Apple Introduces New Aluminum Remote, Improves Performance on AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/20/apple-introduces-new-aluminum-remote-improves-performance-on-airport-extreme-and-time-capsule/)

While the big news today was Apple's release of new iMacs (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/20/apple-releases-updated-imac-models-with-21-5-and-27-inch-led-screens/), a new Magic Mouse (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/20/apple-introduces-magic-mouse-a-multi-touch-mouse/), updated Mac minis (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/20/apple-introduces-magic-mouse-a-multi-touch-mouse/), and a refreshed MacBook (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/20/macbook-updated-with-led-display-multi-touch-7-hour-battery/), Apple also quietly updated several other hardware products.

Apple today introduced a new aluminum Apple Remote (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC377LL/A) priced at $19 and shipping in 2-4 weeks. Compatible with any Mac made since 2005 with an infrared port, the new remote offers a circular navigation wheel and separate menu and play/pause buttons. The remote is also compatible with the iPhone and iPods when using an iPod Universal Dock.


http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/10/20/131504-aluminum_apple_remote.jpg

Apple also updated its AirPort Extreme (http://www.apple.com/airportextreme) and Time Capsule (http://www.apple.com/timecapsule/) models today. The new models reportedly offer up to 50% better wireless performance and 25% better range than the previous models due to a revised antenna design. The new Time Capsule also offer up to 60% faster Time Machine backups than on earlier models when using Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

Article Link: Apple Introduces New Aluminum Remote, Improves Performance on AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/20/apple-introduces-new-aluminum-remote-improves-performance-on-airport-extreme-and-time-capsule/)

[thegoldenmackid]

I wonder if they fixed the 18-month life expectancy?

[SchneiderMan]

Omg please stop i cant!!!! i will be homeless!!

$19.00 for this beautiful piece of design? YES

[iphonesarecool]

Looks very nice!

[roland.g]

I've never had an Apple Remote go bad.

1. Any word on whether the nav wheel is scrollable iPod style?

2. Any word on whether the new remote is Apple TV compatible? Don't see why it wouldn't be, but they don't mention it in the store.

[warbyj]

Looks good..

I will be investing!

:apple:

[iSimx]

ahh all these new apple products :D

the remote looks awesome.

[APPLENEWBIE]

I hope the new remote is a little bigger and less "loseable". the dust bunnies in my couch have apparently apprehended at least three of the little buggers. They seem to eat them.

[seedster2]

I wonder if they fixed the 18-month life expectancy?

My sentiments exactly.

Airport extreme and an external hard drive seems like a more reliable option than Time Capsule

[redtimebold]

In both comments on mac mini and new Imac.

[KindredMAC]

What a great day to be an Apple FanBoy!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Diode]

I wonder if they fixed the 18-month life expectancy?

Mine is at the 18month and going strong ... wonder if it will fail soon haha?

It's been on constantly since I bought it back in Jan 08.

[MTShipp]

Great for the new TC buyers; how about fixing the dang 109 errors with Snow Leopard!

[uaecasher]

apple is so going green lol

[coreyaustin]

Alright no bluray today. But bluetooth for this remote would have been really cool! Still it looks amazing.

[davidbrummy]

The current remote is a bit crap so I may get this.

Is there a universal remote out there that includes the AppleTv?

[Diode]

The current remote is a bit crap so I may get this.

Is there a universal remote out there that includes the AppleTv?

Logitec Harmony remotes work with AppleTV ... I have been using mine with it just fine.

[robgreene]

Seriously... Arn and company, can y'all check with your sources and find out why there's no mention of the tv with this new remote? Are they done with their hobby? That would be truly awful news, in my opinion (I own two of them!).

[OllyW]

Seriously... Arn and company, can y'all check with your sources and find out why there's no mention of the tv with this new remote? Are they done with their hobby? That would be truly awful news, in my opinion (I own two of them!).

It does say "Compatible with Apple products introduced in 2005 or later that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver." which should include the Apple TV.

[Santa Rosa]

Only just bought my Time Capsule 2TB now its out of date. Certainly wasnt expecting an update to the TC that soon, thought it was only updated a few months ago?

