Accessories

When iPod meets car stereo

Consumer Electronics Association reports that over $172 million is spent on FM transmitter per year. According to the definition given by wikipedia, an FM transmitter is a portable device that plugs into the headphone jack or proprietary output port of a portable audio or video device, such as a portable media player, CD player, or satellite radio system. The sound is then broadcast through the transmitter, and plays through an FM broadcast band frequency. Purposes for an FM transmitter include playing music from a device through a car stereo, or any radio. In 1934, the first FM transmitter was installed at the top of the Empire State Building. Then the evolution takes place naturally in this field. Since nowadays people start to pay more attention to car entertainment system and have learnt how to beam songs from iPod to car stereo through in-car FM transmitter, the manufacturers increase production to meet the demand of market. Market requirements drive the product development. Hence new feature, new functionality, and new design emerge in an endless stream.

China is also a big player in the FM transmitter manufacturing industry. In a survey, it shows that more than 100 companies make car FM transmitters in China. Creativity is hot in this region now. Chinese manufacturers keep moving forward. On papatek.com, an innovative FM transmitter is eye-catching. In the time that everyone rushes to jump into the vanguard of iPod and iPhone, it seems that people pay less attention to accessorize other models. This car FM transmitter deserves a spot on your shopping list if you are not such a huge fan of Apple products. It supports a rich line of units, including BLACKBERRY, ARCHOS, CREATIVE, VISION, DELL, HTC, IRIVER, LG, MICROSOFT Zune, MOTOROLA, NOKIA, PALM, SAMSUNG, SANDISK, and SONY ERICSSON. (For more detail, click here.)

American and European manufactures such as Belkin, Monster, DLO, iRock and others rush to release new models. Different units vary in design, functionality, feature, price, and compatibility. With respect to compatibility, in-car FM transmitters fall into two categories, one cluster exclusively for one family of devices and the other for all MP3 players. In the former group, there are the Belkin TuneBase which works only with the iPod Mini and the Monster iCarPlay only for dock-connecting iPods. Different from these one-dimensional FM transmitters, DLO TransPod, iRock Beamit 440FM, Belkin TuneCast II, and Aerielle AudioBug are not limited to iPod use thanks to an audio-out headphone jack.

When the power supply is concerned, some FM transmitters run on batteries and others have an integrated adapter that we can plug into the car cigarette lighter socket. It’s noteworthy that some units feature the functionality as in-car charger for the audio players. While improving functionality, FM transmitter makers also enhance the cosmetic design, namely shape, color, and cover materials, trying to match the style of the vehicles. The most common shapes are square and cylindrical. Some manufacturers make an innovative design. For example, Aerielle AudioBug looks like a ladybug.http://www.papatek.com/Cell-Phone-Accessories

Its multifunctionality offers you great convenience. Besides broadcasting songs in your phones and music players through car stereo system, the cool gadget also acts as a car charger and you can enjoy hands-free talk. As for the performance, the unit does a decent job. Its support for a wide frequency range assures the unit would not run into any interference with other radio stations. Regarding the external design, this device is also on the edge. The gooseneck design allows you to adjust the position to accommodate in the car. In addition, the sturdy stoppers prevent the clipped device from dropping, which ensures the mobile phone or music player security in the holder.

When iPod meets car stereo, it’s amazing.

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