AVNRWORLD

PURE have already been pushing their WiFi and DAB radios for some time now, but their latest Sensia model really deserves to tip them over into prime-time. The PURE Sensia couples both a DAB/DAB+ digital radio and WiFi streaming into a single model, complete with a 5.7-inch 640 x 480 capacitive touchscreen and social networking plug-in apps including Twitter, Facebook and Picasa.
The radio itself has integrated stereo speakers each with 15W RMS, a 3.5mm headphone socket and an RF remote control. Connectivity includes WiFi b/g, DAB and DAB+ support, as well as FM radio, a 3.5mm input for hooking up an external audio source, and a USB port for firmware updates (though PURE will also distribute them for wireless installation over WiFi). While it’s natively AC powered, the Sensia also has an optional internal battery pack good for up to ten hours of use.
As you’d expect from any radio there are favorites – 30 DAB, 10 FM and unlimited internet radio – and podcast support, however the Sensia can also show slide-shows from radio stations, album art from locally-streamed media, and more. An online portal allows you to easily find new stations, manage favorites, and view recommended content, all of which is wirelessly synchronized with the Sensia.
Meanwhile the widgets allow for news feeds, weather updates and more to be delivered to the Sensia’s touchscreen, together with access to Facebook, Picasa and Twitter. There’s even an on-screen keyboard for searching and adding comments. The PURE Sensia radio will be on sale by Christmas in Europe, priced at £249.99 (including VAT; $406).