Before the colour iPods, the more expensive iPods used to ship with a wired remote controller. For some reason Apple phased this out when the colour 4G ipods started to ship, but now iPod remotes are back, as the iPod Radio Remote.
They're better than before though - the old style remotes were basically six buttons - the new style has only five; but is shaped like the ipod wheel. (Pretty! see left) Of course, the big thing about it is that it will enable radio. This is a boon for those who want an iPod, and also a radio (obivously). I've never quite understood why this would be, but I suppose there's no accounting for tastes... The remote also requires a software update to work - this might mean that the radio "program" is in the update, and so perhaps a hack to enable radio without the remote is possible.
Ooh - iPod with Radio! (Now all we need is recording...)
Radio Data System (RDS) is supported, but there is no screen. It's also unclear if radio "stations" can be saved... Pity it's only in white - were I to buy an iPod now the black (nano) would be a serious contender. If you're a fan of iPod headphones, it also comes with a pair of those. It's not clear if the remote will work with older ipods - it connects via the dock connector, so it is a possibility...
[via Ubergizmo]
