Gizmodo: Fm

Rumor: Apple Unlocking iPhone and iPod Touch's Latent FM Powers With Radio App

matt buchanan — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:25:03 EDT

9to5Mac hears that the iPhone and iPod touch are getting a radio app like the nano's that'll be able play FM radio in the background. It'll be integrated with the iTunes store, supposedly, so you can buy songs you like.

The hardware capability for FM radio does exists in some models—the current iPod touch and iPhone 3GS have FM transmitters, and the 2nd-gen iPod touch also has a chip that's capable of receiving FM signals, though it uses it for Nike+ stuff (so if there is a radio app, maybe it'll just be for current-gen models).

It'd make sense to add more software parity across the line, but who knows—no date given for when we might actually see this FM radio app. [9to5Mac}

New iPod Touch Teardown Reveals 802.11n, FM Transmission Hardware, Plus Room For Nano Camera

Sean Fallon — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:02:00 EDT

iFixit's teardown of the new new iPod touch has revealed a few interesting bits of dormant hardware that could eventually get switched on by the powers that be at Apple. This includes support for 802.11n and FM transmission.

According to their findings, the Broadcom BCM4329 chip does have support for 802.11n—a feature absent even in the iPhone 3GS. Needless to say, if you have an N router and are tired of slumming with a/b/g, this would be a big deal. The chip also supports FM transmission, meaning that software support down the line could allow users to stream music directly to car stereos without any extra hardware—although that possibility seems pretty remote. (The chip's Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and an FM receiver could be a Nike+ thing).

Supporting earlier rumors about the last minute omission of a camera in the touch, the guys at iFixit noted that Apple seemed to leave enough space for a camera at the top of the device—a 6mm x 6mm x 3mm space between the Broadcom chip and the wireless antenna that just might be able to hold the small camera now found in the nano. Of course, empty space doesn't mean that the camera can actually be integrated, or help you if have your heart set on the 3rd generation touch, but you can keep your fingers crossed that Apple will switch on the other features via a software update down the line. [ifixit]

Public Radio iPhone App Adds On-Demand Content, Accidentally Kills FM Radio

John Herrman — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:31:50 EDT

A few weeks ago, LA's KCRW set the gold standard for radio station apps: a streaming client with access to a huge back catalog of on-demand station content. Public Radio Player 2.0 does the same thing—for everyone.

Since the start, Public Radio Player has listed a sizable number of NPR stations across the country, all of which are listenable via live streaming. Given the countless other radio app available for the iPhone, the only real advantage to using version 1.0 was that, if you spent the time to look, you could find just about any NPR or PRI show you wanted playing somewhere.

Version 2.0 provides comprehensive station schedules to make program-hunting easier, but more importantly, provides access to the often generous back catalogs from various stations, meaning that you can get any public radio programming you want on demand, for free. It's a fairly incredible deal for NPR addicts, who'll now be able to fine-tune their daily feed of dulcet, strangely androgynous news and lifestyle coverage to perfection. [Ars]

Belkin's TuneCast GPS-Assisted FM Transmitter Is Like Putting a DVR Into a VHS Player

Sean Fallon — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT

Much like putting a DVR into a VHS player, Belkin's TuneCast Auto Live utilizes really good technology to support something that isn't all that great. More specifically, it uses GPS coordinates and the iPhone (3.0) to identify the best FM frequencies.

Combining the TuneCast Auto Live transmitter and the ClearScan app for the iPhone users with OS 3.0 can tap into the GPS functionality to locate the best radio frequency to play music in the car (along with the recommendations of other users). In addition, both iPhone and iPod Touch users can use their devices to manually change frequencies and set favorite channels as presets. The device will be available in the early fall for $80, but I'm waiting for streaming Bluetooth. [Belkin]

This Car Bluetooth Speaker Squeezes Inside Your Steering Wheel

Mark Wilson — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:40:00 EST

In case your car isn't new or nice enough to have Bluetooth integration, this Steering Wheel Bluetooth Adapter seems like the perfect solution, save for one catch.

