I have been using my IC-9700 (and 7300, although that needs a computer connected via USB) remotely using the open source WFView software for a couple of years now. It is actually my preferred method of operating, even when sitting in front of the radio
To my amazement, Xiegu built the server component of WFView in to their X6100 HF transceiver so now I have another radio that I control with WFView. I have been meaning to write their support and ask them to consider adding FreeDV now that they have gotten over the hurdle of initially adding open source software to their radio firmware image
One thing I'd really like to see is a true "auto discovery" system for data radios, and a CAT interface becoming standard/required for any data modes going forward. Idea would be monitor a common channel (144.39 APRS could be the obvious choice but would need some wrangling), let the radio build a table of what's around in the area and QSY automagically. So instead of sitting idle on the local repeater listening to everyone cherchunk all afternoon, find out who's around and what they're monitoring. Then just pick from the list. Maybe even set up crossband modes for full-duplex with data repeaters.
Problem is nearly all mobile V/UHF radios have no CAT port, so no way to easily QSY, or set PL tones, etc. Let alone build talkgroups or other digital specific features, if your radio will even be set up to handshake with the repeater at all. And given the very long product lifetimes of most amateur radio hardware it will take decades for manufacturers to adapt anything new.
I'd consider the sBitx v2 a modern day amateur radio data appliance. All-in-one FT8 hardware without the need for a laptop? Yes please! (It does other modes as well.) https://www.hfsignals.com/index.php/sbitx-v2/
I have been using my IC-9700 (and 7300, although that needs a computer connected via USB) remotely using the open source WFView software for a couple of years now. It is actually my preferred method of operating, even when sitting in front of the radio
To my amazement, Xiegu built the server component of WFView in to their X6100 HF transceiver so now I have another radio that I control with WFView. I have been meaning to write their support and ask them to consider adding FreeDV now that they have gotten over the hurdle of initially adding open source software to their radio firmware image
I'd like to see a transceiver such as the FT-897D which has compartments for two batteries.
One of those spaces could house a Raspberry Pi. A Rpi 5 can now do the FreeDV 2020 modes.
So, put inside the radio with an ethernet port and a USB port available on the back of the radio,
t'would be great. Make it versatile so an newer Pi will fit in the future.
One thing I'd really like to see is a true "auto discovery" system for data radios, and a CAT interface becoming standard/required for any data modes going forward. Idea would be monitor a common channel (144.39 APRS could be the obvious choice but would need some wrangling), let the radio build a table of what's around in the area and QSY automagically. So instead of sitting idle on the local repeater listening to everyone cherchunk all afternoon, find out who's around and what they're monitoring. Then just pick from the list. Maybe even set up crossband modes for full-duplex with data repeaters.
Problem is nearly all mobile V/UHF radios have no CAT port, so no way to easily QSY, or set PL tones, etc. Let alone build talkgroups or other digital specific features, if your radio will even be set up to handshake with the repeater at all. And given the very long product lifetimes of most amateur radio hardware it will take decades for manufacturers to adapt anything new.
I'd consider the sBitx v2 a modern day amateur radio data appliance. All-in-one FT8 hardware without the need for a laptop? Yes please! (It does other modes as well.) https://www.hfsignals.com/index.php/sbitx-v2/