How to control the new shuffle if you don't want to use the incl. earphones

Ah, yes I should get up-to-date.

Apple is showing different headphones as compatible.
-> http://store.apple.com/us/product/TT894VC/A?n=ipodshuffle3&fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco= Mzg2MjI5Nw&s=topSellers
-> http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU532ZM/A?n=ipodshuffle3&fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco= NDI3MzU4MA&s=topSellers

My guess is they will come out with an adapter/ remote plug-in to use the headphones.

And I hate to break it to you, but Apple has always done things that cause an uproar. What's this mouse thing, I like typing my commands? Are you kidding, no floppy disk drive? No one is making devices for this U-S-B port. What, no FireWire port on new MacBooks? That's how Apple is successful.

But more often than not, Apple is right. This control on earphone cable things is relatively minor in comparison.

Two years from now, I'll bet every major-brand music player will be controllable from a "control mechanism" that's on the headphone cable. If you look at all the current gen iPods, they can all already use the same remote control earbuds that the new shuffle has included.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB770G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MjE0NDgxMg

Maybe you can use a splitter:

http://store.apple.com/de/product/TG222ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0OQ&mco=MjIzMTg1MQ

and put your prefered earphones in one exit and the Apple earphones in the other exit (to use the controls)?

Best regards

Which may be why Apple still sells the 2nd gen iPod shuffle (as new)

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shopipod/family/ipod_shuffle2gen?mco=MTE3Mzk

(for $10 less then before - $49)

You can also get them on the Apple Store refurb page (when available) for $39.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipod?mco=MTE3Njc

How do you control the new iPod shuffle if you dont want to use the included earphones?

Same way you control it with any other earphones.

Apple earphones is below standard when it comes to sound quality, so I would like to use another brand. But then you don't have the remote

???
The shuffle doesn't include a remote with the earbuds.

Uh, Chris...

You may want to come up to speed on the new Shuffle Apple just introduced. There are no controls on the Shuffle itself; everything has been placed inline on the headphone cord. That means if you wish to use a different pair of earbuds, you ostensibly do not have any way to control the track navigation and volume.

A HUGE MISTAKE in my opinion. I think the backlash on this could be big.

The new iPod Shuffle will not work for me. I use my own headphones, not earbuds. Earbuds do not fit and stay in my ears. So, with the controls now on the earbud cord, I would have no way to operate the new Shuffle. With the older model, the controls were on the iPod itself - so alternative headphones worked just fine. Consequently, without a way to control the new Shuffle - and be able to use my own headphones - I will not purchase one.

Wow. What a huge mistake by Apple.

The Shuffle is used for working out by most people and the included headphones are terrible for that, as they fall out (especially if you're running) and frankly sound awful compared to many 3rd party headphones.

And now you can't even USE this without the included headphones or an adapter. The problem with an adapter? It adds weight and bulk to the cord and lengthens the cord, both of which you don't want on your exercise setup.

To me this totally kills the product for a LOT of people.

The best part? The already great 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle just got cheaper. Buy one soon!

Found this tidbit in an article:

Mr Joswiak also said that Apple had been working with accessory makers to ensure iPod shuffle controls are built into a wide variety of new headphones, such as sports earphones.

“They’ll be introducing headphones that have the controller integrated into their headphone design,” he said. “There will also be adapter cables available, so you can use your existing headphones with the new shuffle too.”

What a BIG MISTAKE from Apple!

As soon as I watched the guided tour on their website, the product seemed so good but as soon as I saw the controls ONLY on the cord I knew I wouldn't buy it. I can't remember the last time I used a pair of those normal earphones, I must have really messed up ears because I just can't get used to them. I need those ones that fit inside the ear canal with the rubber fittings.

The last poster mentioned the following: "CONTROLLER BUILT INTO NEW HEADPHONES". What good is that? I want them to work on my CURRENT headphones (they were expensive and very good ones at that). I think Apple is getting really bad for backward compatibility cough Nano 4G + Firewire Charging Accessories cough and this really *****! It all depends on how much this adapter is going to cost as well. I can't see it being very small and it's going to make the cable even longer.

When you take into account the new iShuffle price + new headphones if you need them (because most people will, or the adapter at the very least), you're better off getting the Nano 4G and using your current headphones or something! Don't you guys agree?

Also, is it just me or is the battery life of 10 hours less than the 2G which I think I remember being advertised as 12? Ok, 2 hours, big deal! But still!

That doesn't do me any good--I use Koss Porta Pro exclusively. It's a classic headphone made for more than the last 20 years. Not likely that will be updated, NOR DO I WANT TO BUY NEW HEADPHONES, thank you very much!

These new iPod shuffles will be popular because most customer who buy iPods (of any type) use the included earbuds (it's not a "HUGE mistake" from a business standpoint). This design is better. The old design was inconvenient, because you clipped your shuffle to your clothes, and then you had to reach wherever it was to change the volume or skip the song. I actually like my even older 1st gen shuffle design better, because it was big enough to hold in my hand when I went running and easily use the control (without reaching somewhere or even looking at it).

This is just an opportunity for a third party to release a remote control extension that connects between the new shuffle and your non-Apple headphones, for the relatively smaller number of customers who do not want to use Apple's included earbuds.

I guess you and I have different social circles Kenichi..

Everyone I know (save for about 4) uses their Shuffle to workout with (running especially), and none of them use the included earbuds as they fall out.

In addition, when exercising, you WANT the controls to stay in one spot and be usable by feel.

The 2G accomplishes all of this with great skill.

If Apple's smart, they will continue to make both models side by side, as the "new one" is simply useless for running and exercising as it currently stands.

Also, it's not a great thing to need an "adapter" for the new model to use it for exercising. Even if you don't mind it, it's still not handy to have the controls flying around under your shirt while running!

It's not any different than the radio remote control, for the relatively small number of customers who wanted their iPod to have a radio.

Think about it from a design perspective. If you made the shuffle any smaller than it was previously, there would be no way to put controls on it that a user can easily manipulate. So you would have to put the controls on the cord between the iPod and the earbuds.

You CAN'T be serious!! There is a huge difference between an iPod with PHYSICAL controls and this new one with NONE!! No comparison between earlier remotes (convenience) and the new Shuffle which REQUIRES some sort of control mechanism.

Major FAIL, dude!