iOS 4.1 features: AVRCP stereo Bluetooth controls

iOS 3.0 introduced A2DP (advanced audio distribution profile) stereo bluetooth playback to iPhone but for some reason Apple never added the accompanying AVRCP (audio/video remote control profile) to go with it... until the new iOS 4.1 beta.

Basically, in iOS 3 and iOS 4, you could play and pause music and other audio but you couldn't control things like volume. The buttons on the Bluetooth device simply didn't work. This was a show-stopper for many users who wanted and needed that kind of control -- for example, to use while driving.

Looks like they've got it now.

[MacRumors forums via 9to5Mac]

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.