Samsung has become the first manufacturer to be completely compatible across all carriers in the U.S. with NextRadio, the smartphone app that enables free FM mobile radio listening.
The news came Sept. 2 as part of a software update announcement for Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge consumers.
The maintenance update makes those models compatible with NextRadio on all carriers, activating all Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge devices sold since the original release date of March 2016.
“The latest software update unleashes the FM tuning capabilities of the Galaxy S7 edge,” Samsung said in its announcement. “You’ll be able to see, hear, and interact with your favorite local radio stations with apps such as NextRadio, which use less battery and data than most streaming services.”
NextRadio is also supported on BLU phones, several HTC devices, and a variety of LG phones. A full list of current supported devices can be found here.
NextRadio is an Android app that combines local FM radio via the device’s built-in tuner with enhanced content via the Internet to show users album art, radio station logos, and song and program details.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to read the Sept. 13 edition of the RBR + TVBR Weekly Tech Roundup, featuring an exclusive interview with Emmis Communications CEO Jeff Smulyan on NextRadio and how it is bringing AM and FM radio to the Smartphone — minus data usage.
