Philips is celebrating 100 years in the audio industry with the Century Series, a collection of five new products that blend classic designs with modern features. The series, available in September, includes two all-in-one turntable systems, a portable DAB/FM radio, and two retro-style headphones. The goal is to bring back familiar formats like vinyl, radio, and personal audio while making them more useful for today’s listeners.

Philips has played a major role in shaping home audio, starting with the Miniwatt Radio Tube in the 1920s. Over the years, the company introduced cassette tapes, CDs, and even early digital streaming systems, helping to change how people listen to music. The Century Series builds on this history by modernizing some of its most recognizable audio products.

Turntables with Updated Features

The Tina (Philips V9000) is the most advanced all-in-one turntable in the series. It delivers 120W RMS power with built-in speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. Along with playing vinyl records, it includes DAB+/FM radio, Bluetooth streaming, and USB playback. The turntable is built with an aluminum die-cast platter and anti-vibration technology to reduce sound distortion. Users can adjust bass and treble levels, connect wired headphones through a 6.3mm jack, and control the system through an app. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3 with Auracast, making wireless streaming smooth and reliable.

The Stevie (Philips V3000) is a more straightforward turntable for those who are new to vinyl or looking for an easy setup. It has a three-speed belt-driven system, built-in 12W RMS speakers, and a replaceable Audio Technica MM cartridge. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 streaming and has a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. Like the Tina, the Stevie can be controlled through an app, and users can connect external Bluetooth speakers for a wider sound experience.

A Compact and Reliable Radio

The Janet (Philips V2000) is a DAB+/FM radio designed to be small enough to move easily from room to room. Measuring 180mm x 100mm x 60mm, it produces clear, balanced sound through a 5W RMS speaker and a 2.5-inch full-range driver. It features a 2.4-inch color display, touch-sensitive buttons, and a large control knob for simple tuning. The radio also works as an alarm clock, offering a sleep timer and two alarms. It supports Bluetooth 5.3 streaming, allowing users to play music from their phones.

The battery provides 16 hours of playback and fully recharges in 3.5 hours. Philips designed the Janet with recycled plastics, plastic-free packaging, and a replaceable battery, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

Retro-Style Headphones with a Modern Touch

The Freddie (SHP9500CY) is a wired, open-back headphone designed for home listening. It features large 50mm neodymium drivers, producing a spacious, natural sound. Built for long-term use, it includes a steel headband with a cushioned layer, breathable ear pads, and a detachable 3-meter cable for convenience.

The Ringo (Philips H2000) is inspired by the lightweight, portable headphones of the 1980s but comes with modern features. It is available in three colors: Deep Black, Crystal Teal, and Silk White. The Ringo includes 40mm drivers, wireless Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and a 20-hour battery life. A quick charge feature adds six hours of playback in just 15 minutes. It also includes an AI-powered microphone for clear phone calls and works with the Philips Headphones app for extra settings.

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A few years ago, smartphones came with built-in FM Radio. However, in recent years, the trend has died down and there’s been a significant decline in new phones shipping with FM Radio. Today, it is mostly found in feature phones and some low-end devices. Now, the Indian government has issued an advisory to smartphone makers in the country to ensure that FM Radio is enabled and available on devices. 

FM Radio must on all smartphones in India

Radio broadcasting is one of the oldest, most effective, and reliable ways of communication. It is used to send warnings and alerts to the public in case of emergencies and disasters. They act as an important communication link between local authorities and the public. Additionally, FM Radio also offers access to information and entertainment. 

The move to make FM Radio accessible on smartphones is to bridge the digital divide and offering radio services in rural and remote areas where people cannot offer standalone radio sets. This will make services available to all citizens in tough times. 

The Minister of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the FM Radio feature should not be disabled if it is built-into smartphones. Additionally, if devices don’t have it, then it should be included. Even though most smartphone chipsets support FM Radio, it is disabled by OEMs. Cupertino-based tech giant Apple does not provide FM Radio on its iPhones. 

The government has issued an advisory to the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAID) to ensure that FM Radio is easily accessible on smartphones. 

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The Nokia 3310 is a legend. Simply put. Though its glory days are long gone, news has it that this legend is making a comeback. Yes, the rugged Nokia 3310 is expected to be re-released with a modern feel. No one has an idea what will be added or what it will even look like but the guys at Concept Creator have made a render video of what they think it should look like.

First thing you’ll notice is they have stuck to the original design. The Nokia 3310 still features an alphanumeric keypad and still has its power button on the top. The major change is the display. Fore a more modern look, they have replaced the monochromatic display with a 1.5-inch color display. Another addition is a rear camera with an unspecified pixel count which lacks a LED flash.

The original Nokia 3310 did not have a FM Radio. The Concept Creator render fixes that, which is a great addition by the way. Another new feature is the micro USB port which replaces the 3.5mm connector for charging. The battery has also been bumped up from 900mAh to 1650mAh and there is now 8GB of built-in memory. Some original Nokia features still remain though, such as ringtone creation.

READ MORE: Nokia 3 Specs Leaked: Android Nougat, Snapdragon 425, 2GB RAM & More

The Nokia 3310 has a polycarbonate body with Linex coating to retain the ruggedness of the original version. Another change you’ll notice are the dimensions of the phone. Even with the bigger battery, the render is thinner (113 x 48 x 14 mm) compared to the original which is 22mm thick. That should not be surprising as quite a number of the parts that make up a phone have not only gotten better but smaller.

The Nokia 3310 is expected to be relaunched at MWC 2017 alongside the Nokia 3 and Nokia 5.

What do you think about this Nokia 3310? Please drop your opinions in the comment box.

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