Internet Radio and Beyond

In our house, the computer is right next to the stereo. So I bought a cable that plugs into the sound out from the computer and plugs into the stereo. This way, I can listen to any one of thousands of streaming internet radio stations on my stereo. (If you haven't yet discovered streaming radio, check out iTunes - Radio selection - a free download from Apple for both Mac and PC users).

So here's what I was thinking. Why should I need the computer? Why not just have an internet device that plays streaming radio? It could even be wireless (wifi) so you can put it anywhere in the house!

So I started looking around, AND ... Wouldn't you know it. I'm not the first one to have this idea. If you go to Amazon.com and search for "internet radio," you'll find lots of radios to choose from, including alarm clocks and stereo components. Another example that two people can independently have the same great idea. Well, I'm not going to get rich off this idea, but I think I just might buy an internet radio (although I'll have to put wifi in my house - not there yet).

This leads me to another idea. What about internet TV? I know, Netflix has a box - but only for Netflix; and Apple has a box - but only for iTunes (and YouTube); and one of the television companies has a box - but it only works with some of their tvs. How about a box that works with ANY TV, that will browse ANY website with video content (hulu, the networks, etc.).

I think it's coming. I think that 2009 is going to be the year of Internet TV.

But why stop there? What else can we think of. What other internet content would make sense in a simple stand-alone unit?

How about a weather station, that not only tells the inside and outside temperatures, but also downloads the 5-day forecast from the internet, or even a satellite or radar view?

How about a small wall-mounted pda-like device you could put next to the coffee maker or the bathroom sink, that would tell you about any appointments for the day - connected to an online calendar such as Google's.

The point is, instead of an expensive computer that will do everything, you can have inexpensive devices that do only one thing, but can be placed anywhere. (Selling prices for internet radios start at about $100-$200.) And you don't have to boot someone else off the computer just to check the 5-day forcast. This is technology where WE want it. Anytime, anyplace.

Stay tuned.