iPhone 2.0 Software Will Support iTunes Remote Control App?

By

post-2173-image-4e527ceb5b1971ab406efff3d111e1d8-jpg

Since I first got an iPod, way back when Discmen roamed the earth, my fondest wish has been that I could use it as a quasi-remote control for my stereo. I could point it at a set of speakers, scroll through my music library, press the center button, and — BOOM! — music would pour forth.

Besides a few experiments with an iTrip, however, this has been wishful thinking. Until, perhaps, the next few weeks. MacRumors claims that the Read Me file for a developer release of the imminent iTunes 7.7 will finally make this dream real (well, provided you have a computer hooked to your stereo):

Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store.

It’s pretty typical Apple to offer a few unannounced features on major operating system upgrades, but this one is incredibly welcome. Using the WiFi built into the iPhone and iPod Touch is a natural for this, and it’s much more convenient than using the (let’s face it) fairly inadequate Apple Remote. I just hope it will work with Front Row and AppleTV…

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

8 responses to “iPhone 2.0 Software Will Support iTunes Remote Control App?”

  1. Dan says:

    Don’t forget airtunes.

  2. Scott says:

    Will this feature allow you to “stream” iTunes content from your Mac/PC to your iPhone 3G? This would be similar to the way Apple TV works.
    I could care less about controlling iTunes from my phone, as the iMac is in a different room. Hell, I have that little Apple TV remote to do that.

  3. Craig Grannell says:

    “I could care less about controlling iTunes from my phone”

    On the other hand, this’d be a good reason for me to buy one. My Mac’s in an office, which is upstairs. The amp and speakers for our ‘media centre’ is downstairs. Various speakers are in other rooms. Being able to access the iTunes playlist anywhere in the house via an iPhone would make it or an iPod touch a borderline essential purchase for me.

  4. angus Shangus says:

    I don’t know why this is news… With Airtunes over an airport express + the free “iPhone Remote” application I’ve been doing just this for awhile now.