Griffin claims first iPhone-ready iTrip

Griffin today unveiled the iTrip AutoPilot. The FM transmitter is the first from Griffin to support the iPhone, allowing it to plug in and work properly without interference and while supporting all the iTrip's features. For both the phone and all fourth-generation and later dockable iPods, the latest iTrip includes a distinguishing controller at the iTrip's connection to a car's 12-volt power port that lets users change volume, pause or skip tracks while stowing the Apple device in a safer location.

The AutoPilot further aims to be the best of all car-borne iTrips, displaying the iPhone or iPod's track data through the stereo using RDS data and continues to use its SmartScan technology to find the three clearest FM channels and assign them as presets, giving drivers a good signal with the option of overriding it later. SmartSound Plus allegedly improves the sound quality of the FM broadcast in actual driving conditions, while a high-contrast LCD fixes a complaint with early versions of the iTrip update.

Griffin will sell the new transmitter through Apple and other resellers for $99.