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Belkin releases FM transmitter with iPhone app for finding clear stations

Belkin has announced the release of their latest FM transmitter for the iPhone and iPod touch, the TuneCast Auto Live. You know these things -- they plug into your iPhone or iPod touch's dock connector, and then send a local FM signal out to your car's radio, enabling wireless transmission of your music or podcasts. I've got a Belkin transmitter already (the TuneCast Auto -- more on that in a second), but I'm interested in this new one, because it can be used with a free iPhone app [iTunes link] that will actually use your iPhone's GPS information to find a good station for you right away.

That seems helpful -- my current issue with my Belkin is that here in Los Angeles, where the radio stations are almost as thick as the fast food joints, I can't seem to find a solid station to keep it on that's clear enough to actually listen to. If you're in a busy urban area, there's so many signals flying around that these transmitters are more or less useless. I don't know if the GPS app would help me (seems like I'd have to keep changing the car's station while I move even if I could find a clear signal here in the city), but if you're in the market for an FM transmitter and are in a place with a little more room on the radio dial, the $79.99 TuneCast is as good a choice as any. As for me, I'll probably go for an aux hookup straight into my dash the next time I have some car audio upgrade money.

Belkin has announced the release of their latest FM transmitter for the iPhone and iPod touch, the TuneCast Auto Live. You know these...
 

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Tracy

I'd love to get just the app without the transmitter. I have a transmitter, just can't find clear stations.

I like Brian's idea of disconnecting the antenna, but I'm not sure how easy that would be in my car.

January 26 2010 at 1:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oli

This had nothing to do with the article I think, but what is that phone icon on the top row with the arrow?

January 25 2010 at 8:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to oli's comment
JL

Calls being forwarded

January 25 2010 at 8:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

I have a JVC KDR-800 in my car. It has two USB inputs and supports iPhone OS from the get-go. When I get in my car, I plug in the dock connector, and I can control every thing from the dash. It's awesome. It also supports stereo Bluetooth audio, and the quality from my iPhone is way better than any FM transmitter I've ever used.

January 25 2010 at 8:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SleeplessKn1ght

How well does it handle the GSM buzz?

January 25 2010 at 8:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brian

I never tried when I was in LA, but I disconnect my power antenna power cable and that takes care of 99.5% of my interference in Denver. I try to stick to the lower stations (89.9) as they are *typically* lower powered transmitters too. For those without power antennas, disconnecting the antenna cable might work too, if you can get access to it...

The only downside is your iPod/iPhone are your only source of music in the car until you hook up the cable again. I hate commercials and shock jocks anyway, so no biggie for me...

January 25 2010 at 7:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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