The Apple TV remote that comes with the latest Apple TV 2 is very small and can be very easily misplaced or lost completely. Luckily, Apple has included a very easy way for you to use a third-party remote control as an alternative. Sure you could use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad and the Apple Remote app but if you don’t want your kids, friends, or spouses, bugging you every time they need to change something on the Apple TV, you'll want something dedicated.

Here's how to set it up, and you should do it now before you lose your current remote.

• Power on your Apple TV
• Go to Settings in the main menu
• Click on General and then Remote
• Choose Learn Remote

• Select Start
• Apple TV will display icons that represent the six buttons on the Apple Remote with the "Up" or "+" button highlighted first.
• Using your third-party remote, press and hold the button you would like to use to control the "up" function until the blue progress bar is full as shown below.
• Apple TV will then select the next button function. Repeat the above step using a different button
• After you have programmed all six button functions, you can now use your third-party remote to control Apple TV. You can optionally setup specific playback buttons for Fast-forward, Rewind, Next chapter, and more.

If you see the "Button Already Learned" error message, this means one of the following:

• A different, previously learned remote, has a learned button with the same IR code as the current button that you are trying to program.
• A previously learned button of the current remote has the same IR code as the current button that you are trying to program.

That is all  there is to it, a very easy way to use a third-party remote as a backup for your Apple TV remote!

Daily Tips range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you’d like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@imore.com.

Source: Apple Support Article

The VooMoteZapper is a small accessory that clips into the dock connector of your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and turns it into a universal infrared remote control for your TV and home theater components. Figuring out which remote controls which device, where to find batteries when they run dry, how to fix them when something goes wrong, or what to do when you can't find them are just some of the problems we face. There are a lot of dedicated universal controls, from cheap dollar-store varieties to incredibly expensive, programable Harmony remotes already. All of them offer to make our lives simpler and easier by replacing the complexity of multiple remote controls with a single, simple solution. There are other iPhone remote adapters as well. But the VooMoteZapper looks to be one of the smallest and most elegant so far.

 Say goodbye to the days of switching from app to app or fumbling for the right remote.  The all-in-one VooMote Zapper software and hardware combine all you need for an entire home entertainment experience. With VooMote Zapper App, you don't have to sacrifice customization for convenience. Consolidate all your remotes, TV Guide functionality (coming 2012), facebook and twitter (coming 2012) and still define custom remote layouts, programming and much more!

The VooMoteZapper can not only control single items of equipment but, like a Harmony remote, it also has the ability to be programmed with macro functions too. This enables you to program a string of commands under one function for example “Watch a movie”, this could then automatically turn on your TV, start your Blu-ray player and turn on your home theater surround sound system too.

Unlike the Harmony and other, dedicated, universal remotes, it harnesses the wonderful multitouch display of the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad for its user interface, making it far more powerful and easier to use.

The downside of course is that you need to have an iOS 5-compatible device available in your living room all the time. If you have an extra iPod touch, it won't be a problem. If you're trying desperately to change channels and your spouse is talking on the iPhone or your child is playing on the iPad, it could be quite frustrating.

The VooMoteZapper is available online from the Apple Store for $69.95 and is available in a few different colors like red, green, blue, pink and gray.

$69.95 - Buy now

Via: 9to5 Mac

Belkin is set to release a remote camera shutter controller for the iPhone according to information found in an FCC filing. The small accessory will work over a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone and it can activate the camera shutter or trigger video recording remotely.

The camera remote is set to work exclusively with Belkin’s LiveAction app which is already available in the App Store. The camera remote will also come with a detachable iPhone stand to enable you to prop up your iPhone at various angles to capture the best shot. It could come in very handy if you like to take group photographs that you also wish to be included in. This would be a much better option than rushing around after setting the camera's self timer.

There is no information as to when this may be released or any pricing information at this stage. We will let you know as soon as we hear anything more.

Source: FCC via Engadget

Point, press the fire button and targets within 2 meters will be hit! Besides being a rocket launching sharpshooter the Cobra iHelicopter is very detailed and looks exactly like real Cobra Helicopters.

Source: iHelicopters - Buy now on Amazon

Logitech is well known for its range of Harmony universal remote controls and now it has announced one which will give you all the control you need; using your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Instead of using an ugly dongle or case, this uses a WiFi enabled receiver which converts the input received from your iOS device into an infrared output to you home theater kit. The companion iPhone and iPad apps will be available as free downloads from the App Store.

The Logitech Harmony Link connects to your existing home wireless network to receive Wi-Fi signals from the Harmony Link App and turns them into IR commands that home-entertainment devices can understand. Harmony Link can control up to eight devices, is compact (about the size of a hockey puck) and was designed to integrate neatly and discreetly with your home entertainment system. Harmony Link can even connect with more than one iPad at a time, letting multiple family members use their own iPad - with their own set of favorite channels - rather than fighting over a single remote.

