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by bogomipz 1224 days ago
They are implemented in the existing chips just not enabled in software. Qualcomm's ubiquitous LTE modem chip has FM radio baked in. There was a whole push by the FCC in the US as well as some FM broadcasters to mandate it be enabled. See:

"Your Phone Has An FM Chip. So Why can't you listen to the radio?":

https://archive.is/YMLsM#selection-1393.0-1393.64

and

"Dinosaur Broadcasters Turn to Congress to Mandate Their Relevance":

https://www.forbes.com/sites/garyshapiro/2012/06/06/dinosaur...

and

"Trump’s FCC chief wants it to be easier to listen to free FM radio on your smartphone":

https://www.vox.com/2017/2/16/14638304/trump-fcc-free-fm-rad...