Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.
AIA

Technology for Christmas (and Beyond) - Pure Evoke F3 Internet Radio

by
2nd Dec 2015
Save content
Have you found this content useful? Use the button above to save it to your profile.

Forget DAB, Internet radio is the future and this compact entertainment unit does not stop there.

As the government prepares for the final demise of the standard radio signal, DAB radios are becoming the norm.

However, while they offer far more choice than FM, the limitations become obvious if you try to have a shower or enjoy breakfast and do not wish to hear pontificating politicians or self-obsessed DJs drivelling on about nothing at all.

Pleasingly, manufacturers such as Pure have been beavering away to perfect the next generation of audio entertainment in the form of Internet radio.

Instead of a hundred or so channels, it is possible to tap into tens of thousands from every corner of the planet. While this reviewer is happy to admit that 99% are of no interest at all, the remaining 1% should between them be a source of constant aural pleasure.

Before extolling the delights of channels from as far afield as Greece, Australia and the USA, it is worth detailing a series of alternative offerings that the Pure Evoke F3 provides.

It has FM and DAB radio for the old-fashioned although they will probably only be of use where there is no Internet signal.

In addition, you can attach an auxiliary input and stream music from Spotify Connect (with a Premium account), Bluetooth devices such as phones or the AK Jr and computer hard drives via Wi-Fi.

Despite its size, this handy little table radio, which is very portable, sounds fantastic whatever the source, as one has come to expect from this manufacturer, and looks great with its stylish design plus a colour screen.

Rather than delivering stereo reproduction, Pure has taken the view that enhancing a single speaker by giving it a little more space will provide a good listening experience particularly since most owners are likely to use units of this type in the bedroom or kitchen. When linked to speakers the sound quality does not let the radio down either.

However, the main reason for investing £129 in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market is the chance to tap into radio channels from around the world.

While it is possible to tune in via the radio, the most effective way to “load” channels is via the Internet through an account with Imagination’s FlowRadio. This seems to offer any channel that you could possibly desire and can be searched by location or genre as well as through a dedicated search facility.

The result is that rather than enjoying a single classical music or say 1970s station from the UK, it is possible to find dozens, located in far-flung American college towns, European capitals and international hubs.

Whether your interest lies in sport, politics, speech or music there will be something there at any hour of the day or night. In addition to live radio stations, it is possible to tune into podcasts and listen again channels. All can be easily accessed either through a favourite section or a series of presets.

Additionally, as the world becomes smaller many of its citizens find themselves far from home. This must lead to potential loneliness which could be assuaged by tapping into a local radio station from home, broadcast in a language that could induce homesickness but might, alternatively, give great comfort.

The functionality is enhanced by a rather dinky remote control but more practically the new Pure Select app, which can be downloaded on to Android or Apple phones/tablets, is likely to be popular.

With a decent router, the Wi-Fi signal (there is no Ethernet input) rarely seems to drop out as long as the Internet signal is within reach, making this a perfect Christmas by either as a gift or a treat for yourself.

Tags:

Replies (1)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

Routemaster image
By tom123
04th Dec 2015 21:47

Fan of Roberts myself

We have a Roberts internet radio. Similar idea - and it is a permanent fixture in the kitchen, like all radios should be.

I listen to some stations from Canada, (where I used to travel with work), and the others from Southampton - even though I live no where near there.

I should probably broaden my horizons.

Thanks (1)