New Apple remote controls Macs, iPods, iPhones
updated 01:30 pm EDT, Tue October 20, 2009
Mimics iPod nano design
Alongside new iMacs, MacBooks and other major hardware releases, Apple has quietly introduced a new system remote. The device is primarily meant for Macs, allowing users to bring up the Front Row interface for music, photo, video and DVD playback. It can also be used in a limited fashion with iPods and iPhones, controlling music, slideshows and video.
The redesigned remote borrows the look of the fifth-generation iPod nano, switching to a clickwheel. The Play/Pause button has also been moved out of the center, and now sits alongside the Menu toggle.
iPods and iPhones must be plugged into an iPod Universal Dock, due to the requirement of an IR receiver. Similarly, the only supported Macs are those with IR receivers, built in 2005 or later. The new remote can be ordered from Apple for $19, but currently has a two- to four-week shipping time.
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But...
When you're spitting video from a dock, does Apple now show the menus on the screens? That was one of my friends main complaints with using the standard Apple video cable with their iPods and trying to use a remote. You couldn't see what you were selecting, and so it was basically useless until you got something running.