Oh well, this one will probably be dead in a few months anyway lol :rolleyes:

[STSNorthstar]

Is it still magnetic? The play/pause was moved to below the wheel. is the center button now a mute? Is it even clickable?

[Detlev]

Hmm, the remote is no longer included in the iMac purchase (not that I mind—I found it useless).

Can someone tell me what the story is with these 18 month old TCs? I purchased a few months ago (just before the last upgrade). Am I safe putting data on it?

[The Samurai]

I picked my current apple remote up from ebay for about 7 quid over a year ago and its still going strong.

[swissmann]

I wonder what makes the backup so much faster on the time capsules?

[msprouls]

The current remote is a bit crap so I may get this.

Is there a universal remote out there that includes the AppleTv?

I control my AppleTV with a RTI T2-C and RP-6, works great.

[cnorth3]

My corgi thought the plastic ones were delicious. Ate every one. No way she's going to like the aluminum ones as much!

[SimonTheSoundMa]

I wonder if they fixed the 18-month life expectancy?

I have three that are four years old. One of them is used day in day out (my iMac is used as a TV).

All use the original batteries.

Apart from that, as a remote they suck. Can we have a decent sized remote with a few extra buttons please Apple?


EDIT: Guess now you were on about the time capsule or airport. I thought you meant the remote.

[WestonHarvey1]

I wonder why they moved the play/pause button. It doesn't seem ergonomic to me. I use my Apple TV a lot and my thumb just has to naturally return to a neutral position when selecting a menu item. Now I'm going to be picking it up and moving it off the arrows multiple times for any menu interaction.

[OllyW]

Can someone tell me what the story is with these 18 month old TCs? I purchased a few months ago (just before the last upgrade). Am I safe putting data on it?

You should be safe for the first 17 months and 18 days (http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/10/time-capsule-failures-lead-to-opening-of-virtual-cemetery.ars). ;)

[skeep5]

60% increase on time machine? wow. so is the previous time machine pathetically slow? I might buy one now.

[madog]

I wonder if they fixed the 18-month life expectancy?

You know the battery can be changed, right? Otherwise I've never heard of any of the many Remotes my friends and I have dying completely, but that's just me. EDIT: Keeping the original post, but I guess you were referring to the Time Capsule. The main focus of the article seemed to be the remote, with the giant picture and all. =\

Is there a universal remote out there that includes the AppleTv?

I don't know exactly what it is, but my bro-in-law has a universal remote system set up to control his AppleTV, TV, Cable, and DVD boxes. It's one of those fancy ones with the LCD displays in the remote so it might be too expensive for most, but it's possible.

[OllyW]

I have three that are four years old. One of them is used day in day out (my iMac is used as a TV).

All use the original batteries.

Apart from that, as a remote they suck. Can we have a decent sized remote with a few extra buttons please Apple?

I think he was asking about the Time Capsule. :D

Daft Brummies. :p

[freediverdude]

Yea I am wondering if it works with the Apple TV also. Although with the remote app on the iPhone, I may not need this, but still it might be cool to have.

[BornAgainMac]

I wonder what makes the backup so much faster on the time capsules?

A bug that deletes your data before the backup should improve backup performance. Less data = faster backups. ;)

[gsmumbo]

I control my Apple TV and my MacBook with my Phillips Prestigo that I just got yesterday. Just threw my two Apple Remotes in my closet never to be seen again. But I must admit that remote is sexy. I may buy one. Even if I never use it. That and the Magic Mouse

[tbobmccoy]

I've had my Apple Remote for over 35 months... still going very strong. I love my white plastic one, matches my MacBook (although I'm running up on that 3 yr AppleCare limit... I might be looking to buy a new one)! :D :apple:

[WestonHarvey1]

Yea I am wondering if it works with the Apple TV also. Although with the remote app on the iPhone, I may not need this, but still it might be cool to have.

The latest Remote app is really awesome. But there's still the lag time of having to launch it and make a connection that prevents me from using it as much as the regular remote.

