Apple quietly unveils new hardware remote

***AppleInsider*** · 10-20-2009, 01:16 PM

Amidst a number of new product launches Tuesday, Apple also released a new aluminum remote that can be used with any Mac or iPod Universal Dock.

The new Apple Remote eschews the iPod shuffle-like buttons of the previous product. Instead, it has changed the circular controls, menu and play buttons to black. In addition, the play button has been moved from the center of the circle. It is now located just below it.

On the back of the aluminum enclosure is a new, easier battery access for replacing the device's power supply. The $19 hardware has a current ship time of two to four weeks.

Apple's product page states that the new remote is backward compatible with products that worked with the previous Apple Remote. It requires hardware introduced in 2005 or later that has a built-in infrared receiver, including Macs.

"The Apple Remote gives you total command of your music, photos, videos, and DVDs from anywhere in the room," Apple said. "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."

The remote also works with an iPod or iPhone, if it is connected to an iPod Universal Dock.

"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," Apple said. "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."

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

kindwarrior · 10-20-2009, 01:38 PM

[quote] In addition, the play button has been moved from the center of the circle. It is now located just below it.[quote]

I use my remote with my entertainment center and I'd love for it to be cooler looking: If all else were equal I'd jump at an aluminum version. But, unless there is some really cool new feature button at the center of the donut, the pause/play placement is a serious F-up.

Also, while it may be so slick that it takes a while to figure out. The mechanism for changing batteries on the old white remote is very easy: push in the little dimple and a battery tray slides out. place a new battery on the tray and it slides and snaps into place. If there is a fault (and I think it's a feature), it's that the access to the battery is so well concealed it almost appears there is none-- much better than having a man hole cover.

Krone · 10-20-2009, 01:39 PM

I was looking at the photo of this remote and I thought about the new supposed tablet... I can imagine it looking a lot like a larger version of this (with a touch screen of course). The edge design of this thing is very stricking... and since it is practically the only product released today that is actually visually "new" I wonder if this may be the new direction they may go??? just a thought anyway.

Ireland · 10-20-2009, 01:47 PM

my mistake

ranum · 10-20-2009, 01:54 PM

Interesting that there is no mention of the AppleTV in Apple's blurb of compatible hardware, though I'm sure the new remote is fully compatible with the AppleTV.

I just find it interesting that Apple chose to highlight Front Row compatibility and not highlight AppleTV compatibility. I think this says something about Apple's attitude toward the AppleTV, especially since they go out of their way to cite compatibility with iPod Docks and iMacs, etc. The absence of AppleTV I think is telling.

caljomac · 10-20-2009, 02:38 PM

Omg i really like this - looks kinda like the ipod nano

mcmlxix · 10-20-2009, 02:52 PM

Does anyone have a list of the desktops/laptops that have the infrared receiver? Looking at the tech specs for the Mini and iMac on the Apple Store right now. Neither mention IR. What about MacBooks?

huntercr · 10-20-2009, 03:22 PM

But is it a clickwheel? I've been begging Apple of this for years now. Please be a clickwheel.

cmf2 · 10-20-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmlxix

Does anyone have a list of the desktops/laptops that have the infrared receiver? Looking at the tech specs for the Mini and iMac on the Apple Store right now. Neither mention IR. What about MacBooks?

They all have an IR receiver, although I'm not entirely sure about the Mac Pro.

exscape · 10-20-2009, 03:30 PM

Uh, sounds like a downgrade to me. Why move the play/pause button when it sits perfectly where it is?

anonymouse · 10-20-2009, 03:30 PM

So, does this do anything that the Apple Remote iPhone app doesn't do? (For a Mac, that is.)

ecking · 10-20-2009, 03:50 PM

Unless that surface functioned as a click wheel, why move the play button? Now it's going to require looking down at the remote, just like all others, it looses it's edge now. What was cool about it was that you didn't have to stare at it to operate it, it felt natural.

kasakka · 10-20-2009, 04:42 PM

Why is it so long when it only has so few buttons? Most remotes are unnecessarily large anyway.

Tummy · 10-20-2009, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecking

Now it's going to require looking down at the remote, just like all others, it looses it's edge now. What was cool about it was that you didn't have to stare at it to operate it, it felt natural.

If you have to look to use a three button remote, you must be a moron. I can use my TV remote, which has 36 buttons without looking.

The new positioning of these buttons more easily demonstrates their relationships to "back" and "forward" within the menu structure of the Apple TV and Front Row.

jowie74 · 10-20-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindwarrior

Also, while it may be so slick that it takes a while to figure out. The mechanism for changing batteries on the old white remote is very easy: push in the little dimple and a battery tray slides out. place a new battery on the tray and it slides and snaps into place. If there is a fault (and I think it's a feature), it's that the access to the battery is so well concealed it almost appears there is none-- much better than having a man hole cover.

