NAIM is transitioning a range of devices with internet radio functionality, manufactured before 2017, to its own aggregator, ensuring users can continue enjoying their favorite stations.
vTuner is once again (link to Dutch article) making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The aggregator has faced repeated criticism for leaving clients and end-users in the lurch. Aggregators like vTuner serve as databases containing active links to streams of internet radio stations worldwide. Without such a database, most modern internet radios – whether standalone or integrated into streamers – become non-functional. NAIM is the latest victim, as vTuner abruptly cut off service to several brands including theirs. This mirrors the issues experienced a few years ago by devices reliant on Frontier Silicon, which impacted numerous brands and users globally.
Switching to NAIM Internet Radio
NAIM has responded commendably to this challenge. In this case, primarily older devices with built-in internet radio have been affected, specifically models produced before 2017. Owners of these devices had been unable to access online radio stations for some time. However, the manufacturer has now released an update that transitions these older devices to its proprietary NAIM Internet Radio aggregator, permanently resolving the issue.
In NAIM’s own words:
“Since February 1, many NAIM users have lost access to Internet Radio services. This affects NAIM products manufactured before 2017.
This update applies to the following models with green OLED screens: NDS, NDX, ND5 XS, NAC 172 XS, NAC-N272, UnitiQute 2, UnitiLite, NaimUniti2, and SuperUniti.
The former radio provider (vTuner) has ceased its services for certain brands, including NAIM. Fortunately, we have a solution for these users.” This solution is of course the just mentioned company’s own agregator.
VTuner’s move echoes similar challenges faced by brands like Marantz, Denon, Sangean, and others, who have all been impacted by this aggregator’s business practices. Fortunately, most leading brands have since transitioned to more reliable alternatives.