When people were still listening to cassette tapes and compact discs, typical radio stations didn’t have to work quite as hard to reach their audiences. Now that everyone and their mother, quite literally, seem to own MP3 players these days, it’s becoming harder than ever for conventional AM/FM radio stations to stay relevant and popular. On the other hand, Internet radio stations still appear to be quite popular, especially since they can cater to very specific niche audiences and have much lower overhead.
From the consumer point of view, however, you may feel like you need to be at your computer to enjoy these stations. However, with something like the Myine Ira Wi-Fi Internet Radio, you can get your news and music without the need for a laptop or desktop. Let’s check it out!
Features at a Glance
Sure, you could take the route of an iPod or some other MP3 player, but Internet radio can introduce you to new music without costing you any extra money. The Ira by Myine is an Internet radio receiver that will work over your home Wi-Fi network. There is no Ethernet jack on the back, so you will have to use a wireless network. On the bright side, no computer is needed.
The Ira is pre-programmed with over 11,000 Internet radio stations from around the world, as well as On Demand (Podcast) programming. Since there are so many stations, it’s also good that you can store up to 40 stations as your favorites.
Going through the initial connection process, you’ll find that the Ira will work with most conventional Wi-Fi networks, including those with WEP, WPA, or WPA2 security settings.
What’s in the Box?
Looking inside the box, Myine has done a good job with providing the right accessories for the job. The Ira itself is about the same size as a paperback book or digital photo frame, and then you also get a credit card-style remote control, RCA cables, a 3.5mm adapter, AC power cord, and a quick start guide.
Speakers Not Included
Although it may seem like it can operate on its own, the Myine Ira Wi-Fi Internet Radio isn’t exactly complete by itself. Along with the Internet-connected Wi-Fi network that you have to provide, you also need to supply your own stereo system or set of speakers. The Ira does not have internal speakers.
This is a major shortcoming in my books, because it would have been so much better if Myine even included cheap clock radio-quality speakers. As it stands, you need to use the RCA jacks in the pack to connect to a set of speakers or a stereo system. You can use an iPod speaker dock if it has a 3.5mm auxiliary jack.