It's another thing that background processes could improve.

[totally_fly_]

Did anyone else notice the updated magsafe power cord on the new MacBook?


http://images.apple.com/macbook/images/design_magsafe_20091020.jpg

[apparatchik]

How about AirPort Express... did they also updated it??

[notjustjay]

I wonder what's coming down the pipe.

Apple wouldn't spend time and resources updating their remote control, unless there's something cool coming down that will take advantage of the new functionality or design. An updated Apple TV, perhaps?

Home media integration is starting to really take off. Anyone with an Xbox or PS3 is able to take advantage of media stored on servers. There's the Apple TV, of course. There's Windows Home Media servers. TVs are even starting to ship with these features built-in (Samsung's internet@TV series, for example). Yamaha's neoHD receivers can handle digital content too.

This all used to be the stuff of geeks (network drive mount points? codecs? whaa?) but is quickly becoming very mainstream.

I hope Apple is going to position itself with an even more competitive offering, and perhaps upgrading the dinky little remote is the first step.

[huntercr]

I have been begging Apple ever since AppleTV came out for a clickwheel remote. it was a total no brainer. Please tell me this new remote is an actual clickwheel!!

[JohnnyQuest]

I'm wondering if the universal dock will soon ship with this remote instead of the white one (as it does now). Any insight? I'm in need of both a remote and dock and would love it if I could buy the new remote with the universal dock.

[gsmumbo]

I wonder what's coming down the pipe.

Apple wouldn't spend time and resources updating their remote control, unless there's something cool coming down that will take advantage of the new functionality or design. An updated Apple TV, perhaps?

Home media integration is starting to really take off. Anyone with an Xbox or PS3 is able to take advantage of media stored on servers. There's the Apple TV, of course. There's Windows Home Media servers. TVs are even starting to ship with these features built-in (Samsung's internet@TV series, for example). Yamaha's neoHD receivers can handle digital content too.

This all used to be the stuff of geeks (network drive mount points? codecs? whaa?) but is quickly becoming very mainstream.

I hope Apple is going to position itself with an even more competitive offering, and perhaps upgrading the dinky little remote is the first step.

An updated Apple TV would be awesome, but I think it is just part of their push to make everything aluminum. Since the remote is still in use, they can't update everything else to aluminum and have the one random accessory left behind. Now not everything is aluminum yet but it seems to be moving that way.

[ivladster]

Apple TV will have a new remote. You'll see!

[walnuts]

Anyone know if they got rid of the magnet inside? I with my ancient (by apple standards) imac liked my handy little storage spot.

[enkadrummer88]

I've never had an Apple Remote go bad.

1. Any word on whether the nav wheel is scrollable iPod style?

2. Any word on whether the new remote is Apple TV compatible? Don't see why it wouldn't be, but they don't mention it in the store.


I just spoke with a store representative and YES it is indeed an iPod style clickwheel. Also, I'm sure it will be TV compatible... if it's not, then I just wasted $20 lol

[Jason Beck]

All I know is I wish I had one.. HHAHA : )

[Michael73]

I bought my 1TB TC just at 45 days ago from BB so I'm within my return window thanks to my silver rewards status.

I love the idea of having wireless backups for my MBP but the reality is that the implementation is painfully slow and when it is backing up, everything else whether on the MBP, the MP or the iPhone all run slow. To top it off, for some reason, even incremental backups from hour to hour are ungodly large...a problem I've been troubleshooting with Apple Tech support almost since day 1. I called my local BB and they confirmed there's no TCs anywhere in the entire district nor the distribution facility. So reportedly in the next 1-2 weeks they should have stock of all the new Apple products that rolled out today. ;)

Anything that brings speed improvements for TC backups is well worth the cost in my book!

[David The Scot]

The big question to me is when is :apple:TV getting a refresh I have been waiting for months to buy :apple:TV but it is now old tech and needs a upgrade

[Diode]

I bought my 1TB TC just at 45 days ago from BB so I'm within my return window thanks to my silver rewards status.