Logitech has also teamed up with Rovi Corporation to provide detailed program information within its app. This will deliver show synopses, movie information and images as you navigate available TV channels.

The Harmony Link should be available in October for around $99.99. The price does seem reasonable when compared to stand alone universal remote controllers. The apps will be available as a free download from the App Store when the Harmony Link is launched.

[Logitech via Engadget]

Every week a few of us from team TiPb will bring you our current favorite, most fun and useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch related, they’re fair game.

To see what we picked, and to tell us your pick, follow on after the break!

Super Stickman Golf – @chrisoldroyd

This week’s pick is Super Stickman Golf. Since my brother bought an iPad 2 we have started playing a few online games. This is one of the most fun to play. Super Stickman Golf is a simple graphics game but a highly sophisticated physics type golf game.

The idea is obviously to get a little white ball in a hole in as few shots as possible. That is where the golf parts comes in; after that it’s not golf at all. You can stick your ball on walls and ceilings, stop the ball in mid air, it is pretty much golf gone mad but a lot of fun.

Now the latest update has brought multi-player for up to four players to the table, it is a great choice for some fun with your friends.

[$0.99 - iTunes Link]

SBRotator -- @andrewwray

SBRotator is a jailbreak tweak that lets you rotate your iPhone Homescreen into landscape orientation. The mod is slick, clean and intuitive with a number of great features to make it a complete jailbreak package you can use without any hassle. SBRotator won't add any icons to your springboard, but instead packs a number of options right into the stock Settings app.

You can scale your icons down in size to help keep a clean look while your iPhone is in landscape mode, and the developer went the extra mile by letting users choose whether or not to keep icon labels when in landscape to help cut down on visual clutter. You can also mimic the way the iPad handles landscape rotation by altering rows/columns, rotate your wallpaper and set which orientation you want your iPhone to default to after a restart or respring. Another great feature is the ability to force stock apps like Settings, Youtube, Maps and the App Store to allow landscape rotation -- something I personally love about this mod. If you love that the iPad allows landscape orientation and wish your iPhone could do the same, this is exactly what you've been looking for.

SBRotator is available for both iOS 3.x devices as well as iOS 4.x -- give it a try and tell us how you like it!

[$1.99 - Cydia link]

iWork for iPhone - @reneritchie

They dropped it in a press release. We've been waiting over a year, since Apple's iWork Suite -- Pages, Numbers, and Keynote -- was redesigned for iOS with the original iPad, for it to become a universal app that also works on iPhone. And Apple dropped it in a press release. That speaks to a couple interesting things. First, Apple won't have time for anything as "small" as iWork for iPhone during the WWDC keynote on Monday. Second, Apple will have their productivity suite ready and waiting on Mac, iPad, and iPhone come the WWDC keynote on Monday.

Taken right now, iWork for iPhone are interesting apps. They're beautifully designed, of course. They're easy to use, for touch screen productivity tools. But it's still a complete pain to move documents back and forth between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. That's a problem because as good as iWork for iPhone makes small touch screen, I'll almost never use it to create full documents. I will use it -- sometimes urgently -- to fix mistakes I made in docs created on my Mac. For that, great apps need a great way to round trip.

So I'm picking iWork for iPhone this week, because they're good apps that just need a great interconnecting service -- an iCloud -- to make them great.

[$9.99 - Pages on iTunes]

[$9.99 - Numbers on iTunes]

[$9.99 - Keynote on iTunes]

Remote - @iMuggle

We have 2 AppleTVs in the house; one in the living room and one in the bedroom. I am notorious for losing those stupid little silver remotes. But you can bet I never lose my iPhone. Ever.

The Remote app is great for controlling the AppleTV and I use it pretty much all the time (probably more than any other app on my iPhone or iPad). Typing search terms with the silver remote they come with is daunting. From my iPhone, I can type fast and get to content even faster.

It's free and a must have for anyone who owns an AppleTV. Do you use your AppleTV remote or the Remote app? Let us know!

[Free - iTunes Link]

Grocery IQ - jdipane (Reader's Choice)

For me, remembering to grab everything that we need at the grocery store is a struggle, and I hate to be caught with an old fashion grocery list, partially because my fiancée has all Hello Kitty paper in the house.

Grocery IQ is a great list application that allows users to create and share various lists so that they don't leave without buying everything that they need. Once an item is added to the list, users can check mark it which adds it to your "cart". At the end of your trip, you simply checkout from the trip and the items you marked will be removed from your list. Grocery IQ also has coupons.com integration so you can view additional coupons and save some extra money while on the go - which everyone loves to do! With all the features that are found in this application, and the ease of use, it is a must download.

[Free - iTunes link]

Your pick?

You’re part of the team as well, so we will be choosing one reader to make a submission each week! Just look for the announcement on twitter or our Facebook page each weekend for a chance to be picked! In the meantime, jump into the comments and let us know your pick of the week!

