Apple today announced the iPod Radio Remote which combines the convenience of a wired remote control with new FM radio capabilities for the iPod nano and fifth generation iPod. The iPod Radio Remote is a convenient way for music lovers to skip tracks and adjust the volume of their iPod even when it’s in a pocket or backpack, and listen to FM radio stations while displaying station and song information on their iPod screen.
“The iPod Radio Remote combines two great features in one elegant product,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing in the press release. “The iPod Radio Remote is both the best remote control and the best FM radio listening experience for iPod.”
In addition to the iPod Radio Remote and the over 2,000 accessories designed for iPod are the iPod AV Connection Kit and the new iPod nano In-Ear Lanyard Headphones. The iPod AV Connection Kit includes everything needed to connect the iPod to a TV for watching photo slideshows and video, or a stereo system for listening to music, and charges the iPod. The new iPod nano In-Ear Lanyard Headphones combine the best of the iPod nano Lanyard Headphones and the Apple In-Ear Headphones, providing convenience and style with comfort and sound quality.
The iPod Radio Remote includes a pair of Apple headphones with a shorter cable, perfectly complementing the iPod Radio Remote and will begin shipping immediately for $49 (US). The iPod displays station and song information for stations that support the Radio Data System (RDS). The iPod AV Connection Kit includes an iPod Universal Dock, an Apple Remote, an iPod AV Cable, an iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 Cable and an iPod USB Power Adapter and is compatible with all iPod models with a dock connector for $99 (US). The iPod nano In-Ear Lanyard Headphones will be available for $49 (US) and include three different sized caps to ensure the headphones fit comfortably and securely.
The above accessories will begin shipping immediately and will be available through the Apple Store, Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.
More about Apple’s new iPod Radio Remote here.
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Why no AM radio capabilities? Who listens to FM anymore? : )
They should have just added this feature to the iPod in the first place. Then, made this thing and FM transmitter…
Perfect compromise for those who want or dont want FM on their iPods. This still leaves the iPod clean and classy..
Though I know some folks do want radio, I don’t. This is the type of solution I like – add the freatures you want so you don’t have to pay for those you don’t.
Get Serius! Pun intended… this is just a way for Apple to shut up the critics who complain about the “lack of features” (and still make a buck). I don’t listen to FM anymore (thanks to KeithMonster for the Christmas gifts of satellite radio and opening my eyes to the same) and only listen to AM when I’m in the car and need a break from head banging. The only feature I can see worth implementing on the iPod that isn’t there already would be a Sirius reciever. Commercial radio sucks – everywhere.
But I am glad to see that Apple is taking the notion of competition seriously by addressing the loudest of critics no matter how ill intentioned or how stupid the suggestion. No brainer add-on from Apple. No cost unless you want it. Everybody wins and it shuts up the iRiver/RIO/ZenMicro lovers criticisms. Period! Now maybe Apple can move on to more important things.
The reason you don’t add a radio receiver to an iPod… bad reception in your pants/backpack/etc. Adding it to the remote was perfect. Why no AM? AM has dodgy reception and is prone to more interference (plus it isn’t in stereo).
“Though I know some folks do want radio, I don’t. This is the type of solution I like – add the freatures you want so you don’t have to pay for those you don’t.”
Except other players prove you don’t have to pay more for radio.
Dan: You “pay” for a built-in radio in that it requires a larger form factor. You couldn’t have the slim tiny iPod and still fit an FM receiver in there. My understanding is that there is no spare space inside an iPod.
Finally, Not that I would ever want this, but now we can finally shut up all those (un)Creative Zen Vision fans.
By the way, If you have an Amazon.com account feel free to stop by the (un)creative page and post a review.
Considering it is a complete iPod knockoff, it has far too many glowing reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CS7U1C/ref=pd_kar_gw_1/102-5699143-7099362
I still do not understand why anyone would think FM is necessary. You get 4 minute commercial breaks between songs that are continually replayed. The whole reason for the iPod is no commercials and songs from your library that you want to listen to.