Apple recently announced the release of the iPod Radio Remote. This little accessory combines a wired remote control with a FM radio receiver. It works with the iPod nano and the most recent generation (fifth) of iPods.
The iPod Radio Remote is a convenient way for music lovers to control their iPod and add FM radio for a reasonable price point. Using the remote, you can skip tracks and adjust the volume of your iPod even when it’s in a pocket or backpack. It’s main feature – lets you and listen to FM radio stations while it displays station and song information on the iPod’s screen.
“The iPod Radio Remote combines two great features in one elegant product,” Greg Joswiak, Apple’s iPod Marketing guy said recently. “The iPod Radio Remote is both the best remote control and the best FM radio listening experience for iPod.”
If you search the Apple iPod store online, you will also find a couple of competitors that launched similar products ahead of Apple.
But I must admit, the Apple Radio Remote is a cleaner package. If you live in the city and get good FM reception, this is a nice little add-on. If you live in the burbs and are looking for great sound – similar to the quality that you get from your iPod, then forget about the iPod Radio Remote. Why, because it is like any other small FM radio, it needs a strong signal to give you decent sound.
But don’t give up, there is quite a lot happening in the real time audio market and you will have more choices in the coming months.
There were several rumors in 2005 about Apple and satellite radio for instance. “The iPod is the biggest, baddest thing around and satellite radio is this small, cool device,” said Steve Mather, an analyst with Sander Morris Harris. “Put them together and it’s the ultimate.”
But there has been no evidence that such a dream machine is in the works. Earlier this year, Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin said he had approached Steve Jobs, the chief of iPod maker Apple Computer, about a possible deal but said Jobs wasn’t interested.