Every week a few of us from team TiPb will bring you our current favorite, most fun and useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch related, they’re fair game.

To see what we picked, and to tell us your pick, follow on after the break!

Square - @iMuggle

Taking credit card payments can be a big expense for businesses - especially for small businesses that are just starting up. Who wants to pay all those merchant fees?

The first thing I did when we looked at credit card options for our business was to look at ways to take them through our iPhones and iPads. When I heard about Square several months back, I knew we had to try it. We really couldn't be happier with it. We don't have to worry about monthly fees and the iPhone and iPad app is extremely easy to use. Just plug in your reader, sign into your account, and take a payment! Square allows you to accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover. They just take a nominal amount of each transaction off the top. This means no monthly transaction fee invoices.

The iPhone app allows you to take payments wherever you have service which means I can take a payment while on a consult or while out contracting. Not only does it save time and energy collecting payments for us, our clients love it too. After you set up your Square account online, simply download the app for free and you'll be taking payments in minutes! Square will send you your first reader free. You can pick up additional ones at any Apple store for $9.95.

[Free - iTunes Link, Square reader required]

Wunderlist - @ElfMinion

Make, share, and compile lists for you or your friends with Wunderlist. Wunderlist is an awesome App availible in the Apple App Store for free. Wunderlist gives you the ability to make lists, set reminders, and even share lists with your friends or co-workers who are trying to remember to do things in a timely manner. You can set alerts and reminders for as much time you need prior to en event. Wunderlist is also very easy to use. The User Interface is set up very nicely with tabs for; Starred items, Items that are due today, Items that are overdue, and a more option for more advanced settings.

[Free - iTunes Link]

First Touch Soccer – @chrisoldroyd

This week’s pick is all about the beautiful game. A previous pick of mine was FIFA 11 but this latest football (soccer) game leaves it in the dirt. First Touch Soccer is a fantastic game with good graphics; more importantly is it is fast and realistic.

The game has loads of teams to choose from but one downside is the teams are not named properly due to licensing restrictions, players are however named correctly. (You can edit the team names and club logos if it irritates you that much.) You can play single player games or multi-player over WiFi, Bluetooth or online.

This game is the best soccer game available by a mile and to make it even better, the latest update makes it a universal binary. I am downloading that now and can't wait to play it on my iPad 2! Big thanks go out to @Chris_c81 for telling me about this awesome game!

[$0.99 iTunes Link]

Cuptakes - @JBaby_9783

Cuptakes is a fun wallpaper app for your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. It's a lot like Pimp Your Screen but with a feminine touch. I think this app is so much fun. I love changing my wallpaper but sometimes they are too manly. Sometimes I just want my devices to be pretty. This app doesn't have nearly the selection that Pimp Your Screen has but it's a fairly new app. There is still a nice variety. Also, each wallpaper is made by the same person so I'm quite happy with the selection.

The app is nicely laid out and simple to use. You expect a wallpaper app to look good and this one does. I love that it doesn't require a internet connection which means I can begin using it right away. I imagine for most that isn't an issue, but my internet connection is super duper slow so I'd rather just download new content once. However, the one flaw this app has is the scrolling. It's just not smooth at all. It's very, very jerky. I cringe every time I have to scroll. With that said, the wallpapers are so beautiful that I can easily live with the jerkiness.

After all of the above I don't think I need to say that I love the app, but I'll say it anyway. I love this app and I highly recommend buying it!!! I think this app is so awesome I bought Cuptakes for my iMac. I love how my Mac, iPad, and iPhone all match!

[$0.99 - iTunes link]

Remote - @Alli_Flowers

I know I'm late to this game, but I'm glad I'm finally playing! Remote is a free app that, via WiFi will allow you to control your computer's iTunes or your AppleTV. Maybe it's because I've only had an AppleTV for a few months that I've just discovered it, but wow!

I have one of those fancy all in one remotes to control my tv, satellite, dvr, etc. The last thing I wanted was to keep up with the little ATV remote. Now I don't have to, because I can turn the ATV on or off using Remote on my iPhone. Actually, I can do anything using Remote that I could do with ...the remote. No more worrying about where the little silver brick is - my iPhone is always in my hand.

I can even play music on my pc in the other room. Just because. I don't know why I would want to. But I can! And isn't that part of the wonder of technology? First you find the ability, and then you find the use.

[Free - iTunes link]

OmniOutliner - @reneritchie

You have to love the Omni Group. Well, I guess you don't have to but here's why you should -- without hesitation they jumped headlong into iPad software, porting their most valuable titles to a brand new platform while being ballsy enough to charge real software prices for them. Sure, $0.99 is great to pay for a CrApp game you play once then exile to Home Screen 11, never to be tapped and launched again. It's not a price that will support fantastic developers making fantastic apps, however. The kind of app you use every day. The kind that save you so much time they're worth a real price because value isn't the same as cost.

