iLounge

Griffin Technology has announced iFM for iPod. It will enable iPod to tune into FM radio stations, and it uses the iPod remote (required) for its controls! It costs $35 and is available for pre-order. Shipping is expected mid-summer 2003. Also note, the Griffin iTrip FM transmitter for iPod will begin shipping Friday, April 25, 2003.

Official Press Release:

GRIFFIN DEBUTS iFM - FIRST EVER FM RADIO FOR THE iPOD
Unique design is self-powered and controlled by iPod’s wired remote

NASHVILLE, TN - April 23, 2003. Griffin Technology Inc, innovator of
exciting hardware and software products for the Mac and PC market,
today unveiled iFM, the world’s first FM radio for the iPod. The
Griffin iFM adds an FM radio to the iPod in one integrated sharp
package that utilizes the iPod’s own remote for its controls. Settings
include room for six preset stations, station scan up or down, volume
control and muting as well as manual tuning. Whether traveling or
jogging around the block, the iFM gives iPod users the ability to check
the news, weather or listen to their favorite radio programs - in
addition to their collection of music in their iPod. The iFM works with
all iPods and requires the iPod wired remote control that?s included with
all currently shipping 10 and 20 GB iPods.

“The only thing missing from the near perfect iPod was a radio. The
iFM adds this in a design that’s so unique it has to be seen to be
believed.” said Paul Griffin, CEO Griffin Technology. “True, I have all
the music I want in my iPod but if want to hear NPR or need a weather
report its great to now have that option with my iPod and iFM.”

The iFM connects directly to the iPod via its headphone jack. It then
incorporates a clever design that actually imbeds the iPod’s remote
into the case of the iFM itself. When inserted, the two separate pieces
appear to become one complete unit. Headphones plug into the remote as
usual. The difference is the iPod remote is now captured within the
iFM. The tiny iFM attaches to almost anything via a belt clip on the
back, similar yet more versatile than the iPod’s own remote clip.
Powered by the iPod, no batteries are ever necessary.

Switched on, iFM disables the iPod’s music and makes use of the
remote’s buttons for its own controls. Users interact with the radio
via audio navigation. They can scan for available radio stations and
save up to six presets that will kept in memory - even when iFM is
disconnected and not in use. When iFM is switched off, the remote and
the iPod return to their normal functions.