If listening to your own music just gets a bit boring sometimes and you’d prefer to tune into your favorite radio station using your iPod, Griffin Technology Inc. has the solution: the iFM.
The iFM uses the iPod’s own remote for its controls. The device can accommodate up to six station presets, station scan up and down, volume control and muting and manual tuning also. Griffin said the iFM works with all iPods, but noted that the wired remote control included with currently shipping 10 and 20GB iPods is required to make the iFM work.
The iFM connects through the headphone jack and integrates the iPod’s remote into its own case. The iFM connects to you via a belt clip and requires no extra batteries — it draws its current from the iPod.
Once you’ve turned it on, the iFM disables the iPod’s music and commandeers the wired remote for its own controls. The iFM maintains station presets in memory, and retains that info even when it’s switched off or disconnected. When the iFM is turned off or disconnected, the iPod and its remote work like normal.
Griffin said that it will begin shipping the iFM in 8 to 12 weeks. The device costs US$35 and Griffin is accepting pre-orders now.
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