Quick Tracks: Pros/Cons & Conclusion - Photos - Discussions

Packaging & First Impressions

Ever since the iPod was released back in fall of 2001, one of the features that has been greatly missed is the ability to listen to the radio. While there have been some third party solutions in the past, Apple's new iPod FM Remote solves that need.

The iPod FM Remote comes with the remote and yet another set of white earphones so you can tie up those sacks of bananas you have. Easy is as easy does, just plug in the remote and you have a new menu item called "Radio" on your iPod. Note that you will need the 1/10/2006 iPod Updater and a 5th generation iPod like the iPod Video or iPod Nano.

Radio Killed The Video Star

The stations come in loud and clear here in the labs where we listened to our favorite morning show on Kiss 100 (100.3). The sound quality was great and with the RDS (Radio Data System) feature we could see the song and artist names on the screen although some names got cut off. You can tune in a station by scrolling the iPod click wheel where you see a miniature radio tuner on the bottom and the numbers on the top. Also on the screen is a little clock and upper left land corner turns into a "radio" icon. You can of course, adjust sound volume.

There is not much to say about the remote itself. It has a clip, and the standard iPod Shuffle controls (play/pause, forward/reverse, volume up/down). It connects at the bottom of the iPod so might interfere with some cases and docks.

The iPod FM Remote has a few neat features like book marking your favorite FM stations (hold down the middle button) and auto-tune stations (press and hold the forward and reverse buttons). Once you have bookmarked a radio station it shows up with a little triangle next to the number and also is indicated on the tuner with a smaller triangle. Overall, it is very well thought out interface.

While it might seem that old fashioned, over-the-air, non-satellite radio is on its last legs, there is still some life left and the Apple FM Remote will please those who still listen.

Pros, Cons & Rating

Pros Small with remote Easy to use Self powered Well thought-out interface Cons No AM radio stations Only for 5th generation IP

Conclusion

Apple's iPod FM Remote is both a nice remote and an easy to use FM tuner that integrates wonderfully with the 5th generation iPod.

Specs

• $49.00
• Includes headphones
• Released 1/10/2006

Available at Apple.com and Amazon