Fitting around the inner part of a steering wheel with some options for size adjustment, the $63 adapter features a microphone and speakers (for speakerphone), along with an LCD display (incoming callers), SD port (MP3s), USB (anything) and FM-out (to play everything back through your car's stereo).

The catch, of course, is that the adapter does need a power source, which happens to be your car's cigarette lighter. When you consider the logistics of connecting your steering wheel to a tether, no matter how cleanly, it can't sound like anything but a safety hazard...or am I missing some obvious precaution that makes this installation safe?

UPDATE: Ahh, it's rechargeable. But if you recharge it while the car is running...uhh...doesn't that defeat the wireless part? [Chinavision via Newlaunches]

Sarotech's Abigs DVP-260X Media Player Holds 320GB, Does 5.1 Audio and HDMI, Plus FM Transmitter

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:20:00 EDT

Sarotech's' 2.5-inch ABigs player seems to be designed by an engineer with a gigantic budget. Why? Because it's got a 2.5-inch display, H.264 and MKV support, 1080p over HDMI and 5.1-channel out, a built-in FM transmitter, a photo viewer, an e-book and both PAL and NTSC compatibility. The 160GB version is available for $278 and the 320GB version is available for $328 from Korea, which isn't all that bad considering everything you get from it. If you still want the Korean flavor of this Sarotech but a bit more US availability, there's always Cowon's PMPs. They've got not quite as massive storage, but their format support is phenomenal. [AVING]

Brando's Cyber Tap Radios Suck (Onto Your Shower Cubicle)

Kit Eaton — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:15:00 EDT

Brando's Cyber Tap bath-time radio is not massively high-tech, sure, but its cuteness is undeniable. Stick its 4.7-inch sucker onto tiles or glass, adjust FM/AM frequency and twirl the volume tap to boogie away to showertime music. Is the red one more suited to Hot Gossip while the blue one's best for Coldplay? Who knows, but after a bad joke like that you'll be pleased to know the water-resistant, battery-powered Cyber Tap costs $16. [Brando]

FM Radio Antenna Lets You FM Radio It Up Without the Headphones

Jason Chen — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:30:55 EDT

What a pain in the ass it is to have to plug in headphones to your cellphone in order to catch Kasey Kasem and his sappy dedications on FM radio. No more! This FM Aerial (antenna), which you can easily find on eBay, lets you bypass using a set of headphones as an antenna and lets you use an antenna as an antenna. Clever, yes, but it also makes it necessary to unplug it whenever you want to take a call, unless you're making a one way call—the antenna has no microphone built in. [eBay via Symbian Freak via Into Mobile]

Microsoft Updates Zune Accessories, Adds Third-Party Manufacturers

Jason Chen — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:14:09 EDT

Microsoft's just updated their line of Zune accessories for the second generation Zune, to no one's surprise. The accessories include the Zune Home A/V Pack, which lets you charge your Zune, output video via the composite cable, and control it from a distance with the wireless remote. There's also a Home Dock which is a dock that includes an AC adapter, a Car Pack which is an FM transmitter/charger for your car, and Zune Premium Headphones, which is included with the 80GB model but can be purchased separately for $39. Full list of accessories and third-party manufacturers after the jump.

— Zune Home A/V Pack. Power your home stereo with your Zune. Pack includes Home Dock with three faceplates to accommodate each Zune device, a wireless remote, an AC adapter and composite audio-video output cable. (ERP $99.99)
— Zune Dock Pack. Give your Zune a convenient home when it is connected
to your computer or charging. Home Dock with three faceplates to
accommodate each Zune device and AC adapter. (ERP $49.99)

— Zune Car Pack. Take your music with you on the road. Redesigned FM
transmitter/charger and dashboard grip pad. (ERP $79.99)

— Zune Cable Pack. Get connected to your computer, your stereo or your
TV. Sync cable, composite AV output cable and audio cable. (ERP
$39.99)

— Zune Premium Headphones. Take your listening experience up a notch
with these high-quality headphones. Included with the Zune 80GB
device. (ERP $39.99)

— Zune Leather Case. Dress for success and protect your Zune in the
process. (ERP $39.99 and $49.99)

