Last phone I had was FM capable - but needed the earpiece for the antenna.

But you know, when I get a phone whether the thing can do FM is not a concern. I very much dislike the current AM and FM specturms - you get two songs, five minutes of commercials and inane DJ chatter, then two songs, five minutes of traffic and weather and MORE commercials and DJ chatter.

Then two songs. Screw it. When sat radio came out, I went for it. I don't mind paying for music - what I mind is being interrupted constantly. And that's ALL you get with broadcast radio, whether it be HD radio or regular broadcast.

Now, how much will the FM chip add? Likely much less than a buck each. But it's going to require a wired earpiece for the antenna, and most folks would rather use bluetooth... so this whole thing is a ridiculous thing to make mandatory.

The thuggery of certain sectors, with their legislative counterparts in tow, has been on exhibit for decades. What is more egregious, nurses' unions demanding feather-bedding for their members, or equipment manufacturers demanding federal mandates for tech roll-outs?

Some have problems detecting the attractiveness of current fads, and replace sound thinking with trendy thinking. Radio is just an example of the nexus of corporate thuggery and trendy thinking dressed-up as a "good idea."

There is a well-funded effort underway to gadgetize the AM and FM bands. Currently, one can receive and listen to either bands with a modest investment in a discrete device known as a radio. But I out myself as old-fashioned, since I submit that the greatest indicator of value is price. Several years ago I purchased a small radio, with an ability to access both radio bands, and here's the thing, a five inch television screen for watching TV, for $19.95.

I can run it on batteries or household current. I think it's brilliant. It's cheap. It's dependable. It works. No adapters, no plug-ins, it works and is cheap.

Radio works because it is simple. Currently, radio's reach is around 92 percent. Cheaply and dependably delivered around the country without charge to the end user. Why would I want a radio in my phone? What if I like listening to music when I talk? Hmm. We'll need an app for that.

I can see into the future. You can, too.

I see a future where our kitchens have devices that maintain temperatures at a level where food spoilage is retarded, and offer a compartment to freeze foods and liquids, both to extend the period of reduced food spoilage and, to create cold or frozen treats. I will call this a refrigerator.

Unlike the gadgets being proposed by thugs, this refrigerator will continue to be a discrete, dependable appliance, without any major changes or modifications, for centuries. Or, as long as civilization lasts. Your prognostication may vary.

If we made refrigerators the way we make gadgets, no one would own one. Works here, doesn't work there. Worked awhile ago, doesn't work now. Radio stations fade in and out as you move around. But, the radio is always working. It's simple, dependable and cheap. And there are no apps needed. It is radio's sheer simplicity that drives the thugs, the hucksters and the gadget crowd mad.

Wait until they get their hands on your refrigerator.
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Here's why the NAB and RIAA want radio chips in your phone.

You are not the consumer, you are the product.

If there's radios in every piece of CE gear, then they can claim much higher penetration, and raise ad rates.

That's all this is.

Simon- I've seen you post comments about your concern over foreclosures in your town. Have you blogged about this? Just curious.

Steve,

No. Chalk it up to cowardice. I only post in comment sections about the locals and do not write blog posts about them so as to avoid attracting attention.

Of course there is always a chance but one I'm willing to take since generally comments are not widely read. Even if the locals notice they can write it off as inconsequential.

Blog posts are different.