With the popularity the Internet has all over the world there’s no wonder that more and more services are moving online. First, we have music streaming services which allow us to create personalized playlists and enjoy the miracle of music when we want and wherever we want. Still, today we’ll discuss radio over the internet because, unlike music streaming services, you only hit play and relax. There is no extra effort involved and you don’t have to spend hours creating playlists. The music and everything else you like are there for you to listen.

Top 5 internet radio services

So, let’s take a look at the top 5 best internet radio services in the world.

#1: TuneIn

TuneIn is a great radio service which gives you the possibility to listen to any local radio station you want. A great feature is that it will change the available radio stations according to the location you select which means diversity even though you’re not traveling.

You also have an advanced search engine which allows you to find radio stations by locations, station type, music genre, and others. The best part is that you can use it for free (there is also a Pro version which allows you the possibility to record live radio).

#2: Pandora

Based on the Music Genome Project, Pandora is the type of service that learns your habits and preferences. Once you set your favorite artists, Pandora will know which genre you like so you won’t have to lose time setting your playlists.

The Pandora app works for the most popular mobile devices out there and is free to download.

#3: SomaFM

This service has been around since 2000, when music streaming services were not a thing and people got into online radio out of passion. The service broadcasts electronic, trip-hop, and alternative genres but it is not limited to just these.

The programs are original and the material is of high-quality. Even more, you won’t hear any commercials which will make the experience even better.

#4: Spotify

The popular music service is a lot more than just that: it also has a wide range of radio features like collaborative playlists, radio services that play songs based on your preferences, and shared music where you can subscribe.

#5: Slacker

Slacker is another great service which offers you a wide range of channels based on genre and even channels with human DJs if you want a bit more interactivity.

Radio is one of the most listened formed of media in the world and was the way to success for many actors and celebrities. It’s also one of the best ways to stay up to date with the latest news, learn more about certain niches, and have a companion during boring times. It’s the perfect companion during a long drive or when you need something running in the background.

Top 5 most popular radio stations

The best part with today’s technology is the fact that radio stations can be listened online as well. This allows you to keep your favorite station close regardless of your location and this is why we’ll include them on our list.

#1: BBC Radio 1

As you might have noticed from the name BBC Radio 1, this is a British radio station. However, they also broadcast internationally, and their main niche is music. More exactly, they play current popular music which is one of the reasons why so many people like them. They are not set on a certain genre so you everyone can have something to listen to.

They also offer interviews with music celebrities which is another attraction for people of all ages.

#2: BBC Radio 5 Live

It looks like the first two places in our top are taken by the British, but they deserve it. BBC Radio 5 Live is focused on serious events and news from all over the world. News are transmitted live and the entertainment is completed with interviews, phone-ins, sports events and commentaries, and more.

#3:  Brooklyn Radio

Well, the USA radio stations couldn’t miss from our list and Brooklyn Radio is one of the best. Their popularity derives from their freestyle program which covers various music genres. They are the response to the standard radio format which follows a certain type of design.

#4: RTE Junior

Sadly, not many radio stations out there care for the need of children. Still, the ones that do, must present high-quality programs to stay in business. RTE Junior is an online radio, offered by the Irish radio RTE. The radio offers story-telling, nice music, and learning – all suited for the younger listeners.

#5: Classic FM

An internet radio which broadcasts classical music is definitely going to win some real fans over. Classic FM is the type of stylish radio with a very select audience where you will always find high-quality music.

We live surrounded by technology and while we know how to use it, very few of us have a comprehensive knowledge of how stuff actually work. For instance: do you know how a smartphone connects to another smartphone? Do you know how GPS devices, WiFi networks, and TV and radio work? If you’re clueless, don’t worry; most of us are.

If you’re interested in learning more about the world that surrounds us, today you can learn more about radio waves and how they work. Why radio waves? Because they are the ones which make most of the today’s technologies possible.

Technologies based on radio waves

Just to make an idea, here is a list of technologies that use radio waves to transmit data:

• AM /FM, and TV broadcasts
• Garage door openers
• Wireless networks
• Radio-controlled toys
• Cell phones and cordless phones
• GPS receivers and satellite communications
• Ham radios
• Police radios
• Wireless clocks
• Radars
• Microwave ovens
• Modern aviation

As you can see, most of our modern world is built on radio waves, but how do these actually work? Well the basic technology is actually quite simple and we’re going to discuss it step-by-step.

How does radio technology work?

First, you should know that it’s extremely easy to make a radio transmitter, but with rudimentary equipment you can only transmit static. This means the wave doesn’t carry anything (no data) so it’s just for experimental purposes.

To transmit data, technologies today need continuous sine waves. This type of radio waves is easily accessible and everyone can enjoy their share. If you could see radio waves, you would realize that every inch of our space is filled with waves that transmit different types of data, from TV to WiFi, to radio, and more. Since there are so many users for each type of information, we need different radio signals that work on various sine wave frequencies. This is how our devices know which waves to use.

Now, the most rudimentary example of a radio transmission is a baby monitor. The device which sits in the baby’s room is a transmitter, and the one in parent’s room is a receiver. Waves are transmitted to the receiver and this is how mom and dad know if junior is crying.

Now, the same technology applies to other devices, only the sine wave must be modulated in order to encrypt the information you want to transmit. This means you are intervening on the way the wave is transmitted. Right now, there are 3 main ways to modulate a sine wave:

1. Pulse Modulation (PM) – the sine wave is turned on and off, forming a sequence of pulses. Such modulation is used for Morse code and other governmental transmissions. Since you can’t send that much information with PM, it’s not that common with modern devices.
2. Amplitude Modulation (AM) – this is one of the most used modulation systems, especially in radio and TV transmissions. Audio and video signals like voice, music, and video are modulated into the sine wave using amplitude variations.
3. Frequency Modulation (FM) – With this system, we use frequency to modulate information. FM is mostly used for wireless networks, cell phones, and other systems that shouldn’t be affected by static transmissions.

Once the information is modulated into the wave, it can be transmitted all over the world using antennas.