— Zune Sync Cable (ERP $19.99)

— Zune AC Adapter (ERP $29.99)

Zune-Licensed Accessory Partners Agent 18 http://www.agent18.com Altec Lansing Technologies Inc. http://www.altecmm.com Belkin International Inc. http://www.belkin.com Case-mate http://www.case-mate.com Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) http://www.dlo.com Directed Electronics Inc. (Polk Audio) http://www.directed.com Dual Electronics Corp. http://www.dualav.com GPX http://www.gpx.com Griffin Technology Inc. http://www.griffintechnology.com Golla http://www.golla.com iHome http://www.ihomeaudio.com Integrated Mobile Electronics http://www.imedock.com Incipio Technologies http://www.incipiotech.com Kicker http://www.kicker.com/Zune mStation Corp. http://www.mstation.com Memorex Electronics http://www.memorexelectronics.com Monster Cable Products Inc. http://www.monstercable.com Skinit http://www.skinit.com Speck http://www.speckproducts.com Targus http://www.targus.com/us VAF Research http://www.vaf.com.au Vaja Corp. http://www.vajacases.com zLive, (DPI, Inc.) http://www.dpi-global.com

Belkin TuneBase FM Finds the Best FM Frequency

Jason Chen — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:30:07 EDT

Compatible with pretty much every Apple player except for the iPhone, this Belkin TuneBase FM has ClearScan technology, which searches all FM stations and finds the least-used one for you to broadcast your tunes on. It's $89, has a docking station, and plugs neatly into your car's cigarette adapter. Of course, even with the cleanest FM station, you're still going to run into some interference, which is why we still recommend the $10, 1995 method of using a tape adapter. [Belkin]

DLO's OpenFM Helps Pick Clear FM Frequencies

Jason Chen — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:00:58 EDT

One of the big pains in the ass with having an FM transmitter to get music from your iPod/Zune to your car radio is finding a clear radio station. A frequency may be fine where you live, but drive 20 miles in any direction and it could be totally packed. DLO's OpenFM tool lets you search by city or zip code and gives you the best (most open) frequencies in the area to tune your FM transmitter to. And they're hoping that you buy a DLO FM transmitter while you're there. It even has an iPhone-customzied version. [DLO]

Stick Sound FM Radio Looks Like Stylized Atari Joystick

msparkes — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 06:27:35 EDT

The Stick Sound FM Radio is an aluminum box about 9cm cubed. There is only one control, a joystick on the top, which controls every aspect of the radio; on/off, tuning and volume. If you can't drive a stick shift, then you should probably stick with a normal design. [Slippery Brick]

Tangent Quattro Wi-Fi Internet Radio Has It All

msparkes — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 03:43:40 EDT

If you don't want to have your computer constantly powered up just to listen to online radio then this could be a great option for you. The Tangent Quattro is a Wi-Fi radio that can access over 5,500 Internet radio stations, as well as DAB and FM radio. It comes in white, red walnut veneer and black, and costs $349. [Uber Gizmo]

Trail Tune Carabiner Radio Clips on Just About Anywhere

AddyDugdale — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 07:05:01 EDT

Climbers and hikers among you will be interested in this carabiner-shaped AM-FM radio from Trail Tune. It's water-resistant can be attached to just about anything—although I advise against clipping it to any piercing rings, as it might be a bit painful, unless you're one of those magicians who can pull entire trains along by his Prince Albert—and if you are, I think I might have seen you on YouTube recently. Quick question: Did it go back to its original shape, or are you going to be stuck with it like that for the rest of your life?

