| Linux radio keeps it simple |
Aug. 26, 2008
 Pure has announced an Internet radio that runs embedded Linux and provides FM and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) playback. The Evoke Flow radio offers WiFi connectivity and media streaming from a connected PC, and is paired with a Internet search portal called the Pure Lounge.
According to Pure, a division of Imagination Technologies that bills itself as "the UK's leading radio manufacturer," the Evoke Flow's design is based on its earlier Evoke-1S DAB radio, currently available for about $180, but with fewer buttons. The DAB format is said to be the leading digital audio broadcast format in the UK, and is now spreading throughout Europe.
Pure's Evoke Flow
(Click to enlarge)
Pure Lounge site
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Users interact with the simple, retro-styled radio via an OLED display with four buttons underneath, as well as two dials for volume and station selection. A search engine helps locate stations and podcasts, providing search by any combination of station name, genre, location, language, and audio quality. Listeners can also set up favorites lists and schedules, and with supporting radio broadcasts, can "listen again" to programs that were missed, says Pure.
As an alternative to using the buttons, users can log onto the Pure Lounge site from their desktop web browsers. In addition to offering search and organization features, the Pure Lounge supplies its own library of over 100 mood and background tracks including seagulls, the human heartbeat, and thunderstorms.
The underlying architecture provides "a two-way flow of information between the radio, the web portal, and the broadcaster," says Pure. The company plans to enable future interactive services including listener feedback, voting, music download, and tagging, it says.
The Evoke Flow features media streaming of MP3s and other audio formats from local PCs or network storage. It also provides audio input for connecting an iPod or MiniDisc, and includes an optional "ChargePAK" battery, which is said to offer 15 hours of portable DAB listening. Stereo sound is provided via an optional S-1 speaker.
Evoke Flow with speaker, and speaker alone
Specifications for the Evoke Flow include:- Broadcast radio support -- stereo digital radio with full Band III, L-Band, and FM reception; ETS 300 410 compliant; DAB modes 1-4 up to 256Kbps; FM RDS and RadioText
- Display -- 128 x 64 auto-dimming OLED (yellow on black)
- WiFi -- 802.11b/g
- Media streaming support -- WMA (Standard V9), WAV, AAC, MP3, MP2, Real Audio; requires UPnP server or PC/MAC running UPnP server software
- Inputs -- 3.5mm line-in; USB (mini-B) for upgrades
- Outputs -- 3.5mm headphone; 3.5mm stereo out; 3.5mm auxiliary speaker
- Speaker -- full-range 3-inch drive unit
- Audio power output -- 7W RMS
- Controls -- context sensitive power, back, standby, and snooze (for alarm function); rotary volume; rotary select
- Presets -- 30 x DAB, 10 x FM; unlimited Internet radio presets
- Power supply -- 6V DC power adapter socket (230V supplied); ChargePak connector for optional 15-hour ChargePak battery
- Dimensions -- 6.9 x 8.3 x 4.3 inches (175 x 210 x 110mm)
- Operating system -- Linux
Pure did not provide details about the internal hardware or operating system except to confirm that it is Linux. However, an article on Ostatic.com quotes a Pure representative as saying: "We may later choose to expose the Linux platform fully, enabling others to add widgets and other extras."
Availability
Evoke Flow should be available by the end of September for 150 British Pounds ($275 US), says Pure. The battery and the speaker cost 30 Pounds each. The device appears to be marketed primarily in the UK.
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