Pure Digital Sensia preview
18 SEP 2009
Launch price
£250.00
Stuff says
If it lives up to its promise, the Sensia could be the radio to rock the DAB world
PREVIEW
Radios aren't what they used to be. For a while, now, we've seen internet-enabled models that promise a wealth of functionality under distinctly uninspiring bonnets and dull menus. DAB guru Pure's latest touchscreen, social-networking Sensia is about to set the record straight.
Touchscreen takes centre stage
Mimicking the elliptical style of B&W's Zeppelin, the Sensia catches the eye immediately with its 5.7in high-res colour touchscreen and distinct lack of external controls. Like the iPhone, a capacitive screen allows you to gracefully swipe and scroll through a wealth of aural delights.
Easy access is on hand to DAB+ radio, making the most of the new standard's ability to allow stations to push info and images to compatible devices. Nip to The Pure Lounge and you'll find around 12,000 internet stations and podcasts using Flow technology. The intuitive search – again, very iPhone-like – is a boon here, and audiophiles will like the ability to browse according to bit-rate.
Preview continues after the break...
Annoyingly, there's no actual iPod dock, but there is a 3.5mm input to connect external devices. You can also connect to your computer's stock of tunage or a network storage device for added choice.
There's an app for thatJumping on the app bandwagon, Pure is set to include a modest five applications on launch in an attempt to win over the 'Facebook generation'. Both Facebook and Twitter apps will be offered, but if someone could sort out a Spotify app the Sensia could seal the deal as the most desirably connected radio around.
With so much choice, touchscreen tech really is the best way of navigating menus. Divided into panels, the screen includes a visual panel for viewing album artwork, station slideshows or apps, a list panel for scrolling through stations or tracks on your computer, and a now-playing panel. You can also go fullscreen on some options, and storing favourites is a simple prod of an icon.
Sounds like...The usual raft of alarm clock options is onboard – there's even a kitchen timer for your eggs in the morning – along with a selection of 'Pure Sounds' to lull you off to sleep or wake you up gently.
Available in red, white, black and yellow colour choices, if the Sensia's sound quality can match up to its style and intuitive touchscreen – and its ClearSound technology has rarely let us down before – this really could be the radio to rock the DAB world.