Radio Apps Competition Heats Up...

We have a new leader in the radio apps race. When Clear Channel launched iheartradio, they provided mobile device users with all of their own stations. Fine, if your favorite station is owned by Clear Channel but what about all the thousands of other radio stations not under the CC umbrella? The question has been answered. RadioTime has just launched a radio app which provides access to over 30,000 AM/FM and Internet-only stations. The only rub is that RadioTime runs on handsets with Android 1.5 or higher, which doesn't do anything for those using other smartphones, a problem that will continue to grow until there's app compatibility. Maybe the FCC can work on that when they put their Broadband plan in place...

The RadioTime menu offers presets, local radio, format, location, language and podcast choices. It will also cost $2.99 but as RadioTime explains, that cost is for their lifetime obligation and free software upgrades. RadioTime supports a Windows Media streaming format which most radio stations use. Local stations are found by using the phone's GPS capability...

While providing 30,000 AM/FM and Internet-only stations is a huge advantage for Android 1.5+ users, it does bupkus for everyone else. I understand the competitive nature of the various mobile companies but the time has come for app sharing. I'm sure those supplying apps would not object to getting paid by all mobile companies as opposed to having exclusive rights with one. It would also make mobile device users a lot happier. Mobile companies could work on putting new wrinkles in other areas, like coverage, service and features...

10 Timeline Memories:

1.1902] A glowing tribute: Scientists Marie and Pierre Curie isolate the radioactive element radium...
2.1912] Say hello to Fenway: Fenway Park opens with the Red Sox beating the Highlanders (who will become the Yankees) 7-6. Boston Mayor John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald throws out the first ball, something grandson Teddy Kennedy had hoped to do for the 100th anniversary of Fenway in 2012...
3.1916] Say hello to the friendly confines: Wrigley Field opens in Chicago with the Cubs beating Cincinnati 7-6. Cubs win...Cubs win...Cubs win...
4.1939] Say hello to Teddy Ballgame: Ted Williams debuts, playing right field and doubles for his first hit at the age of 20. In the game, the Yankees beat the Sawx 2-0 at Yankee Stadium...
5.1961] In stereo: FM stereo is approved by the FCC...
6.1980] Boatlifts begin: The first Cubans sailing to the United States as part of the massive Mariel boatlift reaches Florida...
7.1988] There it went: The stealth bomber is officially unveiled and there it went...
8.1999] Columbine massacre: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold kill 13 people and injure 24 others before committing suicide at Columbine High School in Colorado...
9.2004] Abu Ghraib shooting: 12 mortars are fired on Abu Ghraib Prison in Iraq by insurgents. 22 detainees are killed, 92 wounded...
10.2008] Indy winner: Danica Patrick wins the Indy Japan 300 becoming the first female driver in history to win an Indy car race...

Music Memories:

• 1963] Wedding Bells: Rick Nelson strums down the aisle with Kris Harmon. The marriage lasts into the 70's before "D-I-V-O-R-C-E"...
• 1964] At the box office: "Viva Las Vegas" starring Elvis Presley premieres...
• 1992] Signed, sealed & delivered: Madonna signs a deal with Time Warner to set up a multimedia company. The deal makes Madonna the highest paid woman in pop music...

"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":

Joey Lawrence (34), Carmen Electra (38), Jessica Lange (61), Ryan O'Neal (69), Johnny Tillotson (71) and George ("Star Trek", "Heroes") Takei (73)...

Timeline Countdown: 2 days until the NFL draft, 11 days until the Kentucky Derby, 19 days until Mother's Day and 41 days until Memorial Day...