Battery time (two AAAs, please) is 15 hours and you can preset 20 FM and 10 AM stations. It self-activates sleep mode and can remember the last station you tuned in to. All that for $50. [Uber-Review]

Dr. Who Cyberman Shower Radio Picks Up FM/AM/Invasion Orders

kevinhall2 — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EDT

Show your support for the intergalactic robotic conquerers with the Dr. Who Cyberman Shower Radio. Not only will it observe you with its cold, black sockets, the Cyberman Radio receives FM/AM stations and its mouth glows when you tune around. Its about six inches tall, has a hanging cord, and requires three AAA batteries to get going. Still, for 30 bucks, you'd think the thing could at least threaten your future as an organic being or radio a fleet of orbiting Cybermen warships. [Voga via UberReview]

Thanko FMP3 Watch Transmits From Wrist to Radio

jeansnow — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 03:13:31 EDT

Thanko, that provider of all things gimmicky but good, has just launched another surprisingly useful tool, this time the FMP3 Watch. As the name suggests, we're talking combo MP3 (and WMA too) player and FM transmitter.

That's surely enough to make even Mr. Bond a bit envious (although I'm sure those innards would be packed in something from Omega, or whoever the sponsor for the next film ends up being). The watch not only plays files and do the iTrip-thing, great for car travel, but also includes a voice recorder—perfect for on-the-street podcast recordings—as well as line-in recording. Capacity runs three sizes (512MB, 1GB, 2GB), and transfers are done through the included USB cables (USB 2.0 port on the watch). It's even water resistant! Thank you, Thanko. [Thanko RareMono Shop]

Nokia Phones to Detect Lightning Using FM, GPS Frequencies

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 May 2007 20:40:03 EDT

Just when you thought you had to carry around a tacky pager in order to tell when lightning's coming, Nokia goes and files a patent to integrate lightning detection into their phones.

Not at all useful to bloggers, these lightning detectors (which use FM and GPS receivers to detect EM waves emitted from lightning) will allow storm chasers, farmers, and Travis Hudson to stay safe in the case of a lightning storm. Or when Captain Marvel is around. Seriously, that guy's an asshole. – Jason Chen

Nokia Phone will Detect Lightning [PCWorld]

Image Credit

DLO TransDock Deluxe Keeps You From Crashing Your Car

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 May 2007 15:00:41 EDT

There's been little innovation in the car iPod dock space lately, so that's why DLO's TransDock Deluxe caught us by surprise. Sure, its individual components—a steering wheel mounted remote, an FM tuner, an iPod mount, an AV-out port, an Aux-in port and a USB charging port—can be found elsewhere, but this is the first time we've seen them all together.

With the TransDock, it seems like you can keep your hands on the wheel all while charging your phone and fiddling with your iPod controls at the same time. With all these features, the $129 price point doesn't seem so outlandish. – Jason Chen

Product Page [DLO]

Kensington QuickSeek FM Transmitter

Mark Wilson — Tue, 15 May 2007 13:30:00 EDT

Kensington just announced their newest iPod accessory: the Quickseek FM Transmitter. It's like a Belkin with autoscan. Instead of searching through stations until a clear channel is found, the Quickseek automatically scans for open airwaves, freeing your attention for more important things (like talking on your cell, running over deer, and if you're lucky, crashing into a truckload of manure and then shouting, "McFly!").

The Quickseek also sports a detachable car charger that can power mini USB devices when not operating your iPod (USB lavalamp on the dash?) and promises to fit around most protective iPod cases.

All in all, it's a promising alternative to the similar Monster iCarPlay, even at $89. But we'll give you the final verdict as soon as we put our review unit through the standard ~~hazing~~ tests procedure. – Mark Wilson

Kensington

FM Radio Adapter for the Nintendo DS

Jason Chen — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:50:04 EDT

Despite the fact that listening to the radio on our DS is a distant seventh- place activity behind playing DS games, listening to MP3s, playing GBA games, pictochat, charging it and putting it away neatly, we realize some weirdos still do like FM. So here's a $14 FM adapter from Brando.

It's entirely self-contained, which means you don't need an AA battery or external charger, but it does mean that your Nintendo DS's battery life will go down a bit faster than usual. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Brando]

Stream Zune Music to Nearby Zunes via FM

Jason Chen — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:17:56 EDT

This idea could either be a "duh, why didn't I think of that?" or a "duh, I thought of that months ago," but it's neat enough to bring up. Apparently sharing tracks with the Zune isn't limited to its Wi-Fi feature. If you take advantage of the Zune's built-in FM receiver, you can attach an FM transmitter and broadcast your music to nearby units for easy listening.

