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Microsoft Adds HD Radio to New Zune
Oh, dear lord, Microsoft thinks it has a secret weapon: The Zune HD will include an HD Radio receiver. This might be the first portable player to get released with HD Radio included, but, really, is this the right move? It doesn't mention whether it's AM/FM or just FM.
Can Microsoft save HD Radio? Of course not. But it's an interesting move. HD Radio's FM broadcasts have a lot going for them, especially in the public radio world.
However, I already have an iPhone. I can stream high-quality broadcasts from the stations I listen to even over my 2007 2G (EDGE) iPhone at no extra cost, wherever I am, no issues with reception or static.
Internet radio might not kill radio stations. Podcasting and Internet radio were both picked up heavily by radio stations, especially those that produce their own shows. But it's hard to see how all the compromises that went into HD Radio will have a net positive effect for stations trying to keep or expand audiences at this point.