Apple to Work with BBC on Digital Audio Broadcasting MP3 Player Addon

According to The Scotman, "The BBC is in talks with technology companies to develop a plug-in device that turns MP3 players into digital radios." While this is not surprising in itself, considering the fact that radio is quite big in the UK, and much more popular than in other countries, it seems Apple might be in on this.

While the BBC has not made any official statement regarding its partners, it is said that Apple is one of these. The device in question would be a small tube looking thing that contains a DAB [Digital Audio Broadcasting] digital radio chip, which would clip on to an existing MP3 player. Apple’s iPod is already familiar with such plugins which range in shape and function from transmitters, such as the iTrip - to play their MP3 collections - through car radios, to the Nike + iPod Sports Kit receiver.

Simon Nelson, controller of radio and music interactive at the BBC, said: "We are aware that the iPod makes up a significant proportion of the MP3 market and it doesn't have a DAB chip. It's in very early stages, but we would like to enable everyone in the UK to listen digitally. We need to ensure there are devices that can enable people to listen to radio - especially on something they already carry around.”

While the iPod has so far stood apart from its competitors for not adding built in functionality for listening to radio, Apple has been offering such an upgrade for some time. It is unclear how and with what Apple will be contributing to this BBC effort and how it will impact their existing similar product.