iPhone FM Radio From Griffin

Although I am crazy about technology, I like simple things. Sounds like a contradiction, I know, but that's the truth. In theory, all-in-one devices sound great, but every time I stumble into such a thing, I end up with a bitter taste in my mouth. Just think about the iPhone and iPod - they both have some features you'll never use (for example, I have a Sandisk Sansa capable of video playback and showing images, but I only use it to listen to my MP3 files - no radio or audio recording, either, although those are also included), but there are plenty of small companies into adding even more to them, and today the time has come for Griffin Technology and its brand new Navigate inline controller and iFM app for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Just take a look at this - "Navigate maximizes convenient control of your iPod. It has control buttons your fingers can easily locate by touch, and it restores the tactile feedback of the iconic click wheel to touchscreen models. (Which comes in pretty handy when you’re using it in a car and need to keep your eyes on the road.)"

Well, I guess there are too many people who can't decide what to do - drive the car, or use their iPod/iPhone, don't you think? After all, as far as I know, most cars come with some MP3 player/FM tuner built in these days, but...

..."Navigate gives you a generous OLED information screen (for when you need to glance at it), on/off, play, volume and EQ controls, and an FM stereo radio. Tuck your iPod out of sight, but keep controls close at hand. iPhone users: Just plug Navigate into the dock connector then connect any 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo-mini headphones (including Griffin’s TuneBuds Mobile) to listen and talk."

The product compatibility list is pretty long, including most iPods since 2005 and, of course, both the iPhone and iPhone 3G.

Priced at $59.99, Griffin's Navigate could be a really handy addition to your arsenal of iPhone/iPod accessories, but you'll have to wait until March 2009 to get the iFM app for it.