Griffin Technology announced Friday the iFM, a handheld device with a built-in FM tuner, iPod remote control functionality and the ability to record audio notes and radio broadcasts.

The iFM is a stand-alone device (see photo below) that connects to the Apple iPod. Users can switch seamlessly between controlling their music library and listening to FM radio programming. The iFM can be used as an inline remote to control the iPod's transport controls. iFM is also a recording device, with a built in microphone to record voice, or change modes to capture live FM radio directly to the iPod.

The built-in FM radio has six station presets, will scan with automatic frequency wraparound, and has a band-switch function to switch between U.S., European and Japanese FM bands. The integrated white backlit liquid crystal display shows the operating mode of the iFM at a quick glance.

The recorder, which will only work of third- and fourth-generation iPods, will tape content from the FM radio or through its omnidirectional, built-in microphone. Anything recorded will automatically be save to the iPod, with one-touch start and stop functionality exclusively on fourth-generation iPod photo models. Recording time will only be limited by the amount of available space on the iPod, the company said.

The iFM will begin shipping in August at a retail price of US$49.99.