A review by Jackie Cairns. This product was reviewed in August 2011 and it was a completely free to use service at the time of writing.
About me
I would like to introduce myself as Jackie Cairns, a totally blind assistive technology enthusiast and user.
I am reviewing the latest version of 'Radioplayer', an online audio player which gives access to live, and on demand radio content, using the latest build of my screen reader, JAWS.
I have been a radio lover for as long as I can remember, enjoying a wide range of music. I am also a huge football and tennis fan, so tend to listen to the radio at some point every day.
What is Radioplayer?
This online player is available for free on the Radioplayer website. At the moment you can log onto it using your desktop or your laptop. However, as per their website, users cannot access the player on mobiles, tablets or even via television right now.
I used my desktop for the purpose.
To start, simply open your browser and go to www.radioplayer.co.uk
Setting-up and using the service
Once you reach the website, you are presented with four landmarks, two headings, and 19 links. Using JAWS, the website is easy to navigate, but the most useful link you will want to click on is called 'Browse'.
This then brings up an alphabetical listing, from A- Z and 0-9, where you can click on different letters to go to the beginning of the section of alphabetical listing of radio stations i.e., C for Capital Radio or Radio Caroline, or B for a list of BBC stations amongst many others.
Once you have found the station you want, just hit enter on the link, and start listening.
To stop listening, press Alt F4. Since each station opens in a new browser, when you close the window to stop listening to a station, you will be channelled back to the Radioplayer website.
There is also a search facility on the main website where you can type in the name of the station you are looking for. But be mindful of the words you type in. For example, if you type in BBC Radio Five Live, you will not only find it, but will get just about every station that has 'Live' content on it at that time because it is taking the word 'Live' into consideration during the search.
End evaluation
If you click on the 'Listen to Radioplayer link' for the first time, a new window opens, and you will be given an audio tour. I didn't find this helpful at all as it appeared to refer to buttons and controls that a blind person could not access. But this tour only comes up once. Entering on the same link thereafter takes you to the last station you were listening to.
There are also other links including an FAQS section, contact information and a blog for those who may need additional information.
Also, I have not worked out how to add stations, or whether the option to do so will become available in the future. But it is certainly helpful to be able to listen to any UK station in one place rather than having to visit each website and trying to ascertain the link to listen. Very useful!
Legal disclaimer
This review reflects the opinions of the author only. RNIB cannot be held liable for opinions expressed in this article.
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