It's cool in a theoretical sense, but probably won't be very useful in a practical sense. Then again, instead of sharing a track, you could broadcast it to the gal sitting next to you and you can synchronize your air guitar with her air drums. You'd be the next White Stripes, but without, you know, the incestuous overtones. – Jason Chen

Stream any music to nearby Zunes [Zunerama via Crunchgear]

Grundig B700: Smartphone With FM Radio

www.gizmodo.com — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 07:32:08 EST

Hot on the heels of Grundig's Linux cellphone comes something a little more sophisticated from the German electronics firm. Slim - just 10 mm thick - and silvery on the outside, the triband GSM phone has a Linux-based platform and also supports EDGE and Bluetooth. But the real wa-wo-wee-wa is that it's a PDA with a radio. No prices or availabillity as yet, but find out what else it's got after the jump.

QWERTY keyboard
Bluetooth
USB support.
POP3 Email Push client.
100MB user memory
Micros SD card slot
2.0 megapixel camera with flash and 4x digital zoom.
Video recording.
2.45-inch display, with 240 x 320 pixel resolution supporting 262k colors.
Lithium Ion battery gives 250 minutes talk and 150 hours standby. – Ad Dugdale

Linux Communicator With QWERTY Keyboard [New Launches]

Find The Best Unused FM Radio Frequency

Jason Chen — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 11:35:18 EST

If you're DJing up your own tunes with one of those old iPod FM transmitters that doesn't auto-seek the best frequency, you're probably always fiddling with it to try to get the optimum sound while driving. Say goodbye to potential vehicular manslaughter charges by using this FM radio locator before you even leave the house.

Just plug in your zip code—and the zip code you're going to be driving to—and you can see what the radio frequencies and their distances/signals are for FM and AM stations around you. This lets you quickly eyeball a big enough gap for you to slide your transmitter into. Educational and useful. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Radio Locator via Lifehacker]

Concept: Plug & Enjoy Speakers

Travis Hudson — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:06:51 EST

This is a conceptual design of small speakers that plug into standard wall outlets and include an FM receiver. The primary purpose being equal sound distribution throughout the room. All of you need is some kind of a music player hooked up to an FM transmitter, then tune these little doodads to the right frequency for some block rocking tunes throughout your abode. And if you really want to rock out, fill up a surge protector with P&E's. – Travis Hudson

Plug & Enjoy [Yanko]

Insigna 2 Sport Video Player is Video For Midgets

Jason Chen — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 21:15:57 EST

This small Insigna 2GB Sport Video player plays MP3s and WMAs, has FM, and is really tiny. It also plays back video on its 2.2-inch screen—which looks actually pretty decent. Unfortunately Biggs couldn't get video to work on it, as it doesn't support DivX. And all Biggs had were pirated movies.

If it weren't only around $99, we'd say screw it. But your grandparents aren't going to know the difference between this and an iPod anyway. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Best Buy]

Insigna 2 GB Sport [Crunchgear]

Creative Reactivates FM Recording For Zen Vision:M

Jason Chen — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:42:37 EST

All you Creative Zen Vision: M owners bummed that you couldn't record FM radio anymore are about to get an early Xmas present.

For no reason in particular, Creative decides to release an upgraded 1.60.01 firmware to reinstate FM recording. At first we thought the RIAA was pressuring Creative to remove the feature, but would the RIAA de-pressure them? When's the last time they relented?

In any case, if you were unlucky enough to upgrade to the gimped firmware, go and grab 1.60.01 and re-activate your FM recording. – Jason Chen

Download Site [Creative via i4u]

Creative Strips FM from Zen Vision:M, Adam Carolla Fans Devastated

Jason Chen — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 19:31:08 EDT

Bowing to RIAA pressure, Creative's released a new firmware update that removes FM recording functionality from already-released Zen Vision:M players. If users are ~~retarded~~ obedient enough to update, the firmware will also add Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Turkish language support as well as adding a few more rating options to your player.

