Echo SDR has added a paid iOS tier that brings live transcription, recording and cloud syncing to an app built around remote software-defined radio listening.
The app connects users to publicly available KiwiSDR, OpenWebRX, WebSDR and FMDX receivers, giving listeners mobile access to roughly 2,000 software-defined radio receivers. The underlying listening, tuning and mapping functions remain free.
Version 1.5 adds an optional Pro tier for iPhone and iPad. Radio World reports that the upgrade allows listeners to record received audio directly to their devices, sync recordings through iCloud and generate real-time transcripts using an on-device speech engine. Background-audio behavior and iOS playback controls were also improved.
The Pro tier is priced at $4.99 per month or $39.99 per year, according to Radio World.
The development is notable for broadcasters and radio enthusiasts because it pushes software-defined radio listening further into mainstream mobile use. Automatic transcription can also make received programming easier to search, review and monitor without requiring a separate transcription service.
Source: Radio World.