On mine, the dimple at the bottom doesn't work properly so I've never been able to get the tray out. Luckily the battery is still okay but I have no idea what I'll do when the battery runs out. Get a new remote?

Maybe the reason they changed the back was because the tray was less reliable? But I was surprised they moved the play button. Why did they not add a select button in its place?

jowie74 · 10-20-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anonymouse

So, does this do anything that the Apple Remote iPhone app doesn't do? (For a Mac, that is.)

Moreover, does this do anything that the original remote didn't do? What's with all the specs and compatibility information if it's exactly the same but just with a new design?

Chris_CA · 10-20-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranum

Interesting that there is no mention of the AppleTV in Apple's blurb of compatible hardware, though I'm sure the new remote is fully compatible with the AppleTV.

I just find it interesting that Apple chose to highlight Front Row compatibility and not highlight AppleTV compatibility. I think this says something about Apple's attitude toward the AppleTV, especially since they go out of their way to cite compatibility with iPod Docks and iMacs, etc. The absence of AppleTV I think is telling.

Personally, I believe they didn't mention it because they are getting ready to come out with a new AppleTV. Why get people to purchase a new remote when you can wait a few months and get them to purchase a new AppleTV?

newbee · 10-20-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowie74

Moreover, does this do anything that the original remote didn't do? What's with all the specs and compatibility information if it's exactly the same but just with a new design?

What, you couldn't find anything to complain about so you complained about nothing? ... Didn't you used to write for Seinfeld?

Chris_CA · 10-20-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbee

What, you couldn't find anything to complain about so you complained about nothing? ... Didn't you used to write for Seinfeld?

Not that there's anything wrong with that...

Gxcad · 10-20-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krone

... and since it is practically the only product released today that is actually visually "new" I wonder if this may be the new direction they may go??? just a thought anyway.

I just found this to be funny on today of all days with all sorts of new designs.

retroneo · 10-20-2009, 08:59 PM

The new MacBook doesn't have an IR receiver anymore....

The new Mac mini and iMac have it though.

myapplelove · 10-20-2009, 09:55 PM

this has to be the least inspired of the updates. there's something amiss here: inspiration. it's not too bad but it's just average, not great as per apples standards. from the stupid unintuitive position of play button, to that man hole at the back. very average.

GregAlexander · 10-21-2009, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntercr

But is it a clickwheel? I've been begging Apple of this for years now. Please be a clickwheel.

Yes, that's the first thing I wondered about. Why not use the iPod successes to design a remote?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranum

Interesting that there is no mention of the AppleTV in Apple's blurb of compatible hardware, though I'm sure the new remote is fully compatible with the AppleTV.

I just find it interesting that Apple chose to highlight Front Row compatibility and not highlight AppleTV compatibility. I think this says something about Apple's attitude toward the AppleTV, especially since they go out of their way to cite compatibility with iPod Docks and iMacs, etc. The absence of AppleTV I think is telling.

2nd thing I wondered

Hey when you use the remote via the Universal Dock to control an iPod, there's no menu on the TV. When's Apple going to make the iPod Touch or iPhone provide an AppleTV/FrontRow menu?

ie:
Click menu on the remote and it opens FrontRow on the TV (from the iPod in the dock) ... so you virtually have an AppleTV ready to go.

caljomac · 10-21-2009, 08:26 AM

Please say its a click wheel

pmz · 10-21-2009, 11:09 AM

I was just thinking about funny it would be if the remote had been the ONLY new piece of hardware introduced yesterday. APL would have taken a hit, but it would have been hilarious.

kindwarrior · 10-22-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jowie74

On mine, the dimple at the bottom doesn't work properly so I've never been able to get the tray out. Luckily the battery is still okay but I have no idea what I'll do when the battery runs out. Get a new remote?

Maybe the reason they changed the back was because the tray was less reliable? But I was surprised they moved the play button. Why did they not add a select button in its place?

I bet your tray works fine. Try taking the micro jack connector from a pair of head phones so you can press down on the dimple ONLY (It's a button -- a separate piece of plastic); I bet your tray will pop out.

jowie74 · 10-22-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kindwarrior

I bet your tray works fine. Try taking the micro jack connector from a pair of head phones so you can press down on the dimple ONLY (It's a button -- a separate piece of plastic); I bet your tray will pop out.

I bet it doesn't

I can press the dimple and the tray loosens itself, the clicking bit works. Unfortunately it doesn't pop out though and there's not even enough room down the crack for tweezers to pull it out.

Any other ideas?

BenRoethig · 10-22-2009, 02:11 PM

Nice visual update, but it still needs an express button to bring up front row and go back to your desktop. Too much clicking involved currently.

