I loaded the free Apple application (app) named Remote onto my iPod Touch last night and thought I'd give a bit of feedback since I was using AlloySoft's app named Signal. Signal is mentioned in these threads on AC:
#1,
#2,
#3.
Signal was available for over a year before Apple's remote control, so I decided to get it since my system is computer based (Mac G5) and in a different room. It was a great solution to remotely controlling iTunes playback allowing one to choose music by Genre, Artist, Album. Since it worked via a browser interface there was the added burden of the browser navigation. Occasionally it did loose track of the iTunes session when the iPod went to sleep. But it would catch up.
The Remote app is the super clean version of Signal. It doesn't use Safari browser as an interface. I switched back and forth a few times and some screens are 98% identical. Neither of the remote control apps provide the Cover Flow feature (allows browsing of the CD cover art). This is likely due to the limitations of the required bandwidth and graphics processing needed to make the graphics animation smooth on the iTouch screen. Another app I use, though this with is client/server via wireless does transmit the cover flow, it is sloooow, so I I understand Apple's decision to not include it in the Remote app. Eventually, it will be possible.
Remote shows you the play time of each song, just like any iPod player, but Signal does not. Both allow you to select music from your main iTunes computer by Genre, Artist, Album or existing Playlist. Signal allows you (though a bit clumsily) to create a new Playlist from the iTouch. I do not see this feature on the Remote app. When using the iPod in the traditional portable player mode, you can create an "On-The-Go" Playlist from your music - that would be nice feature for the Remote app. Though the lack of Playlist creation is not a big issue for me since I would either go directly to the main music server or use netTunes to do that.
So the Remote app is free, but early Gen 1 iTouches need firmware 2.0 (or later) which was $20 for me. Later G1 iTouches and iPhones have 2.0 preinstalled.
The funny thing is, for me, the timing of my upgrade to the iPod touch 2.0 firmware as this morning the new iPod (Generation 2) and version 2.1 firmware were announced. I had purchased it a week ago but just got around to installing it since I had to backup the music files. The firmware allowing me access to mail is awesome. I only wish the iPhone was reliable for wireless calls I would own one since it does everything and more that the iTouch does.
While I won't review the Gen2 iTouch, the new features all make sense. Button volume control and basic speaker. Lots
written here on the new iTouch,
and here too. Apple's iTouch page Cheers,
ed
