Wunder Radio Updated For iPad
by Kiet Chieng
April 7, 2010
When it came to radio apps for the iPhone, none stood out more than Wunder Radio. With access to literally thousands of stations from all over the world, users could find music and live programming to turn your iPhone into the ultimate terrestrial radio. Beginning today, iPad owners will be able to enjoy all of the great features of Wunder Radio with the new native app version for the tablet platform.
First off, developer Weather Underground has made Wunder Radio a universal application so iPhone owners of the app won't need to pay for an upgrade to the iPad version. This is fantastic news although after playing with the app, I probably would have paid to be able to enjoy this new version.
Wunder Radio for iPad is a marvelous leap from the tinier confines of the iPhone. The extra screen space has made navigating the app's interface even easier. When you launch the app, the home screen resembles the layout more of a main page on a website. In fact the app includes an integrated web browser so you can listen to music and surf the web which is great considering the multitasking limitations. Within this view, you'll be able to see album art for the song currently playing, favorite stations list and a playlist of songs recently heard with links to iTunes. The bottom portion of the screen provides Wunder Radio's Twitter stream.
A simple search bar at the top allows you to find your radio station or enter in a URL of a known radio stream. Station results and music appear as an overlay on screen similar to how your inbox appears when reading email in portrait. You never have to leave the page and this is great because the extra screen space now makes the integrated web browser even more functional. You can swap radio stations and continue your internet browsing without changing your view.
It should be noted Wunder Radio does allow for background processes for some radio stations. When available, the app will give you the option to play music in the background by closing the app and opening up the radio stream in the Safari browser. You'll be able to continue to listen to the station and access other applications as long as you don't navigate away from that browser's address.
For a one time $6.99 download charge, Wunder Radio is an amazing value. It's less than the cost of a monthly subscription to most satellite radio services and offers a tremendous amount of access to content from all around the world. I've found using the app works better in my house than the clunky reception from the radio on my stereo. And if you've recently been transplanted and miss the local stations of your old home town, Wunder Radio is the way to go.
You can pick up Wunder Radio for iPad now on the App Store.