For me, being able to take the noise that ricochets around what passes for my head, being able to quickly and easily get it recorded in text and images, being able to have some form of order imposed on it -- that's valuable.

And that's OmniOutliner by the Omni Group.

[$19.99 - iTunes link]

Delivery.com - @andrewwray

Delivery.com released their iPhone app this past Thursday and it couldn't have come at a better time -- literally. The app is used for ordering any number of items from restaurants, grocery stores, florists and the like, and has really helped me out over the past 24 hours while my car was in the shop for repair. I was able to get breakfast and later on dinner all delivered directly to my doorstep without any stress or hassle -- all I had to do was lift my finger and make a few taps, and my food came to me. It's so simple!

Upon launching the app for the first time, you're presented with options to sign in or sign up right from the device. This was convenient because I didn't have to jump on the computer to set up my account (something I wish all apps did), and the process of ordering my first meal took less than 2 minutes. Along with restaurants, I was able to find a few different flower houses, two grocery stores and a number pizza places which shows that the developers have really gone the extra mile to make sure you're taken care of by partnering with as many merchants as possible. When you drill down to a specific restaurant, the app presents a full menu -- every item they serve is at your fingertips.

The app reminded me of the Chipotle ordering app, except with Delivery.com you have the options of them coming to you, or ordering and picking up at the merchant's location. If you're looking for a neat app to show off to your friends next time you're all craving some grub but are too lazy to go out, Delivery.com is the app for you!

[Free - iTunes link]

TrackThis Package Tracking - @llofte

I ordered an iMac last week and have impatiently waited for it to arrive. I tend to be obsessive so I was checking my FedEx tracking online frequently because I wanted to know exactly where in the shipping process the iMac was and when it updated. After wasting too much time refreshing the website, I downloaded TrackThis from the App Store.

TrackThis supports 13 tracking carriers and is not only a fast way to check the shipping status of your item, but will send you push notifications every time it moves. Recieving updates on when my iMac arrived and departed various places made the shipping process exciting - and took up less of my time.

[$0.99 - iTunes link]

Doodle Grub - @Voitek_Dolinsky (Reader's Choice)

The Doodle Grub game is one of my favorites on my iPhone because it's a simple, yet very addictive game. The goal is to have the grub collect food while avoiding several enemies and is similar to Snake. You control the grub by tilting the iPhone. I think Doodle Grub is one of the most well done and well designed Snake type of game.

[Free - iTunes link]

Your pick?

You’re part of the team as well, so we will be choosing one reader to make a submission each week! Just look for the announcement on Twitter or our Facebook page each weekend for a chance to be picked! In the meantime, jump into the comments and let us know your pick of the week!

A company by the name of Negri Electronics (among others) is offering a remote unlock for any iPhone model using the device's IMEI number -- the cost is a cool $175. They claim the unlock won't be affected by future software updates and back the service with a 100% money back guarantee.

This is the FIRST remote unlocking service for the iPhone. Any model, any carrier, any firmware, any baseband and a permanent unlock. YOUR PHONE WILL NOT RE-LOCK, EVER. This service is guaranteed. Simply send us your IMEI and within 24 hours yourself a permanently unlocked iPhone.

The way an official SIM-unlock from Apple works is that the iPhone's IMEI number is registered with Apple's activation servers so that, when the iPhone is connected to iTunes, it's recognized as unlocked, activated, and left open regardless of which SIM in subsequently inserted in the device.

Negri is not Apple or an official iPhone carrier, so there should be a big yellow sticky placed on it saying "buyer beware".

Even officially unlocked iPhones sometimes experience problems or need to be reset by Apple, which requires time on the phone with Apple support or a trip to the Apple Store. Needless to say, they won't help you at all with an unofficially unlocked phone.

So is this remote unlock worth dropping $175 on? Let us know what you think in the comments!

UPDATE: @CellUnlocknet on Twitter let us know they're not offering this service because, as mentioned above, Apple could discover the IMEI numbers unlocked through this process and relock them. So once again, make a well informed decision any time you spend a good chunk of cash on the internet.

Curious how to use the headset and mic controls that come with your new iPhone or iPod touch? With them, the stock Apple earbuds let you take calls and control music even while your iPhone or iPod is tucked away in your pocket. For some more information on how to use your headphones please stay with us after the break.

Below are a list of functions you can perform completely on your headset:

Single Click

• Answer an incoming call.
• Hang up a single call
• Swaps calls (multiple calls)
• Play/Pause Music

Double Click

• Reject an incoming call
• Skip Track (while playing music)

Triple Click

• Previous Track

Press Once and Hold

• Activate Voice Control (Only On iPhone 4, 3GS, and iPod Touch 3rd/4th)
• Hangs up current call (multiple calls)

Press Twice and Hold

• Fast Forward Music

Press Three Times and Hold

• Rewind Music

The new headset mics come with +/- buttons to adjust volume, for music or calls.

