The hardware capability for FM radio does exist in some models — the current iPod touch and iPhone 3GS have FM transmitters, and the 2nd-gen iPod touch also has a chip that’s capable of receiving FM signals, though it uses it for Nike+ stuff.

It’d make sense to add more software parity across the line, but who knows — no date is given for when we might actually see this FM radio app. [9to5Mac

“Oh, that all sounds like too much for silly old me” they say to you. “All I need is a phone that can make calls and lets me listen to Ray Hadley on 2GB. He makes me feel all warm and tingly inside”. And after you recover from the shock that it was your Pop who expressed his affectations for the AM radio DJ, you realise that there aren’t a great number of AM-radio capable handsets in the world. You know, for the old people who still listen to AM. Thankfully, Sony Ericsson are addressing the problem with their R306 mobile phone.

On top of AM radio, you get… wait for it… FM radio, making this one of the greatest radio phones ever (although there isn’t any internet radio or DAB+ functionality). You also get a 1.3MP camera for photos of your Nanna’s cats, stereo loudspeakers so you can share your love for Ray Hadley with the world, plus standard phone features like MMS, MP3 ringtones and Bluetooth.

The R306 is available now. There’s no word on price in the press release, but given its obvious target demographic, I wouldn’t think it would be too expensive.

[Sony Ericsson]

Here’s the thought process we think the creator of this caliper-style AM/FM radio went through. “Hmmmm, how can I take a normally compact device that fits well inside hats and make it about seven times wider?” Several hours of 3D rendering later, and out pops Aivan! It’s definitely cool, but could be a little more economical on the space factor. If this were a satellite radio receiver and that space was used as an antenna, all would be forgiven. [Yanko Design]

The standard LiquidFM for iPod will cost $79, and will have everything but the QuickSeek and cool text transmitter. (Frankly, I think I’d spend the extra $20—even if you don’t have an RDS radio, you never know if your rental car will, and FM transmitters are best for rentals anyhow.)

Naturally, in addition to the iPod transmitters (which of course charge the players through the 30-pin connector), Kensington has two products for other MP3 players. The LiquidFM Plus for MP3 Players ($69) has both 3.5mm and 2.5mm jacks for recent music-playing cell phones, and the QuickSeek technology for finding the clearest channels. But its extra trick is a “pass-through” USB jack on its cable that can be used to charge your phone or MP3 player.

At the bottom rung, there’s the LiquidFM for MP3 Players ($49), with every Plus feature except the QuickSeek and the USB jack.From the fact sheet:

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) Deluxe for iPod® (SKU K33424US):
The ultimate iPod FM transmitter for playing your tunes through your car stereo, the LiquidFM Deluxe for iPod features a unique design and premium features, as well as superior sound quality. Suggested retail price: $99.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• QuickSeek technology finds the clearest station in seconds
• Displays song and artist name on your car stereo (The feature for displaying the song and artist names requires an RDS-enabled stereo. RDS is available in various vehicle models offered by leading manufacturers.)
• Charges your iPod while it plays
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1 – 107.9)
• On/off switch avoids car battery drain
• Enhanced custom digital LCD screen for easy viewing

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) for iPod® (SKU K33411US):
We’ve taken the industry’s most popular digital FM transmitter and made it even better so you can enjoy superior sound while you listen to your iPod tunes in your car. Suggested retail price: $79.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• Charges your iPod while it plays
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1-107.9)
• On/off switch avoids car battery drain
• Enhanced custom digital LCD screen for easy viewing

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) Plus for MP3 Players (SKU K33408US):
The LiquidFM Plus is the ideal FM transmitter to let you enjoy your favourite MP3 songs while you drive. Its unique set of features makes it the perfect travel companion for your MP3 player or MP3 cell phone. Suggested retail price: $69.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• QuickSeek technology finds the clearest station in seconds
• USB pass-through charges your MP3 player or any USB-powered device (cable sold separately)
• 3.5 mm connector for all MP3 players, plus a 2.5 mm adaptor for MP3 cell phone compatibility
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1-107.9)
• On/off switch avoids car battery drain
• Enhanced custom digital LCD screen for easy viewing

Kensington LiquidFM(TM) for MP3 Players (SKU K33383USA):
The LiquidFM for MP3 players features our ClearFM technology to reduce noise and enhance stereo separation, providing superior audio quality and FM reception. Suggested retail price: $49.99.
• ClearFM technology provides superior audio
• 3.5 mm connector for all MP3 players, plus a 2.5 mm adaptor for MP3 cell phone compatibility
• 3 station presets for instant tuning to any FM station (88.1-107.9)
• Digital LCD screen for easy viewing

The Kensington LiquidFM(TM) Deluxe for iPod (SKU K33424US), LiquidFM for iPod (SKU K33411US), LiquidFM Plus for MP3 Players (SKU K33408US) and LiquidFM for MP3 Players (SKU K33383US) will be available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Kensington.com starting September 17, 2007 and at major retailers including Apple stores, Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA, Dell and Fry’s, starting in late September.

The player will have a paltry 400mW speaker built in, (given the size we will let them off), and an FM transmitter to allow you tunes to travel through slightly better speakers. Voice, line-in and FM radio recording are all also possible. The players will debut in black and white colours, retailing at $85 (1GB), or $120 (2GB). Expect the usual plethora of iRiver file support from this player. The inclusion of the recording and broadcasting features may make this worth the extra cash, but if you are in the field for a do it all player at a dirt-cheap price, the Sansa Clip is for you. [anythingbutipod].

In addition to the voice command, the 920 will have an FM transmitter and Bluetooth speakerphone, as well as TomTom’s new MapShare community map-fixing service. The 920 T will also come with an RDS-TMC receiver to pick up traffic data to use in navigation. (The RDS-TMC receiver add-on currently costs $129, and is compatible with most TomTom navigators.)

TomTom also confirmed the US edition of the TomTom ONE Third Edition, which will sell for $249 in the US. (We told you about it a few days ago.)

Not at all useful to bloggers, these lightning detectors (which uses FM and GPS receivers to detect EM waves emitted from lightning) will allow storm chasers, farmers, and Travis Hudson to stay safe in the case of a lightning storm. Or when Captain Marvel is around. Seriously, that guy’s an asshole. – Jason Chen

Nokia Phone will Detect Lightning [PCWorld]
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