As part of their massive, yet strangely casual, new product drop this morning, Apple also introduced a new version of the Apple Remote [$19 - Apple Store link], which when combined with an RF-enabled Universal Dock, can control your iPhone or iPod (as well as iTunes on Mac or an Apple TV sans-dock). Add in the A/V out cables, and the remote also lets your iPhone or iPod function as a mini, highly portable Apple TV all its own, showing your content on the big screen, controllable with the touch of a button.
Or three buttons now, as the new aluminum and black Apple Remote, which replaces the ancient white plastic one, not only matches Apple's new design aesthetic, but takes the play/pause button out from the center of the 4 way, and puts it on its own, on the side next to the menu button.
Not sure how we feel about this new arrangement yet. It's a little more scattered than Apple's usual (and older) elegance. However, we'll reserve judgement until we get our geeky little mits on it!
Apple's info, after the break!
Apple Remote with iPod and iPhone
If you connect your iPod to a home stereo, powered speakers, or TV set, the Apple Remote lets you experience your songs, slideshows, and more from across the room. Plug your iPod into the Universal Dock and choose a playlist, slideshow, or video. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy. Ready to move on to the next song? No need to get up. Just press the Next button on the Apple Remote. Getting a call on your iPhone? Press Pause, then pick up where you left off.
The Apple Remote requires the iPod Universal Dock and any iPod with a dock connector or any iPhone.
Apple Remote with Mac
The Apple Remote gives you total command of your music, photos, videos, and DVDs from anywhere in the room. It works with Front Row — a menu-based, full-screen interface — to make accessing the digital content on your Mac as simple as navigating your iPod. When you press the Menu button, your desktop fades and the sleek Front Row interface takes its place to give you control over your music in iTunes, your photos in iPhoto, the videos in your Movies folder, and your DVDs. Turn up the volume. Shuffle. Skip to the next chapter on your DVD. Play a slideshow, a home movie you made in iMovie, even a movie trailer.
Compatible with Apple products introduced in 2005 or later that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver.
Reader comments
More on Apple's New iPhone/iPod/iTunes/Apple TV Remote
Looks stylish to me.
Is there a way to get this to work with VLC? Because if so, count me in baybeh!
You mean IR not RF. RF is nice because it doesn't require line-of-sight and often works through walls, but this is just IR.
So there's no center button (just a dead-space)?
If you are looking for a Wi-Fi way of playing music, I highly recommend a Sonos system. It's expensive, but it has an iPhone app that lets you control music wirelessly to every room in the house. Plus, you can listen to internet radio or Sirius (if you have subscription). Much better than this alternative from Apple.
Thanks, fixed!
Ok, that leaves out 99.994% of all iPhone users right there.
Seriously, who does this stuff?
Yeah, Im gonna buy a remote thats bigger than my phone. "This is my iPhone, and this is my iPhone remote" I could see it in a docked environment though.
@icebike
I guess that puts me in the .006% as I often use my iphone with my surround sound when doing choirs around the house, or having a party.. I think the remote looks neat, but I'll just stick to playlists.
I guess I'm in that .006% as well- although I don't do it nearly so much now that I have an Apple TV.
If you are doing choirs around the house, shouldn't they just be able to sing for you? :)
@fassy
lol.. indeed they should.. wish I could call that a typo.. but obviously.. its a little more.
@d.allen:
I use my iPhone with my stereo at home, too. But, I've never once used headphones, or even listened to it on the go. I also don't use Skype, Google Voice, play games, or tether... and I don't personally know anyone else who does in my circle.
That's what's so great about these all-in-one devices that offer so many different features, and can appeal to so many different users.
I was at a wedding a couple weeks ago. DJ's had 2 iPhones hooked up in turntable dock for the reception. Worked better than I would have guessed. Phones never rang, though...
Jenny: I believe there are plenty of software that support the Apple Remote for control VLC, MPlayer, PowerPoint, (your fave here) but I have never mucked with them. I don't think you have to look very hard.
If it isn't built into the app, then there are add-ons.
@Rene
I'm sure they put them on airplane mode.. thats what I do when I play music through my system.
It's probably nice and all but when is Apple going to open up on bluetooth controls so that I don't have to keep pulling my phone out to change songs with a wireless headset?
I have to agree with you here Rene. The older remote was much more elegant. Aluminum and black is cool but I like the old button layout better. Plus I like to stick the old remote to the magnet in the top of the screen on my MBP when I'm giving presentations, no word on if the aluminum edition is too heavy or rounded for such a use.
@jtz5
To add to your Wi-Fi setup recommendation, one can purchase an Airport Express base station for $99 (less if one buys an older generation or a refurbished unit) and connect it to any set of powered speakers to stream iTunes music to it (which you can also control with your iPhone or iPod Touch).
You can also stream ANY audio (iTunes, Safari, AOL Radio, Pandora, Sirius XM, etc) from your computer to the Airport Express using Airfoil software from Rogue Amoeba ( $25 ). I personally use this and it works great to stream music.
They should of put bluetooth in it....
Also, this looks bigger than the older remote and uglier. Why does it have the play/pause separate ? Grrr. Not nice.
Play/pause is not separate, it's just not in the middle of the four-way D-pad. I hate this design, the actual chip and battery inside are extremely tiny. There's no need for a long aluminum rod, especially given Apple's environmental efforts.
That's what i meant. The Play/Pause are with the D-pad in the older design.
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