Did you find these controls useful? Are there any I've missed? If you know of any other mic controls, let us know and we'll add it to the list.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)

Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

• Instagallery: View Instagram photos on your iPad! Includes the ability to like and comment on photos as well as follow new users. [$1.99 - iTunes link}

• Remote: Control iTunes and Apple TV! Now allows you to toggle iTunes' visualizer and brings the addition of a "skip back" button when playing video. [Free - iTunes link]

• Adobe Photoshop Express: New camera pack available as in-app purchase to reduce noise, set a self timer, and auto review. Also now has full Retina Display and multitasking support. [Free, with in-app purchase - iTunes link]

• Smurfs' Village: Now with a Vanity Smurf Hut with Vanity Smurf's Photo Studio. Smurfs will also now site on benches, logs, and stools.

• FX Photo Studio HD (Give away and sale!): With 181 total effects and filters, the possibilities are endless when it comes to editing your photos. [$0.99 - iTunes link]

The good folks at MacPhun LLC are generously provided promo codes for FX Photo Studio HD to give away to you, our awesome! Just leave comment tell us why you would like FX Photo Studio HD on your iPad for a chance to win!

Any other big apps or game releases or updates today? If you pick any of these up, let us know what you think!

Update: Congrats to MAGNUS, Rob, RisingPixels, and Bryan Clark for winning FX Photo Studio HD promo codes!

Tired of the plastic or aluminum hardware remote and wishing you could control your Apple TV or iTunes on your Windows or Mac PC with your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad? Well thanks to Apple's Remote app, you can. We'll show you how after the break!

Apple's Remote app is free on the App Store and it works through over your local Wi-Fi network. It is much more powerful than a hardware remote, especially for entering text like passwords or search terms.

Getting Apple's Remote App

1. Download Remote for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch [iTunes Link]
2. Open the Remote app on your device
3. Switch on Home Sharing on iTunes on your Windows or Mac PC
4. Put in your Apple ID and Password (These are the same as your iTunes Account info, and yes it's annoying you can't use your iPhone or iPad to put in this information!)
5. Once you get confirmation for iTunes and Apple TV tap done
6. You'll see a list of available Apple TVs and iTunes libraries (for example, your laptop and desktop might both be available via Home Sharing). Tap the one you want to control.

Bonus tip: There are other remote apps available in the App Store, for example for controlling VLC, Boxee, XBMC, and other media centers and audio/video apps as well.

Now enjoy! If you have any questions or have any other tips for controlling your Apple TV, iTunes, or Media Center libraries let us know in the comments!

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)

The Apple Remote for iPhone app has just been updated to include support for Airplay and Internet radio control. It also extends the ability to control iTunes.

• AirPlay video support to control iTunes on your computer to stream videos to an Apple TV
• Internet radio control to play thousands of internet radio streams in iTunes on your computer
• The ability to control iTunes on your computer to play Movies and TV shows that are rented from the iTunes Store
• Addresses issues connecting to an iTunes library or Apple TV
• Includes stability and performance improvements

If you pick this up, let us know how it works for you!

Apple has finally updated their Remote app to version 2.0, and included support for iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4 Retina Display, and for the iPad. It will also support shared libraries for iTunes and, of course, the new Apple TV (2010) that's just started to hit the streets. AirPlay is also supported, currently for what was previously AirTunes, and no doubt for full on iOS 4.2 video goodness when that's released as well.

Previous rumors have suggested Apple's Remote app was the work of a single engineer at the company who had since been reassigned. Whether that was accurate or not, it looks like the release of the new Apple TV was enough to get Remote out of mothballs and onto the iPad, with a new iTunes 10-style icon to boot.

I loved the previous version of Remote, especially for entering passwords and searches -- onerous via the infrared remote -- so I'm eager to try this one out. If you have already, let us know what you think.

[Free - iTunes link]

Today Comcast demoed Xfinity Remote, a prototype of a web-based remote control that aims to extend their interactive programming guide to many IP-enabled devices such as an iPad. Unlike their current sub par iPhone application [iTunes Link - Free] this application allows Comcast subscribers to have full control over cable boxes.

"The Xfinity Remote, which Brian Roberts demoed today on an iPad at the NCTA show, enables you to search for your favorite shows and movies on television and video on demand, change the channel on your cable box right from your iPad, and set your DVR remotely."

Comcast also mentions the app will allow for integration into social networks and allow for chatting live while watching a show or send invites to friends to watch programming at the same time.

The Xfinity Remote should be free when in lands into the App Store and while no release date has been given, Comcast promises we will see it before the end of the year.

Video after the break!

