Remember when you could listen to the radio on your smartphone without internet? In the 2010s, a consortium of broadcasters convinced carriers to activate FM chips in phones. Today, this feature has almost disappeared. Why? And what does it have to do with your wallet? Read on.
How FM Radio Got into Smartphones
In the early 2010s, broadcasting companies united to lobby for the activation of FM chips already built into most smartphones. They hoped free radio would become an alternative to streaming services. Carriers supported the idea—it helped offload mobile networks and save traffic.
Why the Feature Disappeared
Manufacturers gradually dropped FM radio for several reasons:
- Space saving: Chips took up space that could be used for other components.
- Streaming services: Spotify, Apple Music, and others offered convenient subscriptions that generate revenue.
- Internet radio: Online stations became more accessible, making FM broadcasting less relevant.
What It Means for You
For users of virtual cards and crypto payments, this news is a reminder of how technology changes under the influence of business models. Once free radio was built into phones; now you pay for music and podcasts. If you pay for streaming or other subscriptions, a virtual card is a convenient way to manage expenses.
Conclusion
The FM radio story is an example of innovation giving way to commercial interests. For us, it's a signal: follow trends and adapt. And if you need to pay for foreign services, virtual cards remain a reliable tool.
This article is not financial advice. Cryptocurrencies and payment instruments carry risks.
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