If you've already updated to 1.50.02 without realizing this kills your FM recording, you may be able to revert to an earlier firmware (we haven't tested it). Personally, we hate to see technology stifled by outdated business models and greedy record execs, but what do we know—we're just consumers. – Jason Chen

1.50.02 Released [Epizenter via CNET]

1.41.01 [Creative - Thanks Jon!]

New Sony Walkmen get own FM transmitter and car charger at last

gizmodocontributor — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 06:48:22 EDT

Now that Sony's range of Walkman-branded players are finally starting to look like the real deal (maybe not this one, eh?) it's about time that the Tokyo giant pulled its finger out and started supporting it with a few more decent add-ons like the car FM transmitter and charger that went on sale in Japan yesterday.

The DCC-FMT50U costs ¥6,195 (US$52) and should be able to play anything through its standard audio jack, although for some reason the specs state that only the NW-A3000/A1000 Walkmen support playback, which has gotta be wrong. Still, anything that likes USB juice can get a charge and there are four preset buttons for the FM transmitter. – Jonny Hiratsuka

eCatalog [Sony Japan]

Sony Ericsson FM Transmitter For Phones

Jason Chen — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 19:30:16 EDT

This transmitter works with most K (Cyber-shot) and W (Walkman) lines of Sony Ericsson phones, including the W800i, W810i, K800i and K750i. The transmitter has a key lock, microphone, belt-clip, headphone jack, and phone button, and also works as a hands-free for calls. It automatically mutes the music when you get a ring, and is available in Batman's favorite color—black. Useful if you're using your phone as your primary music player.

Available now for $45.00. – Jason Chen

Music Phone FM Transmitter - Sony Ericsson [Brando]

Kensington SX 3000R iPod Speakers and FM Radio Receiver

Jason Chen — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 18:45:54 EDT

The Kensington SX 3000R is the sequel to the SX 2000R iPod Speaker Dock, which we featured as a Dealzmodo a few weeks ago. This 3000R has an FM tuner, remote, NXT SurfaceSound speaker technology, dock that fits all iPods, and goes for $169.99. We think it may be kind of cool to set up a cheap iPod dock in each room of your house so you can have music everywhere. An inexpensive alternative to actually rigging up speakers in each room that are centrally controlled. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Kensington]

Press Release [Kensington]

Aqua FM TX Pro Snorkel For Underwater Communication and Dance

Jason Chen — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 21:38:39 EDT

Do you have a communication problem? Do others say you just aren't listening? Chances are you're either a jerk, or you're underwater. If it's the latter, you can use the Aqua FM TX Pro so people on land can talk to you just fine. The active mouthpiece works when bit down on, transferring sound through your teeth and bones to your inner ear, where the vibration gets converted into sound by your brain—the same way it works normally.

Now swim coaches can give instruction to their swimmers while they're in the water, or, you can set the mouthpiece to listen to FM radio or a MP3/CD device to listen to music in the water. A set of one snorkel and one transmitter is available for $249.99. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Vacation Gadgets via Travelizmo]

Kensington iPod FM Transmitter and Charger with RDS

Jason Chen — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 18:01:26 EDT

What justifies Kensington's $89.99 price tag on this FM transmitter? The RDS transmission, that's what. RDS allows your transmitter to send digital info through the FM band along with the music. In this case, it sends Artist and song information to your car so you can see who's sings "Friday I'm in Love" (as if we'd ever forget). The only thing is, you'll need an RDS enabled car. Later model GMs usually have this.

RDS aside, the rest of the features are fairly standard. The charger switches off when your iPod's charged so your car battery doesn't get drained. Three station FM memory and stainless steel rounds out the package. – Jason Chen

RDS FM Transmitter/Car Charger for iPod® [Kensington via Playlist Magazine]

Logitec USB FM Transmitter

Jason Chen — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 19:00:48 EDT

This is kind of interesting. The Logitec USB FM transmitter plays back USB and WMA files from your USB device—think thumb drive—while being powered from your car's lighter outlet. An interesting alternative to FM transmitters that just transmit the sound from a standard MP3 player. There's six colors/textures, and is available for import from Japan. – Jason Chen

Press Release (Japanese) [Logitec via Mobilemag]

