitry
Transmission-Improving Circuitry
Use of a Circulator Makes It Possible to Double Cellular WiFi
<
39
Covert Wilderness Radio Shows
Covert Wilderness Radio Shows
'The Dark Outside FM' Show Plays One-Use Music in the Wild
<
38
Remixable Radio Ads
Remixable Radio Ads
Red Bull's Radio DJ Ad Attracts New Talent to the Campus Clash Competition
<
37
Compelling Caregiver Ads
Compelling Caregiver Ads
Right Side is a Red Cross Campaign That Chooses Compassion over Fear
<
36
Sound-Wave Apps
Sound-Wave Apps
The Chirp App Forwards Messages Through Sound
<
35
Wireless Communication Tools
Wireless Communication Tools
ANT Radio Service Works Similarly to WiFi-Connecting Smartphones
<
34
Weather Forecast-Alarming Devices
Weather Forecast-Alarming Devices
Eton's Home Safety Weather Station Notifies You of Storms
<
33
Plant-Powered Radios
Plant-Powered Radios
‘Moss FM’—The First Naturally Plant-Powered Radio
<
32
Minimalistic Radio Designs
Minimalistic Radio Designs
This Touch-Based Radio Design is Great for a Minimalistic Room Style
<
31
Dog Radio Stations
Dog Radio Stations
Pedigree's K9FM is a Radio Station with Canine-Friendly Content
<
30
Audio News Apps
Audio News Apps
The Umano App Features Top Headlines Read by Professional Voice Actors
<
29
Phone-In Radio Access
Phone-In Radio Access
Kan Khajura Tesan is an Always-On Radio Station for Those in Remote Areas
<
28
Roaring 20s Speaker Systems
Roaring 20s Speaker Systems
The Gramovox Plays Modern Tunes with a Distinctly Vintage Twist
<
27
Radio-Hijacking Ambulances
Radio-Hijacking Ambulances
The 'Radio Ambulance' Broadcasts Emergency Messages to Drivers
<
26
Indie Podcast Collectives
Indie Podcast Collectives
The PRX's Revolutionary Radiotopia Public Radio Network is Story-Driven
<
25
Towering Sound System Docks
Towering Sound System Docks
The Revo K2 is a Miniature Musical Skyscraper
<
24
Nostalgic Recording Equipment
Nostalgic Recording Equipment
The Nessie Microphone is Inspired by a Simpler Time
<
23
Change-Maker Radio Shows
Change-Maker Radio Shows
Giving Warriors Focuses on Social Enterprise and Non-Profit Leaders
<
22
Mini Boombox Audio Systems
Mini Boombox Audio Systems
The Boom Boom Go Speaker by Donkey Products is Retro-Themed
<
21
Picnic-Ready Radios
Picnic-Ready Radios
The Media Bucket Makes Music Amplification Portable
<
20
Smartphone Dash Displays
Smartphone Dash Displays
The KW-V50BT Display Receiver Integrates Your Smartphone With Your Car
<
19
Personalized Retro Radio Players
Personalized Retro Radio Players
Pure Evoke Mio Radio Offers a Nostalgic Experience
<
18
Seatbelt-Encouraging Radio Ads
Seatbelt-Encouraging Radio Ads
Skoda's Buckle Up Radio Ad Illustrates How Seatbelts Save Lives
<
17
Winsome Wicker Transistors
Winsome Wicker Transistors
The Hybrid Radio Combines Old Design Styles with Contemporary Flair
<
16
Smartphone Mount Ball Speakers
Smartphone Mount Ball Speakers
The Libratone Loop Wireless Mount Speaker is Wireless
<
15
Weather Station Smartphone Apps
Weather Station Smartphone Apps
Netatmo Will Forecast the Climate in Real-Time
<
14
Simplistic Functional Paper Speakers
Simplistic Functional Paper Speakers
These Lightweight Speakers are Made of Paper
<
13
Antiquated iDevice Speakers
Antiquated iDevice Speakers
The iPad Classic Cabinet Music Center is a Blast from the Past
<
12
Internet-Streaming Sound Systems
Internet-Streaming Sound Systems
The Grace Encore WiFi Music Player Plays Continuous Music
<
11
Portable Wooden Sound Systems
Portable Wooden Sound Systems
The Kendall Portable Speaker is Wireless and Ready to Rock
<
10
Revived Retro Transistors
Revived Retro Transistors
This Classic Radio Combines Vintage Design with a Contemporary Twist
<
9
Life-Saving Radios
Life-Saving Radios
The Hand Crank Charger is a Radio, Emergency Distress Signal and Charger in One
<
8
Old School Communication Peripherals
Old School Communication Peripherals
The Walkie Talkie Smartphone Microphone and Speaker is Retro
<
7
Nostalgic Musical Docks
Nostalgic Musical Docks
The Crosby 'Ranchero' Player is Retro
<
6
Smartphone Digital Radio Services
Smartphone Digital Radio Services
Apple is Rolling Out a Digital Radio Service
<
5
Hi-Tech Two-Way Radios
Hi-Tech Two-Way Radios
The Talky is a Cutting-Edge Redesign of the Old Walkie-Talkie
<
4
Screw-Top Sound Systems
Screw-Top Sound Systems
The Hidden Radio & Bluetooth Speaker Embraces an Intuitive Design
<
3
Recyclable Corrugated Radios
Recyclable Corrugated Radios
The Cardboard Radio is Lightweight and Great for the Outdoors
<
2
Customizable Hipster Sound Systems
Customizable Hipster Sound Systems
The Furni DIY Bluetooth Speakers by Aaron Daley are Crafty
<
1
Waterproof Sound Systems
Waterproof Sound Systems
The 'Beach Sounds Portable Speaker' Puts Your Mind at Ease
<