Don’t worry, the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will have a fully functional FM radio

Once common in most smartphones back in the day, for whatever reason the FM radio started to die out. While the necessary hardware was always inside our devices, there was some messy red-tape getting in the way. Some carriers felt the need to block FM radio capabilities for devices operating on their network. In 2016, Verizon had to release a special software update unlocking FM radio functionality in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, although last year’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus enjoyed this feature out of the box (you’ll still need the NextRadio app to enable it).

If there was a question that this year’s Samsung Galaxy S9 would be any different, TagStation — owner of the NextRadio app — has announced that Samsung is once again renewing their pledge to keep the FM radio unlocked on their upcoming smartphones in the US and Canada. TagStation reminds us the value of having access to FM radio on our smartphones where natural disasters — something that’s become prevalent as of late — can ensure access to life-saving information when cellular networks are down or become congested.

Samsung isn’t the only manufacturer supporting TagStation’s initiative. Last year LG also issued support, preloading their devices with the NextRadio app, joining the likes of Motorola and Alcatel to keep the FM Chip free and unlocked.

via Press Release