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}

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]

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]

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]

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]

— 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

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]

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]

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

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]

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

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]