Griffin Technology is now shipping the iFM, a triple-function radio, recorder, and remote for iPods. This gadget, which was first announced several months ago, sounds like it was worth waiting for. It's not only an FM radio tuner for iPods, with station scan capability and six station presets on each of three FM bands (U.S., European, and Japanese). It's also an audio recorder with a built-in microphone for recording voice or FM radio to your iPod. But wait--there's more. The iFM is also a remote for controlling your iPod. Use it to play, pause, or move through your playlist. The tiny iFM runs off the iPod's batteries. List price is $49.99.

Unfortunately, there's no iFM for the iPod nano yet, although MacMinute reports the nano version is scheduled for November. The radio and remote functions work with 3G, 4G, photo, and iPod mini models, but there's no recording function for the iPod mini, according to Griffin.  iLounge and Playlist have published first looks at the iFM, both with photos. Now if we could just get our hands on one.