I love the idea of having wireless backups for my MBP but the reality is that the implementation is painfully slow and when it is backing up, everything else whether on the MBP, the MP or the iPhone all run slow. To top it off, for some reason, even incremental backups from hour to hour are ungodly large...a problem I've been troubleshooting with Apple Tech support almost since day 1. I called my local BB and they confirmed there's no TCs anywhere in the entire district nor the distribution facility. So reportedly in the next 1-2 weeks they should have stock of all the new Apple products that rolled out today. ;)

Anything that brings speed improvements for TC backups is well worth the cost in my book!

If you have a VM (Virtual machine) on your mac (such as parallels or vmware), every time you run the program, the Time Machine will treat it as a changed file and try to back up the entire thing. If your VM instance is large (10+GB) that could be the cause.

[RazHyena]

The remote looks like a.......
:o nevermind.

[boethius]

and I just bought an AEBS yesterday :(

Anyone have any experience with Apple return policies?

[lozanoj83]

and I just bought an AEBS yesterday :(

Anyone have any experience with Apple return policies?

14 day return policy, and quite frankly they shouldn't charge you a restocking fee

[roland.g]

14 day return policy, and quite frankly they shouldn't charge you a restocking fee

Apple no longer charges a restocking fee on anything but computers.

[alexph]

Oh B****y H**l

I took delivery of an Airport Extreme today - I am assuming the older model

S****


Alex

[wizard]

I wonder if they fixed the 18-month life expectancy?

That is the first question that came to mind. Truth is I was ready to buy a time capsule up until I the power supply problem became news. So let the tear downs begin. We need verification of an improved power supply.


Dave

[GekkePrutser]

Oh B****y H**l

I took delivery of an Airport Extreme today - I am assuming the older model

S****


Alex

Don't you get your 14-day free return policy over there? If so, just return it and re-order ;) As long as you don't even unpack it I'm sure Apple won't mind.

[phillipjfry]

Good for apple :D
But i'm still going to vote negative overall on the fact that i want a speedbump on the appletv.

But don't let me hamper everyone else's fun :p

[JackSYi]

Yup, it looks sturdier.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC461LL/A?mco=MTM0MTE4ODU

[shaunymac]

I wish I could tell myself I really "need" this. I think I have actually used my remote 3 times. This one does look far better than my plastic one.

If that scrolls like an iPod then it would be a huge improvement in my book.

[shaunymac]

Not to mention, the length of this looks like it will fit much much better in the hand...maybe it can be afforded after all...

[alexph]

Don't you get your 14-day free return policy over there? If so, just return it and re-order ;) As long as you don't even unpack it I'm sure Apple won't mind.


yes but I have unpacked it and plugged it in to the mains.

I might have a go at them and see what they say

[ftaok]

Apple no longer charges a restocking fee on anything but computers.

Is this an official Apple policy? Or is it just what they typically do?

My AEBS is only 4 days old ... and I'm trying to decide whether to pack it back up and drive to the store to get the new one.

[billysea]

Why can't the new iPod shuffle look like this (in a smaller form) than the crap we have now?

[VenusianSky]

Can we get a remote that has menu functionality for the iPod?

[guru_ck]

Can we get a dedicated power button for the Apple TV? K Thx

[crhudy1985]

I bought my AEBS about 6 days ago and I have only opened the box. The plastic is still on the actual product. I am just wondering if I take it in to the store for a return, will they have the newer AEBS in stock? Or will I have to get store credit until the new models are in? My 14 days will be up if they don't get the new models in for another week.

[Tastydirt]

What speeds are people getting from their Airport Extremes/Time Capsules? I have an original Extreme (100Mb ethernet, 802.11n) and I get about 5.2MB/s from a WD MyBook 1TB hooked up via USB.

If the new revisions can give a bit more speed, I'd be very tempted to upgrade.

[Michael73]

If you have a VM (Virtual machine) on your mac (such as parallels or vmware), every time you run the program, the Time Machine will treat it as a changed file and try to back up the entire thing. If your VM instance is large (10+GB) that could be the cause.

