LG Bows World’s First Smartphone That Supports DAB+ Reception

LG’s Stylus 2 is the world’s first smartphone that supports DAB+ digital radio reception, the company said in a Monday announcement. DAB+ is the second-generation upgrade to the original digital audio broadcasting standard, but because DAB isn't forward-compatible with DAB+, older DAB receivers can’t receive DAB+ broadcasts. However, LG estimates DAB+ already reaches more than 500 million people in 40 countries, and users will be able to access more radio channels with DAB+ than with traditional FM, the company said. “Unlike regular radio apps that stream large amounts of data, DAB+ radio provides excellent audio quality for free, as it uses no data,” it said. “We are taking a proactive approach towards the fast-paced technological shift to digital broadcasting with DAB+ to deliver a new paradigm of experiences through the smartphone.” The Stylus 2 will be introduced first in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and the U.K., LG said.