Tech Shout!

Imagine an iPod with a built-in FM Radio. Who wouldn’t want one of those? Well, the results of a new Web poll survey show that iPod owners wish to have an FM radio in the next generation of the iPod nano or Shuffle. The poll, which was conducted by Rock radio consultants Jacobs Media, also showed that the iPod as well as other personal MP3 player growth continues to be impressive.

According to Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media, “iPods are showing no signs of stopping. Last year, our data showed that the growth of personal MP3 players was far from over. This year, our new study confirms that this phenomenon continues to have lots of life, and we expect strong growth throughout 2007.”

The study showed that from the 2006 to 2007 studies, among Alternative listeners, around 67% now own an iPod-like device. The study also asked those who don’t own any of these devices if they intend to do so in 2007. Nearly half (47%) of these respondents say they are very or somewhat likely to go in for an iPod-like device. One in ten (21%) had a really strong likelihood to buy one sometime in 2007.

The study asked about the most important new feature that consumers desire in their next personal mp3 player. Overwhelmingly, these respondents want an FM tuner (33%). That feature outpaces increased capacity, a larger screen, and video playback in importance. It is noteworthy that Apple owners are especially desirous of being able to receive FM radio in their next iPods. In fact, more than four in ten (43%) make this choice.

The study was conducted in the latter part of February 2007, and consisted of over 25,000 respondents from over 69 Rock-formatted stations from all over the US. Jacobs Media is the largest Rock Radio consulting firm in America, that provides research and consulting services to major radio broadcasting companies.

Let’s hope that Apple’s main man Steve Jobs takes a cue from here, and incorporates an FM radio tuner as a new feature into its next generation of iPods!