Maybe that's it. I *do* have an instance of XP SP3 running in VMWare. Last hour the backup size was about 9MB, right now it's backing up again and this time it's 13.71GB and all I've done is email and websurfing so something is definitely not right.

Is there anything I can do about this?

[Jacquesass]

If you have a VM (Virtual machine) on your mac (such as parallels or vmware), every time you run the program, the Time Machine will treat it as a changed file and try to back up the entire thing. If your VM instance is large (10+GB) that could be the cause.

This may have been true with earlier versions of VMware Fusion, but the current version (2.0.x) defaults to splitting the virtual HD into 2GB chunks, most of which aren't changed through normal use of the VM...

[MacFly123]

It looks anorexic lol! I think it is nice, but a little more width than height would look better, and I'm not sure why they added they play/pause button instead of keeping it in the middle...:confused:

[NightFox]

yes but I have unpacked it and plugged it in to the mains.

I might have a go at them and see what they say

If you're in the UK that's no problem (assuming you got it direct from Apple) - Apple's 14 day returns policy is almost without exception, doesn't matter if you've been using it every day, you can still return it no problem.

I think I'm right in saying if you bought it from an Apple Store, you have to return it to an Apple Store, and if you bought it from the Online Store, it has to be shipped back to the Apple Store. So you can't but stuff online, and take it back to a store.

[SHIVERINGGOAT]

I'm miffed having upgraded only 2 months ago that they have made 50% speed changes for a product that was heavily revised (i.e dual band/guest network) only in March this year. :(

[Diode]

Maybe that's it. I *do* have an instance of XP SP3 running in VMWare. Last hour the backup size was about 9MB, right now it's backing up again and this time it's 13.71GB and all I've done is email and websurfing so something is definitely not right.

Is there anything I can do about this?

Exclude your VM instance (your XP SP3 image) from backups. You can do this from the time machine control panel. I'd give you the exact steps - but I don't have my mac in front of me. If you can't figure it out PM me and I'll respond when I get home.

[Diode]

This may have been true with earlier versions of VMware Fusion, but the current version (2.0.x) defaults to splitting the virtual HD into 2GB chunks, most of which aren't changed through normal use of the VM...

But any changes to one of those 2GB chunks would cause a 2GB backup ;-)

[termite]

What's the point of a new remote when Snow Leopard has broken all remote functionality outside of iTunes, Quicktime, and Front Row?

Every program that worked fine with the remote on Leopard (MythTV, Hulu Desktop, Apple Logic, etc..) no longer works right with the remote in Snow Leopard.

[analog guy]

I bought my 1TB TC just at 45 days ago from BB so I'm within my return window thanks to my silver rewards status.

I love the idea of having wireless backups for my MBP but the reality is that the implementation is painfully slow and when it is backing up, everything else whether on the MBP, the MP or the iPhone all run slow. To top it off, for some reason, even incremental backups from hour to hour are ungodly large...a problem I've been troubleshooting with Apple Tech support almost since day 1. I called my local BB and they confirmed there's no TCs anywhere in the entire district nor the distribution facility. So reportedly in the next 1-2 weeks they should have stock of all the new Apple products that rolled out today. ;)

Anything that brings speed improvements for TC backups is well worth the cost in my book!

I'm miffed having upgraded only 2 months ago that they have made 50% speed changes for a product that was heavily revised (i.e dual band/guest network) only in March this year. :(

perhaps i'm reading it wrong, but it appears to me that while apple has changed the antenna(e?) and perhaps made a few other changes, the speed of the backups has not changed.

the statement apple includes on their site was published for the prior versions and has more to do with snow leopard than the time capsule hardware. (note: they do not quote a speed improvement with leopard, which is the give-away. apple started making these claims when they were preparing for the 10.6 launch.)

Even better, new technologies in Time Capsule and refinements to Time Machine make backing up to Time Capsule using Snow Leopard up to 60 percent faster than before.


of course, if bandwidth was your bottleneck and the new TCs improve bandwidth, then you'll see an improvement.

i purchased a 2TB TC in august and note than bandwidth is not the constraint for me on incremental backups.

there may be other reasons to complain for those who just purchased TCs, but that does not appear to me to be one of them.

please correct me if i am wrong.

