https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/10/30/18041778/blackloud-af1-fm-headset-smartphone-radio-earbud-headphones > A new pair of wired earbuds from Blackloud is offering a much simpler way to access local FM radio when the internet’s down or you’ve maxed out your data plan. It might be crackly and prone to interference, but traditional FM radio transmissions are free, and much more reliable in a crisis. > The Blackloud AF1 FM headset works by building its FM tuner into an in-line control box, while the cable functions as the antenna. The headphones then plug into your iPhone via the Lightning jack (a USB Type-C model for Android handsets is planned for next year), and you control radio playback via a companion app. It’s a brute-force solution, since most smartphones still contain hidden FM receivers.