Chips Deployed: AT&T is activating the FM chip in its Android smartphones beginning in 2016, with some phones possibly ready by year-end. "With this decision, AT&T's customers become the biggest beneficiaries, giving them access to local radio news, entertainment, weather, and failsafe emergency alert connectivity," says NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith. "With access to apps like NextRadio, AT&T's listeners will also enjoy song tagging and interactivity features that have become increasingly popular with younger listeners." Sprint began activating the chip in its smartphones two years ago (CAT 8/15/13), and Boost and Virgin also allow users to hear over-the-air FM radio on compatible smartphones.