"FM Radio" App

FM Radio on SIII contains an attached .apk file for the app which is apparently hardware-dependent.

 

Your guess is as good if not better than mine, as I don't have your phone.

However, looking at the technical specifications for both the S2 and S3, you might be in luck with the FM radio hardware:

http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_i9100_galaxy_s_ii-3621.php

http://www.phonearena.com/phones/Samsung-Galaxy-S-III_id6330

Do you know how to "sideload" the .apk file? It's just a simple zip file with a different suffix ...

$ unzip -l FmRadio.apk
Archive: FmRadio.apk
Length Date Time Name
--------- ---------- ----- ----
8788 2008-02-29 10:33 META-INF/MANIFEST.MF
8830 2008-02-29 10:33 META-INF/CERT.SF
1714 2008-02-29 10:33 META-INF/CERT.RSA
4540 2008-02-29 10:33 AndroidManifest.xml
159124 2008-02-29 10:33 classes.dex
34696 2008-02-29 10:33 lib/armeabi-v7a/libfmservice.so
...
27304 2008-02-29 10:33 resources.arsc
--------- -------
469725 106 files

However, you might want to seriously consider https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorola.fmradio for your device.

 

Did you change the settings to enable applications from unknown sources?

 

Well, there's a little bit to it, and as I inferred I'm not familiar with either your phone, your knowledge level or your computer skills. Things seem simple to me because I use Unix/Linux; if you use other operating systems then there's probably a complicated morass of path and drivers to wade through that others could better help you with ... I'm just too lazy, sorry.

For me, I download the .apk file onto the laptop, plug the usb cable from the phone into the laptop, and type into a command window "adb sideload FmRadio.apk" and it's installed. The very first app I installed on my Nexus 4 was the HP-42S calculator using that exact method. Of course it's also available in the Google Play Store, but it's my habit to learn by doing.

Just as I did, you'll want to carefully study the "All Things Root" forum for your phone to know where and how to download, install and invoke "adb" and "fastboot". Learn how to "root" and manage your phone, even if you don't do it.

Did you try the app download I suggested? That would be easiest if you're in a hurry.

Good luck to you in your studies, and above all don't be afraid to talk about what you've learned and ask for help, as you're among a very great many intelligent, patient people who can help you more than I alone can.

 

Yes, you're missing something. The S2 has a stereo radio built-in, the headphone wire acts as the aerial (or antenna, depending on where you live!). This is a proper radio and if your phone does not have one then you'll have to use an 'internet radio' such as Pandora, which will use your data up, unless you have a wifi connection.

Dave

 

OP, did you and your brother get your phones at the same time, from the same carrier?

 

Search me. I can tell you this though, any physical modification to the device is likely to void your warranty, and would likely cost more than what you could find on Craigslist that'll play FM radio and fit in your pocket. I don't know your data situation with your carrier, but I'd give streaming apps a good, long look.

 

I thought that all S2s have the same hardware; I must be wrong if your's does not have a FM unit.