Internet radio exec: don’t mention Linux!

Friday, September 18th, 2009

It might be used to run everything from PCs to power stations, but it seems some people are still a wee bit shy about using the (cough) L word.

Speaking at the launch of the touchscreen Pure Sensia digital radio, director of marketing Colin Crawford was pressed for specifics of the new device’s software. But after his CEO reminded him that the new radio was based on a Linux OS, Crawford remarked: “I don’t like the using the word ‘Linux’ on a radio.”

Why did the man in the sharp suit go queasy at the very mention of Linux? His reluctance may be borne out of perceived consumer antipathy towards versions of the open-source operating system. PC retailers have largely retreated from Linux-based netbooks following reports of consumer confusion and a marketing onslaught from Microsoft, which has persuaded manufacturers such as netbook pioneer Asus to drop Linux in favour of Windows XP.

Equally, it may be that Crawford simply doesn’t want to draw attention to the OS on a consumer device where, quite frankly, the flavour of the operating system is about as noteworthy as the colour of the screws they used to hold the thing together.

Either way,  don’t expect to see a penguin logo on the Sensia box in Currys.

Pure Sensia digital radio: first look

Thursday, September 17th, 2009

The iPhone has a lot to answer for. Ever since it lit a stick of dynamite under the mobile phone industry, technology companies have been itching to, shall we say, “borrow” its magic dust. Now, with the Pure Sensia, two of the iPhone’s key features are arriving in an internet radio.

The Pure Sensia has two standout features: a 5.7in capacitive touchscreen and apps, combining to produce what Pure describes as the “Radio for the Facebook generation”.

The device breaks from the boxy blueprint of previous Pure radios, such as our Recommended award winner, the Pure Evoke Flow. The unusual oval unit is certainly eye catching, even though my MacUser colleague Nik Rawlinson rather cruelly christened it “a noisy rugby ball”. The unit houses 30W stereo speakers that delivered commendable punch and clarity, even in a crowded demo room with plenty of background noise.

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