Tunestir iPod FM receiver, transmitter and remote

BTI is rolling out another in the very long line of iPod accessories. The Tunestir adds FM radio reception to the iPod — the first accessory to do so. You can program in five of your favorite FM stations, and five stations to which to transmit iPod audio, as well. The unit comes with an inline remote control with cable management features because, for some reason, things that are portable also still need remotes. Tunestir is compatible with all iPod models hip to the Dock Connector: 3G and 4G ipods, iPod minis, and the iPod photo. They'll ship out later in April for $69.95.

[petro @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Tunestir iPod FM receiver, transmitter and remote/rectal thermometer.

[Kyle Fiducia @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

yeah thats pretty ugly for an ipod accessory, isnt one of the reasons people buy ipods that they are nice looking ? that thing looks like an 80s pocket calculator on a string. no svelt case or buttons, certainly not going to be the hot new accessory. these accessory companies need to start analysing why people buy ipods, not just toss sub-par merchandise into the mix and hope that people are desperate enough to pay $70 bucks for it. i predict a total flop.

[ChzPlz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Man, looks like really crappy build quality. The cover is bulging over the switch, and it even looks like the wire casing doesn't go all the way into the unit. Do I see red and black wires?

I'm unsure if this is supposed to be an april fools joke or not? What a waste of plastic.

[Tomas @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Looks just like an iPod to me... lol

[JJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Umm, that looks like a remote for one of those reclining beds the have in hospitals and stuff.

And why would I want to pay $70 for a radio to hook up to my iPod when I can pick up a smaller radio for $2.50 at my local Walmart?

[JonesH @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

What wouldn't I give for a small, iPod-style accessory that simply adds FM reception...

[egarc @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

JonesH,
http://salestores1.com/cocxmiamstpo3.html
$3.90

[Billy Kincaid @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

The bad: this is fuggggleeeeee.

The good: someone else would try to better it, therefore iPod FM receivers are on the way. YES!

[Derrick @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

It looks like a credit card remote. It still can't record from the FM right? 1 up for the Zen Touch.

[Thanol @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

$70! for that!? You might as well just buy an old MuVo for the same price.

[Golf Grouch @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

It really sucks that the iPod still doesn't have a built-in radio.

I have to use my 20-year-old walkman to listen to Howard Stern and Tom Leykis...

http://www.grouchygolf.blogspot.com/

[JK @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

umm... so you plug this thing into your iPod's headphone port to add FM reception... now you want to hear FM, so you... umm.... unplug this thing to make room for your headphones?

Or are you supposed to use this to receive FM, then use the transmitter to send it to the nearest... umm.... FM radio?

Can anyone explain WTF is the point of putting an FM receiver in this thing? How are you supposed to hear what it receives?

[Dan @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

This is simply a cheap way of adding an FM reciever. Here's how it works:

The TuneStir pulls power from the iPod using the accessory connection on the top. You plug your headphones into the TuneStir just like you would the iPod remote. Now, when you select FM on the TuneStir, it probably blocks whatever audio is coming from the iPod and just puts its FM audio through to your headphones.

The only thing this really does is use iPod power to power its FM reciever. That and you can control the iPod with it.

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

All these iPod accessories are ridiculous. It's bigger than any FM receiver I've ever seen. Why not just plug a component 5-disc carousel CD player into it and call it the iCD or some crap? The iPod should have already come with an FM receiver. What a rip.

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

...but just how desperate are we for an iPod radio???

I am sick of carrying a radio (2 actually a DAB and analogue) with me...plus my iPod..and now my skullcrushers (cos the iPod buds are rubbish!!)..I need a trolley...oh! and my portable DVD and 'phone..big pockets required.....convergence? Don�t think so.

[fla_spearo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

What I'd give for a with wireless remote and blue tooth headset. Then when I flying down the road on my motorcycle I could use the remote to change songs and not worry about a cable when I dismount the bike to get fuel or stretch.

[analog lisa @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I don't understand why iPod can't add a freakin' radio - it's like they're too cool for that or something. I did find some headphones on ebay that have a radio in them, but i'm beginning to regret my iPod purchase, not to mention my iBook purchase.

[Josh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Wow, thats fantastic. I might just go out and fork out the $70 right now. Wait, how about i just use packaging tape to stick my portable radio to the back of my iPod? Cheaper and probably looks better too.
For $70 I could pay someone to build something that wouldn't give my 80's songs a touch of reality.
Please someone, we want a radio, but make it GOOD.

[Tinctorius @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I'm very glad I bought an iriver H10 (International version) instead of an ipod mini. It has several function that the ipod mini lacks, such as text and image viewing (not very important, but it can be useful sometimes), an FM tuner and the possibility to record from the built-in mic, the tuner and, if you have the special cradle, from line-in.

I also heared that the iPod can't be operated when one is charging it's battery... is that true?

[Joe Blow @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I bought one and it works great! Nice and easy!

[Martin Bailey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Well theres a British Version which looks much nicer and is a bargain at just 30quid (about $55 for you americans) cheaper and it looks better hehehe. ENGLAND WIN!

[Dami @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

WHY WHY WHY can Apple not simply integrate a radio into its MP3 players like almost everyone else (e.g.) iRiver???????????