Free App from Apple to Remotely Control iTunes

The developers’ seed (a pre-release version of an application that developers can test) of iTunes 7.7 contains hints about a free application that Apple will supply to iPhone and iPod touch customers, via the new App Store. The application will give iPhone and iPod touch users the ability to control iTunes from anywhere in their home.

From the developers’ documentation: “Also use the new Remote application for iPhone and iPod touch to control iTunes playback anywhere in your home –- a free download from the App Store.”

Presumably, the Remote application will use the Wi-Fi capabilities of the iPhone and the touch to connect to the computer that hosts iTunes, which means you’ll need a Wi-Fi-enabled Mac for the Remote application to work.

Remote sounds like a creative use for the iPhone and touch. I personally would love to be able to skip a song or change a playlist without running back to the Mac. Our Wi-Fi range is pretty good, so I should be able to control iTunes from our deck while I’m barbequing this summer. Unfortunately, I don’t think our Wi-Fi range is quite broad enough to allow me to remotely control iTunes while I’m mowing the lawn.