A Web Radio Boom Box?

A Global Frequency

Unlike FM radio, which is limited by frequency range, Internet radio draws a global audience at a low cost. You can just as easily listen to a Seattle grunge station as the all-Beethoven all-the-time station in Santiago, Chile, Fitch notes. Kerbango promises to constantly update its database so you'll always find a current list.

As with your car radio, Kerbango's Internet audio directory allows for five preset stations, which you can put on your desktop. Still, finding a good Web radio station is not as simple as scanning for FM frequencies. Kerbango's directory describes each station so you can get a sense of its playlist before taking the time to connect.

"Many directory sites are aligned to a particular format, technology, or corporation," Fitch says. Kerbango's directory is a general resource.

Although now focused on its Web services, Kerbango's mission is its dedicated device for Internet radio. Another company, Sonicbox, recently announced its PC add-on tuner that routes Web radio to your stereo for under $50.

Kerbango representatives contend that non-PC devices are the future of Internet radio.

"Radio listening is a different experience than TV viewing or Web surfing," Fitch says. Computing technology should be embedded in devices that do one thing--streaming audio--well, he says.

Kerbango's site will deliver a range of Internet radio services to device owners, such as offering a button that lets you buy music, learn about an artist, or connect with advertisers, Gable says.

"First there was AM, then FM, and now IM. Internet mode, that is," Gable adds.