Audio, Radio, internet radio and podcasting trickery

While the world seems focused on television and Personal Video recorders, the technological leaps associated with podcasting and timeshifting audio/radio from different sources are often overlooked. One of the leaders in the field is Griffin Technology Inc., which has released some significant functionality for Mac, PC, and iPod. Among the company’s offerings are RocketFM (a wireless solution for broadcasting PC audio applications to any FM radio), radio SHARK (which adds an AM/FM radio to any PC and can record any AM or FM radio broadcast i.e. TIVO for radio), AirClickUSB Remote (a non-line-of-sight wireless remote control for PCs that allows users to control their computers from 20 metres away), BlueTrip (a wireless transmitter/receiver for broadcasting CD-quality audio from an iPod to a home stereo), SmartDeck Intelligent Cassette Adapter for iPod (which allows users to control their iPod using the built in controls of their car or home cassette player) and a beta software program entitled iFill. IFill is exciting because it streams mp3 files from thousands of free radio stations directly to your iPod while it is charging. You can choose several stations at once and select from many different genres. And since iFill goes directly to your iPod, it won't clutter up your hard drive with extra files.

RocketFM

RocketFM uses any available FM frequency to transmit music or audio through your home or office stereo system. Applications such as iTunes, GarageBand, video soundtracks and even streaming audio can be conveniently broadcast with RocketFM. RocketFM includes software for Mac and PC that presents a familiar and easy-to-use interface for tuning to any desired station. RocketFM costs US $39.99.

The radio SHARK

The US$69.99 radio SHARK adds an AM/FM radio to any Personal Computer and can record any AM or FM radio broadcast in real time. Like a TIVO or PVR for your television, the Radio Shark can also be programmed to record a scheduled show, or to ‘pause’ live radio so you can return to where you left off moments or even hours before. Favorite station presets can be set with the click of a mouse, and new stations can be scanned and tuned with ease. The application is also where you program Time-Shift Recording, either to take a break without missing any of a show or to record your favorite broadcast to listen to later. The radio SHARK connects to and is powered by USB. The fin-shaped device acts as an antenna and can be positioned for best reception and recording. Any recorded broadcast from radio SHARK can be transferred to any MP3 player.

AirClickUSB Remote

The AirClickUSB Remote uses RF technology that allows users to control their computers from up to 60 ft. away. Users do not have to be in line of sight, making AirClick ideal for controlling applications remotely. RF signals pass through walls, so users do not even have to be the same room. The AirClickUSB remote is compatible with all Macs and PCs with a USB port, running OS X or XP. Each AirClickUSB package ships with a remote, a USB receiver, a software CD and a USB extension cable for maximum flexibility in receiver placement.

The AirClickUSB ships with the ability to control a number of popular applications, including: iTunes (Mac/PC), Windows Media Player (PC), PowerPoint (Mac/PC), Keynote (Mac), QuickTime (Mac/PC) and DVD Player (Mac). Future software updates will include additional applications. The Griffin AirClickUSB is US$39.99

BlueTrip

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