[MacDailyNews via Comcast]

To go along with the shiny new iTunes 9.0.2 and Apple TV 3.0 software released today, Apple has also bumped their Remote app [Free - iTunes link] to version 1.3.2, which:

"provides bug fixes and compatibility with iTunes 9 and Apple TV 3"

If you have an Apple TV and haven't tried the latest version of Apple's Remote app, download load it and do it. The lag for Wi-Fi to connect between sessions is annoying (though you can disable auto-lock, burn battery, and stay connected if you choose), but using the iPhone or iPod touch as a slick touch surface controller... gesture bliss.

[via @WyattLeCadre]

Went into the App Store and what did I see, why an updated Remote app for iTunes and Apple TV! One of the first apps in the App Store at launch, the latest update for Remote [free - iTunes link] turbo charges the cool factor with support for gesture-based Apple TV control. Very slick:

• Hold down "Menu" to bring up main menu. Swipe to move around.
• Tap to play or pause music or video.
• Drag left or right and hold to rewind or fast-forward music.
• Flick left or right for previous or next music track.
• Flick left or right or drag and hold to rewind or fast-forward video.
• Flick down to show chapter markers, then flick left or right to skip through video.
• Drag two fingers left for 10 second reply.
• Tap "Exit" or "Options" for those actions.

If you hit exit, you get similar functions, art display, etc. to the previous version of the Remote app. Hitting Options brings up a new overlay menu on the Apple TV. Speaking of which...

The new Apple Remote app's gesture features require iPhone 3.0 and the latest Apple TV software update, also released today (which seems to have gotten a UI over haul as well). Get that, or you won't get the nifty new interface.

I'm trying it. I'm liking it. How about you?

More screen shots after the break!

iPhone 3G S comes with typical shiny white Apple headset buds, but for the first time these earbuds sport the new "remote", which includes volume controls and more.

Apple previously introduced iin-ear headsets with remote and mic for the second generation iPod touch (and aluminum MacBooks) in September 2008, but clearly labeled them as not-compatible with the iPhone 2G or iPhone 3G because the "remote" part was useless.

What a different a generation makes.

Now the full control scheme introduced with the 4th gen iPod shuffle is available to iPhone 3G S owners with one notable difference -- holding down the center button activates Voice Control.

(Thanks Bruce for the tip!)

The short of this one is that you plus your DSLR camera (Canon currently, Nikon in development) into your computer), run a server on your computer, and then run DSLR Remote on your iPhone and -- Boom! -- you can get the live preview right from the camera lens on your iPhone, adjust all sorts of settings like white balance, ISO, etc. and "fire" pictures off when you've got it set up, and set on, just exactly what you want.

The long of this is, with iPhone 3.0 coming and it's APIs for peripheral connection via dock and Bluetooth, we ain't seen nothing yet. It's not hard to imagine more and more gadgets (and even appliances) suddenly taking advantage of what could be one of the most flexible and powerful "remote controls" on the market.

If iPhone 1.0 was multi-touch and the interface, 2.0 was App Store, 3.0 is still looking to be all about the accessories.

[via GeekBrief.tv]

Hot on the heels of the premium "App Store Plus" (TM Erica Sadun) $19.99 rumor we helped propogate yesterday, in his (its?) weekly column, the Macalope pulls a follow-up rumor out of his rear port (actually makes it up on the spot) for a concept that's actually pretty darn intriguing:

You know how Apple’s still trying to figure out the Apple TV? Sure, you do. You’re smart and sexy and you keep on top of these things. Well, last summer the brown and furry one’s old sparring partner Adrian Kingsley-Hughes actually hit on a great idea: making the Apple TV into a gaming platform and selling games from the App Store. The only thing Adrian thought was missing was a controller. [... The controller is] your iPhone or your iPod touch with a brand new game-controller app. Remember how Apple likes to make its products interdependent so you have to buy all of them to unlock Super Steve God Mode? And, really, who has an Apple TV and doesn’t also have an iPhone or iPod touch?

Personally, I've got an Apple TV and an iPhone, and I love the Apple Remote App for watching video, so this idea appeals to me quite a bit. Casual gaming, Wii-style, on the big screen, with an amazing multi-touch controller? Yes please.

Anyone else want this like now?

I've never found a good compact headset. The default Apple ear buds that ship with the iPhone (and every iPod) just don't stay in my (must be mutant) ears. Likewise every other earbud I've tried had fallen out in the matter of seconds. Even the ones with over-ear hooks flop to the sides with annoying consistency. And Apple's original in-ear headset? Didn't quite fit in my ears so I gave them to my sister.

So it was with great and possible anticipointment that I decided to brave this world again and hope beyond hope that not only would Apple's new In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic work well and be convenient, but that it would work at all.

Did it? Find out after the break!

Not iPhone Compatible

No, that's not a typo. Apple clearly lists the new In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic as not iPhone compatible. However, I am using it with the iPhone and it does work, except for the volume controls (which double as the skip forward/back). Hopefully this will be addressed in the next iPhone OS update, as it's a pretty puzzling omission.