USB Pen, MP3 Player, FM Radio, Voice Recorder

Jason Chen — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:40:11 EDT

This thing may actually be pretty useful. See, you use the voice recorder to record your CFO and CTO in the bathroom talking about embezzling funds—you were hiding in a stall, using the FM radio to pass the time. Then you use the 512MB flash memory to steal office documents about the whole thing. Later, you confront and blackmail them with the MP3 playback of the recording. And finally, you have them sign a check for one million dollars with the built-in pen. All this on a gadget you bought for $48. – Jason Chen

USB MP3 Pen + FM Radio + Voice Recorder [Brando]

iFreq FM Transmitter and Charger

Jason Chen — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:09:54 EDT

The iFreq works pretty much the same as all the other FM devices for the Nano. Plug it in, pick a frequency, and hear your tunes through your fancy car speakers. The iFreq also charges your Nano and has a magnetic disc for you to mount on the dash.

Just try not to fiddle with your Nano too much while you're driving, putting on makeup, shaving, eating a McFlurry, talking to your Mom, and flipping an old lady the bird all at the same time. Oh yeah, we've been there.

Available 3Q 2006 for $79.95. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Sonnet via MacWorld]

Emiteck ET-SUP200 Wireless USB

Jason Chen — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 18:13:02 EDT

These Emiteck engineers really took a hard look at the iPod and incorporated two of its best selling accessories, a protective case (leather, natch), and an FM transmitter for tunes in the car. Other than that, the player doesn't offer much beyond the basic USB 2.0 transfer and music playback. Even the screen is a basic monochrome LCD display. ~~LED—not LCD—display~~.

The product page doesn't actually say how much memory this has, only that it "support most models of USB-Disks". We're guessing you need to supply your own USB disk for this one. – Jason Chen

Wireless in Waverly? [RedFerret]

NanoTune FM Transmitter and Radio for iPod nano

Gizloco — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 10:58:45 EDT

More accessories for your cherished iPod nano, this time coming from the other side of the pond, Albion. The DLO nanoTune connects to the iPod nano via the dock connector and gives it the ability to wireless transmit music via FM radio. Additionally, you can use the iPod nano as a radio, listening to the best that commercial, terrestrial radio has to offer. They've also tacked on a feature that amplifies the output of the iPod nano by more than 25%.

Once the two are connected to each other, the nanoTune supplies a hard type protective case to the iPod nano. It's available now for about $92. – Nicholas Deleon

Product Page [PodZone via The Red Ferret Journal]

XM Halts Sale of Certain Receivers

Travis Hudson — Sat, 27 May 2006 18:36:58 EDT

In our monthly episode of "the FCC sucks at life sometimes," XM has pulled certain units from the shelves and stopped selling the units from their online store. The only radios pulled were ones that included an FM transmitting modulator. The Inno was excluded because it can be firmware updated.

Reasoning? The FCC sucks, easy enough. They are currently investigating the emission levels of the FM transmitters and XM is going to halt the sales of units with FM transmitters until a ruling is made. Come on guys, didn't you see that Ofcom over in UK-land is reconsidering their ban of iTrips. Stop the FM transmitting hate, yo. – Travis Hudson

XM Pulls FM-Enabled Radios from Kiosks & Online Store [Orbitcast]

Xtatix Freefone FM

johnb — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 08:48:54 EDT

We played with one of these last year and they made a good running companion. Essentially, it's a screenless MP3 player inside a pair of light headphones. Well, they've upgraded this little fellow with an FM tuner and 1GB of flash memory. Potentially good for running on the treadmill and listening to the TV piped over the FM band, perhaps? $89.99 with rebate.

Product Page [TigerDirect]

iPod Nano FM Remote

johnb — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 17:02:16 EST

Hrm. Taking a closer look at this thing makes me kind of dizzy. Looks like a cool little add-on for $49. Basically, you plug it in and you get a nice FM screen for your radio listening pleasure. Was it absolutely necessary? Probably not, but it's a useful addition.

Product Page [Apple]

Best prices for iPod Nano [Shopping.com]