Listen to FM radio on your iPod
One feature that many "other" music players have had for some time--but which the iPod has lacked--is an FM tuner. Apple has resisted calls to incorporate an FM tuner into the iPod, presumably to keep the overall iPod package small, while including the largest possible screen, battery, and storage. It is also conceivable that Apple was concerned that more radio listening would lead to a reduction in iTunes Music Store purchases.
It appears as though Apple has reached a nice middle ground, by building FM radio into a new iPod remote, dubbed the iPod Radio Remote. Rather than include the FM remote into a new iPod model, the optional iPod Radio Remote is a tiny box in the middle of a headphone cord. (Headphones are included.)
This may seems strange at first, but I believe Apple has a winner here, for these reasons:
1. It is compatible with existing iPods with a dock connector.
2. For $49, you get the FM radio, a remote, and new earbuds--essentially three devices in one.
3. It keeps the iPod as small as possible.
4. It follows the philosophy that Apple has expressed in the past of offering a core product (the iPod), and allowing users to customize the product through the use of accessories that meet their needs. As a person who doesn't care about FM radio, FreeiPodGuy likes this aspect.
Today's Macworld keynote address brought several other new product announcements, not the least of which are new Intel-based desktop (iMac) and notebook (MacBook) computers. Read Apple's official line on all of these products at their Macworld page
It appears as though Apple has reached a nice middle ground, by building FM radio into a new iPod remote, dubbed the iPod Radio Remote. Rather than include the FM remote into a new iPod model, the optional iPod Radio Remote is a tiny box in the middle of a headphone cord. (Headphones are included.)
This may seems strange at first, but I believe Apple has a winner here, for these reasons:
1. It is compatible with existing iPods with a dock connector.
2. For $49, you get the FM radio, a remote, and new earbuds--essentially three devices in one.
3. It keeps the iPod as small as possible.
4. It follows the philosophy that Apple has expressed in the past of offering a core product (the iPod), and allowing users to customize the product through the use of accessories that meet their needs. As a person who doesn't care about FM radio, FreeiPodGuy likes this aspect.
Today's Macworld keynote address brought several other new product announcements, not the least of which are new Intel-based desktop (iMac) and notebook (MacBook) computers. Read Apple's official line on all of these products at their Macworld page
2 Comments:
Not impressed with this accessory. Firstly, a radio? Surely the iPod is like having your own personal radio station. Secondly, FM and not DAB? Only available in white, too. What about all the people with black nanos.
This MacWorld announcement was overhyped.
See http://www.ipod.org.uk
1. I agree--I think putting a radio in an iPod is kind of silly. However, I recognize that probably not everyone has a sizeable CD collection. Others may listen to specific radio shows (probably mainly National Public Radio in the USA, because non-NPR stations in the USA that have regularly-scheduled shows are mostly on the AM band).
2. Yes, FM and not DAB. DAB does not exist in the United States, where most existing and potential iPod users reside. The FM choice makes good business sense.
3. As for the color: iPods have existed in no less than seven different colors, yet earbuds for all models have always been white. The iPod Radio Remote replaces the stock earbuds, and in a sense is a "headphone" product as much as a "radio" product. It comes as no surprise to me that Apple made this choice. Evidently Apple likes the idea that iPod earbuds are easily recognizable. Having said that, I personally would prefer to have earbuds (and the new Radio) that match the iPod, whatever color it may be.
Post a Comment
<< Home