Hardware

In the box are two plastic capsules. The first is a rounded triangle that contains the ear pieces in the center and the cord wrapped around the edge. With no indentation between the clear top and white plastic bottom, getting this capsule apart is tricky. If you intend to store your headphones in this handy container, the lack of an even more handy finger recess or other easy-opening point could prove consistently annoying.

The second capsule contains smaller and larger silicone ear tips in case the default ones don't fit you properly. While also seamless clear and white plastic, the cylindrical makes this container much easier to open -- ironic since you will likely need to open it much less frequently, if ever again.

Lastly, kudos to Apple for providing 2 extra replacement mesh caps for the headphones. Hopefully you'll never need them, but if you do, having them included is priceless (well, technically, worth the price of a new headset!)

The headphones themselves are quintessential Apple -- white, plastic, with that special firmness that resists tangling.

New to this model is a small control module attached. The center of the module has a recessed play/pause button. The outer outer sides provide the volume up and down buttons (which are NOT supported by the iPhone) and, if you double-click, track forward and back.

Daily Use

Over the last week, I've found Apple's new In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic to be quite good, and an excellent value for the price (something many joke is impossible for Apple). Sound quality is very good, mic quality acceptable given the type of device, and best of all -- they mostly stayed in my ears.

Not having used in-ear headphones before (because they never fit right for me), I did find the experience a little distracting at first. The sound of the cord being tapped, of eating, of everything going on in my head took me out of the experience. However, I've come to notice this less and less as time goes on.

I did find that, when walking around, I would typically take one earpiece out so I could hear and keep track of my surroundings. For people using them for outside, safety alone would make this a must.

Bonus for MacBook Users

When Apple introduced these near earphones, they were quick to point out that they're fully supported by the new (late 2008) MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. In tests, I found them to work well for making Skype calls and recording audio. They supposedly allow iTunes control as well, but I could not get this functionality working on my late 2008 MacBook Air, however the internet seems to show many people having better luck with it (maybe my set has a problem with the volume control?). If they work for you, anyone owning a recent Apple laptop may consider these killer just for the multi-tasking functionality.

Conclusion

I finally found a compact headphones that I can use! Granted, there may be others towards the higher end, but for their price, especially with the added MacBook compatibility, these will become my new standard headphones. Now if only Apple would fix the iPhone compatibility...

Note: I haven't had a chance to try them with VoIP on an iPod touch, but I hope to in the near future.

Pros

• Excellent sound quality for the price
• Elegant remote control features
• MacBook compatibility for some

Cons

• Limited iPhone compatibility

TiPb Review Rating

You saw the epic liveblog, now see the photos.

We have the deets in photo on the new 17" MacBook with the ridiculously large 8 hours of battery life, the fact that iTunes is going 100% DRM-Free, the new iLife with GarageBand Music Lessons, iMovie's stunning upgrades, and iPhoto's geo-tagging and face-recognition, and also the new iWork with Keynote -- which now has an iPhone-based remote for switching slides and reading your notes.

Um, yeah, this was a huge Macworld for Mac people -- and the iTunes DRM news and the Keynote news were incredibly great upgrades for iPhone owners.

Makes you weep that Apple will never go to a Macworld again, don't it?

It looks like Apple's new in-ear headset will begin shipping any day now, according to what Macrumors is reporting. Yesterday Apple end-of-life'd the old headphones which simply means they will no longer be shipping them to resellers and when that happens, it generally means the new product is on it's way.

In case you missed the announcement of these new headphones, here's the deal:

The new Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic are engineered for superior acoustic accuracy, balance, and clarity. So you hear details you’ve been missing with other, lesser headphones. And the biggest breakthrough? They’re just $79.

Are you willing to drop $79 for these bad boys?

[Via Macrumors]

[This is an iPhone blog App vs. App review! Last week, we ran our Shazam vs. Midomi showdown, with Midomi scoring the win. But which commenter won an iTunes gift certificate? Congratulations Patrick! Want your chance to win the winning app this week? Comment below!]

Ever used a laser pointer? Ever used a wireless mouse? Ever wish you could have both in one and more? Well, there are some apps on the iPhone that allow you to do just that! These devices work great! They turn the iPhone into a remote mouse with a virtual touch pad. You use your finger to control the mouse; left-click, right-click, scroll, it makes no difference! You can even create macros to automate launching applications! Let's take a look at two of these apps: Air Mouse [iTunes Link] and Snatch [iTunes Link]

Function

Snatch (ver 2.1): This app offers a slightly different approach. You get your track pad, but lose out on the laser pointer. But what do you gain? Macros baby! That is right, you can program Snatch to launch your favorite apps with the touch of the screen!

