The Lounge
The Lounge is PURE's take on Internet radio, and it's arguably one of the best solutions to date.
Upon entering, we found the system picked up approximately 8,000 web-based stations - an astonishing selection that's browsable by location, genre, popularity. It can be hard work finding a station of choice, but the EVOKE Flow's search functionality saves the day - a quick search for "80s" and we were soon listening to Duran Duran on a previously unheard of 80's station.
Still, even with search, navigating thousands of stations can be hard work. Aware of the complication, PURE has taken the extra step and provided an optional assistant in the form of thelounge.com - an online web-based management service that syncs with your device.
At thelounge.com, users can register an EVOKE Flow and then manage their stations and podcasts via a web-based interface. Finding your favourite stations with the aid of a keyboard and mouse is a whole lot easier, and all your chosen changes will be ready and waiting when returning to your radio. But remember, for the not-so-web-savvy, the use of thelounge.com is completely optional.
For those who plan to take full advantage of Internet radio, it's an essential addition. Furthermore, there's an equally long list of podcasts available and the Listen Again functionality ensures you can listen to what you want, when you want.
Also found in EVOKE Flow's Lounge mode are PURE's customary PURE Sounds - a variety of nearly 100 audio tracks that provide ambient listening experiences. Choices range from cooing doves and barking dogs to full-blown earthquakes and mob scenes. It's slightly unusual at first, but PURE Sounds could be a soothing choice for alarm clock audio. Yes, there's a built-in alarm clock and kitchen timer, too.
