Thank you to Mark Garrison Jr. for writing in and sharing with us a new iOS app he's developing called "Echo". Echo is an app designed to provide a streamlined mobile companion for the KiwiSDR and OpenWebRX ecosystems. Note that the app is currently not yet released, but Mark is planning a TestFlight beta in February. Follow his Twitter/X @SDRecho for updates.

OpenWebRX is a piece of server software that allows you to access and share SDRs over a network connection, such as the internet, via a web browser interface. OpenWebRX is a core component of the KiwiSDR, an SDR designed to operate as a shared receiver over a network connection. Around the world, many people have set up public KiwiSDR, RTL-SDR, and other SDR systems that can be accessed via OpenWebRX. Echo is designed to make searching for and viewing public OpenWebRX receivers easy on iOS devices.

Mark writes:

[Echo] is a native iOS app built entirely in SwiftUI, designed to provide a streamlined mobile companion to the KiwiSDR and OpenWebRX ecosystems.

The goal is to offer a modern interface optimized for iPhone, making it easier to explore the spectrum on the go.

Key Features:

• Global Connectivity: Access any public KiwiSDR or OpenWebRX server via a live global map with 500+ active stations.

• Smart Scans: Station scanner with presets for Shortwave, Ham, and Military bands.

• Audio Intelligence: Integrated recording with speech-to-text transcription for logging signals.

• Native Performance: 100% SwiftUI for smooth waterfall rendering and low battery impact.

The app is currently in active development. I am sharing progress updates and will be announcing the upcoming TestFlight beta over on Twitter at @SDRecho. I’m planning to launch a beta in February.

Echo for iOS: The Native SDR Experience