Mac upgrade peripheral maker Sonnet Technologies Inc. on Monday announced PodFreq, an FM transmitter that enables Dock Connector-equipped iPods (excluding iPod minis) to play through car radios, home stereos or other devices equipped with FM receivers. The PodFreq will begin shipping in May for US$99.95.
The PodFreq sports a different design than some of the other FM transmitters you may have seen for the iPod. It encloses the iPod in a translucent acrylic shell with locking latch, leaving the front of the device open for access to the iPod’s buttons and scrollwheel. The PodFreq also has a flip stand to keep the iPod upright on a desk or other flat surface. It also comes with a soft carrying pouch.
PodFreq connects to the iPod through the dock connector, using the iPod’s line out capabilities instead of its headphone jack. It also draws power from the iPod. An external, telescoping antenna broadcasts the FM signal from 10 to 35 feet depending on the sensitivity of the receiving antenna. The PodFreq sports a power button, tuning buttons and a display that shows what frequency it’s broadcasting on. What’s more, the PodFreq features external FireWire and mini-USB 2.0 ports which can be used for data transfer or charging the iPod.
Sonnet noted that a Japanese version of PodFreq will also be available.