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The Livio Radio
Pandora's Box
By Dusty Overby
closeAuthor: Dusty Overby
Name: Dusty Overby
Email: doverby@gearpatrol.com
Site: http://www.gearpatrol.com
About: Gents… my name is Dusty. To date, I have been resident amongst the masses of Gear Patrol devotees. Now, I have received a different calling. My charge is to shrug off the casual and carefree life of one who solely reads; I am to eschew the selfish pleasures man-info consumption, and to, instead, contribute mighty works of journalistic prowess suitable for the enlightenment of the Gear Patrol audience.
I’m sure that we would all agree that Gear Patrol shines as a bright beacon in the world of Men’s Lifestyle and Leisure. With numerous other sites and magazines vying for your attention, you read Gear Patrol because it cuts through the worthless flotsam and jetsam the other sites and blogs rehash day in and day out, bringing you a unique perspective on the latest gizmos and whatnots that matter to you. Well, it just so happens that I majored in gizmos and minored in whatnots.
Hopefully, my background and experiences will allow me to deliver piping-hot and tasty content direct to you from my areas of expertise. I was schooled in the beautiful Southeastern U.S. of A. There I spent only a modicum of time in actual class; instead wisely opting to hone other skills such as video game dominance (Ed: Dusty’s GoldenEye skills were unparalleled - full stop), media and entertainment studies, and indulging my competitive nature.
Post graduation, I sojourned for three years in southern Germany. There, I garnered a great appreciation for European culture as well as their longstanding brewing traditions/skills. Needless to say, travel is up there on my list of personal passions. Now I am back in the States where, by day, I work in sales and marketing in the construction industry. Also, I’m an on-again, off-again runner who enjoys many outdoor activities, preeminent among them being a fanatical, though rarely fantastical, golfer.
That being said, you may have to indulge some of my written idiosyncrasies. If my posts get too wacky, surely someone will let me know (Eric?). I plan to bring a bit of wit and wisdom to a community that clearly already has them in spades. Fellow readers, I shall do you proud by helping advance Gear Patrol in advancing you. After all, it’s a good bet that at least some of what entertains me just might entertain you too.
Dusty can be reached for question or comments via e-mail at doverby@gearpatrol.com.See Authors Posts (129) on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 | Email To A Friend
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In case you haven’t noticed, I like to use these Gear Patrol posts as somewhat of a techno-confessional. Here’s today’s admission: I’ve just recently discovered Pandora. It’s better late than never, as the site’s custom playlists have made internet radio seem much more accessible and alleviated a great deal of my work related boredom. Even more recently, I discovered the new Livio Radio, which is a stellar way to access Pandora and the massive array of internet radio stations without the burden of an actual computer.
Hit the jump for the details and my impressions.
The Livio Radio offers access to over 11,000 internet radio stations, as well as the aforementioned Pandora connectivity (complete with thumbs up/down action). The unit is incredibly easy to set up and use, hedging on the side of simplicity which, in this case is a very good thing. The Livio connects effortlessly to your home or office network via an Ethernet or wireless connection.
The boxy unit itself is attractive and understated. The Livio isn’t designed to satisfy the scruples of audiophiles, but it’s sound is warm and full - more than robust enough to fill your office or kitchen. It’s the perfect way bring fun back to listening to the radio without your computer as an intermediary. I really dig listening to stations from my German hometown or watching my kids dance to Bollywood tracks. With near limitless content, you’ll have no trouble finding your own reasons to enjoy the Livio Radio.
Cost: $179
(5)
Very cool, I still need to jump on this Pandora bandwagon.
Are you still subject to the maximum of 40 hours per month of Pandora, or do you automatically receive a premium account if you purchase a $180 radio?
Frankly, I'm not sure. I started using the Livio before this prohibition was put in place. I'll try and get an answer.
Mike,
Livio tells me that the 40 hour account rule applies only to computer users. Pandora still seems to be unlimitedly-free for those using devices such as the Livio. Yee-haw!
Another internet radio app I just found (I'm a slow learner!) is "flycast", an app that lets me listen to any net streaming radio broadcast through my Blackberry. I'll never miss another ballgame again! http://www.flycast.fm/FlyCastHOME.aspx
I've been on this wagon for awhile! It's awesome! I hook my iphone up to my Bose soundock but I like this set up because your phone isn't tied up. If you have to reply to a text or email then the app shuts down and you have to restart it to get the jams back on.
Let's start a little Pandora discussion.
What are your favorite stations?
My tops:
Motown
Nickel Creek
Pierce Pettis
Van Morrison
Pat Green
My stations are all based off my favorite artists / songs such as Thievery Corp, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Miguel Migs.