Specifics

The "laser pointer" feature is quite nice. It uses the accelerometer in the iPhone to track your movements onscreen, thus replicating the effect of a laser pointer with your mouse. Simply point the iPhone at the screen and make your gestures; tilt to the left or right, up or down and the on-screen cursor responds accordingly. I found this to be effective, but a little fickle and practice is definitely need, but it does work as advertised. Having the instant switch feature really enhances its usefulness as well. Switching on the fly from pointer to mouse is really an added bonus.

Snatch (ver 2.1): Though similar to Air Mouse, Snatch offers a few more  configuration options for the remote mouse. For instance, you are not limited to just portrait, you can also use landscape as well. How many mouse buttons would you like? You can create up to three virtual buttons with Snatch.

Multiple mouse buttons one of the advantages over Air Mouse; there are more options too. Air Mouse offers virtual no options where Snatch gives you just about any option you can think of. Let me give you a small selection:

• Button placement (top or bottom)
• Inertia (on/off)
• Speed
• Cycle between text or numerical keyboard
• Plus a few others!

{Update: For those that are interested, there is also a free version of Snatch that can be found here [iTunes Link]. It is missing scroll, keyboard and macro functionality, but hey, it is a free mouse }

Configuration

One more thing, and this is really important: These apps only work on your LAN. For example, you are at your house and the computer and iPhone are using Wi-Fi though the same router. These apps MAY NOT work at say, Starbucks or your corporate environment. However, Snatch does offer the ability to create your own Ad-Hoc network with your Mac, so this is not much of a problem for Mac users.

Conclusion

Air Mouse Rating

• Solid app
• Fast
• No-hassle setup

Snatch Rating

• Portrait and landscape
• More configuration options
• Macros

Needless to say, the announcement from Sonos that you can now control all of this via your iPhone is really exciting! I personally don't use Sonos, but I have a friend that does, and he filled me on on the scoop...

I have 5 zones of Sonos in my house. And let me give you a break down of why I use this product versus others. Sonos allows me the ability to access several sources of music via a wireless hand held controller. 

This controller has hard buttons, a touch sensitive scroll wheel, and a large LCD display for metadata and navigation. Now with the controller I can access some amazing things. First, I can access any shared music files on my personal computer including my itunes library. Beyond that the music selection is near limitless. I can access several on-line subscription services (free 30 day trials included with the purchase). Rhapsody, Pandora, Napster, Sirius, and 1500 pre- loaded internet radio stations, all from my handheld controller(s)!  I can search via all the expected criteria, and build Pandora stations right from the controller! The Sonos system transmits this data wirelessly from a sending unit my router out to each room, or "zone". In each room is a Sonos receiver/amplifier connected to various speaker types depending on the specific room.  This is where it gets fun.  With the controller I can turn each zone on or off, select the music of choice, and control the volume of each zone independent of one another! I can "link" zones to have them all playing the same music, or not!

Now that I have explained the Sonos concept you are wondering where the iPhone comes in to play right? Well, enter the new Sonos controller application!  Being that the controllers are a cool $400 apiece (and worth it!), how much cooler would it be to have Sonos at my finger tips from the moment I walk in to my wifi network right here on my $200 iPhone! Well, being that Sonos is wifi based, 801.11-ish, its is all possible.

Pros: I get total control of my zones on my iPhone. I love this, its brilliant.

Cons: I use Sonos as my alarm clock (thats right), but I can't control the alarm via the iPhone application.

Also, the iPhone should be a zone in itself! I could be mowing the lawn listening quite literally to almost anything I could ever want.  Hopefully these changes are just an update away!

You can find out more about Sonos and other cool "entertainment solutions" by visiting Entertainment Solutions in their store or online.

AT&T has high hopes for their U-Verse service, which is AT&T's fancy term for their high speed internet, TV, and voice telephone package. It all works over the Internet and some believe that this is the direction that television is headed. So how does the iPhone fit into all this?

Well, obviously we all know that AT&T is the exclusive carrier for the iPhone, so some high ranking suit probably thought it'd be a great idea to create synergy with their most popular phone and their next big money maker. How well will they play together? The iPhone's U-Verse features will include having Visual Voicemail play through your TV, the option to download shows from your DVR to your iPhone, using the iPhone as a true remote, and even for giggles like hurling virtual tomatoes at the screen.

Sure, it may sound gimmicky but it looks to be good business for AT&T. And hey, throwing tomatoes? That's always fun.

ReadVia

This will come as a surprise to precisely no-one, but it looks like iTunes announces itself over Bonjour when you turn on "Look for iPhone and iPod Touch remotes" under the advanced preferences. Above are my iTunes Remote details that popped up in Bonjour Browser after I clicked the iTunes' check box.

Sadly, there are no remotes to read the signal just now, but it does seem likely that some enterprising hackers may someday be able to use this info to hack together iTunes remotes for other platforms besides iPhone 2.0. Because, you know, there are still going to be people out there that don't use the iPhone.