10-20-2009, 01:16 PM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,581	Apple quietly unveils new hardware remote Amidst a number of new product launches Tuesday, Apple also released a new aluminum remote that can be used with any Mac or iPod Universal Dock. The new Apple Remote eschews the iPod shuffle-like buttons of the previous product. Instead, it has changed the circular controls, menu and play buttons to black. In addition, the play button has been moved from the center of the circle. It is now located just below it. On the back of the aluminum enclosure is a new, easier battery access for replacing the device's power supply. The $19 hardware has a current ship time of two to four weeks. Apple's product page states that the new remote is backward compatible with products that worked with the previous Apple Remote. It requires hardware introduced in 2005 or later that has a built-in infrared receiver, including Macs. "The Apple Remote gives you total command of your music, photos, videos, and DVDs from anywhere in the room," Apple said. "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." The remote also works with an iPod or iPhone, if it is connected to an iPod Universal Dock. "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," Apple said. "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." [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

10-20-2009, 01:38 PM	#2
kindwarrior Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9	Brushed aluminum cool, but bad placement of the play/pause button. [quote] In addition, the play button has been moved from the center of the circle. It is now located just below it.[quote] I use my remote with my entertainment center and I'd love for it to be cooler looking: If all else were equal I'd jump at an aluminum version. But, unless there is some really cool new feature button at the center of the donut, the pause/play placement is a serious F-up. Also, while it may be so slick that it takes a while to figure out. The mechanism for changing batteries on the old white remote is very easy: push in the little dimple and a battery tray slides out. place a new battery on the tray and it slides and snaps into place. If there is a fault (and I think it's a feature), it's that the access to the battery is so well concealed it almost appears there is none-- much better than having a man hole cover. Last edited by kindwarrior; 10-20-2009 at 01:44 PM..

10-20-2009, 01:39 PM	#3
Krone Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3	design foreshadows tablet I was looking at the photo of this remote and I thought about the new supposed tablet... I can imagine it looking a lot like a larger version of this (with a touch screen of course). The edge design of this thing is very stricking... and since it is practically the only product released today that is actually visually "new" I wonder if this may be the new direction they may go??? just a thought anyway.

10-20-2009, 01:47 PM	#4
Ireland Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: OLEDLAND Posts: 9,057	my mistake Fanboys will diss on OLED displays--until the iPhone gets one. And get one it will. I have always loved them. Always! Daylight crap, blah!

10-20-2009, 03:22 PM	#8
huntercr Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 62	but is it a clickwheel? But is it a clickwheel? I've been begging Apple of this for years now. Please be a clickwheel.

10-20-2009, 01:54 PM	#5
ranum Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 34	Interesting that there is no mention of the AppleTV in Apple's blurb of compatible hardware, though I'm sure the new remote is fully compatible with the AppleTV. I just find it interesting that Apple chose to highlight Front Row compatibility and not highlight AppleTV compatibility. I think this says something about Apple's attitude toward the AppleTV, especially since they go out of their way to cite compatibility with iPod Docks and iMacs, etc. The absence of AppleTV I think is telling.

10-20-2009, 02:38 PM	#6
caljomac Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 87	Omg i really like this - looks kinda like the ipod nano

10-20-2009, 02:52 PM	#7
mcmlxix Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 32	Does anyone have a list of the desktops/laptops that have the infrared receiver? Looking at the tech specs for the Mini and iMac on the Apple Store right now. Neither mention IR. What about MacBooks?

10-20-2009, 03:30 PM	#10
exscape Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 13	Uh, sounds like a downgrade to me. Why move the play/pause button when it sits perfectly where it is?

10-20-2009, 03:30 PM	#11
anonymouse Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 776	So, does this do anything that the Apple Remote iPhone app doesn't do? (For a Mac, that is.)

10-20-2009, 04:42 PM	#13
kasakka Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 18	Why is it so long when it only has so few buttons? Most remotes are unnecessarily large anyway.

10-20-2009, 08:59 PM	#21
retroneo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 206	The new MacBook doesn't have an IR receiver anymore.... The new Mac mini and iMac have it though.

10-20-2009, 09:55 PM	#22
myapplelove Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 319	this has to be the least inspired of the updates. there's something amiss here: inspiration. it's not too bad but it's just average, not great as per apples standards. from the stupid unintuitive position of play button, to that man hole at the back. very average.

10-21-2009, 08:26 AM	#24
caljomac Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 87	Please say its a click wheel

10-21-2009, 11:09 AM	#25
pmz Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 516	I was just thinking about funny it would be if the remote had been the ONLY new piece of hardware introduced yesterday. APL would have taken a hit, but it would have been hilarious.

10-22-2009, 02:11 PM	#28
BenRoethig Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dubuque, IA USA Posts: 2,519	Nice visual update, but it still needs an express button to bring up front row and go back to your desktop. Too much clicking involved currently. "Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people's thinking" -Steve Jobs. I guess he forgot to add "unless its mine."

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