Mundu Radio

Mundu Radio is a software application (running on multiple platforms) that offers the functionality of a digital radio. The application allows users to stream music from a lot of stations straight to the mobile device.

Main Review

Mundu Radio basically provides the same functionality as the native radio application on Nokia devices, however, Mundu Radio has versions available that work on devices running Symbian OS 7 and 8. This gives Mundu Radio a rather large audience base. Apart from this, the application runs on several platforms which include the Palm, BlackBerry, and even Windows Mobile.

One thing about the application that users may find to be a bit of a hassle is the need to sign up online before being able to run the application.

Mundu Radio, through its own database, comes preloaded with several stations sorted by genre. Users can add stations provided they know the URL that links directly to the stream.

The major drawback to this application, however, is the fact that the content of stations listed on the radio is not under the application's control. Stations that no longer worked were included; users who accessed these stations get stuck on a screen displaying 'Connecting...'. No message alerting the user of a failed or timed out connection is displayed.

Some versions of Mundu Radio gives users the power to modify the list of stations, and even search for song lyrics for songs currently being played. These functions, however, are not available on the version for Symbian devices.

Apart from this, Mundu Radio streams audio rather nicely. The quality of the audio varies, however, as it depends on the connection (GPRS, 3G, or WiFi) as well as the bit rate of the stream itself. The application caches some data, and using an excellent WiFi connection, radio stations play rather smoothly.

The application does not integrate well with the S60 device. The keys for adjusting the volume do not register. Users have to resort to using the cursor keypad when modifying the volume of the streams. The application menu is not consistent with that of the S60, making the application rather difficult to use.

Pros

Preloaded with radio stations

Runs on multiple platforms

Cons

Listed stations are not under Mundu's control

Does not integrate well with S60

Conclusion

The application provides functionalities and features already present in native S60 devices. It is, however, a viable alternative for individuals who are not able to make use of the Nokia Internet Radio application. The application gets a rating of 55 out of 100.