[wackymacky]

I hpe it does a better job at controling my iPhone on the universal remote thant the old one.

[Groves]

It looks anorexic lol! I think it is nice, but a little more width than height would look better, and I'm not sure why they added they play/pause button instead of keeping it in the middle...:confused:

I like this move.

There are times when you need to select something, but aren't trying to pause the thing that's already playing. It opens up functionality for the (hopefully near) future for the remote to be a tad more able to multitask.

[Palliser]

Yeah I just bought an airport extreme 15 days ago... bah, thats how technology goes I suppose! But I'm happy with what I have. Still works well...

[sine-nomine]

So Apple has told one poster that the remote has a click wheel - can anyone else confirm? Nothing in the store says one way or another, and I'm having some memories of the release of the original aluminum MacBooks when Apple reps were telling people that even the base model had the backlit keyboard. I'm not sure I trust the CSRs to have the facts.

[williedigital]

They wouldn't come out with a new remote and keep selling an AppleTv with the old remote. And they wouldn't add one to the box. New AppleTV in two weeks or less.

[MorphingDragon]

The key words I was looking for was price drop.

The new remote looks fugly.:(

[wverveer]

60% increase on time machine? wow. so is the previous time machine pathetically slow? I might buy one now.


How can i see, that the TC is the new version...the one with the 60% increase?

When i order now.. i have the possibility to get the older one...decrease with 60%, and ik want to be certain of the newest one..

sorry about my english,,greetings from holland

[CaryMacGuy]

The New apple remote: a scrapped design idea for the 3rd generation Shuffle :p
Actually it is pretty cool looking

[analog guy]

How can i see, that the TC is the new version...the one with the 60% increase?

When i order now.. i have the possibility to get the older one...decrease with 60%, and ik want to be certain of the newest one..

sorry about my english,,greetings from holland

see my earlier post, a few posts up from yours.

the time machine performance improvement is attributable to SNOW LEOPARD -- not the time capsule.

the "last generation" time capsule (released over the summer) has the same capacity but an antenna configuration that gives slightly slower speeds/less range. network speed is unlikely to limit your performance on incremental backups, so if all the above is true you may wish to get the cheaper (older) version.

note: there may be other updates we don't know about (e.g., power supply changes) that make this version the one to get.

[Beric]

Can you use it with DVD Player? I hate Front Row.

[nkawtg72]

How can i see, that the TC is the new version...the one with the 60% increase?

When i order now.. i have the possibility to get the older one...decrease with 60%, and ik want to be certain of the newest one..

sorry about my english,,greetings from holland

don't think you have to worry about that. at least in the US, if you order a product with XX description, then that's what they have to give you. if you order from Apple Store online and you selected the product you want and purchased it, that's what you'll get. apple will not ship old ones in place of new ones for new sales. however, it may be possible to find an old one on the store that you can choose to buy, but apple will have indicated that in the description of the product.

i recommend you make certain to save your online receipt (with product description and model#) just to cover yourself in the event you don't get what you paid for.

[mcmlxix]

The new remote might bode well for ATV, but the disappearance of Front Row from apple.com is disturbing.

I was hoping (or speculating) that the ATV/Mini distinction would be eliminated during this refresh something like this:

A. Select your machine (choice of with or without optical drive, and choice of HD size) which has HDMI in addition to the current ports on the Mini

B.Add your OS (ATV OS, Snow Leopard, or Snow Leopard Server)

C.Click purchase

I guess not.

I’ve observed that the last several ATV software updates have come in Februarys and Junes. Does this mean we’ll have to wait until Feb for the next update?

I’ve also heard (or maybe imagined) that Apple is working out an ad based revenue sharing plan with Hulu to legitimately include it in the ATV menu. This would be sweet, as would being able to mount external hard drives (either via WFi or USB) through the ATV menu.

I’d rather not have to deal with the xbmc/boxee hack. I find the experience rather non Apple. Go figure, and Hulu streams like a rapid slide show anyway, unlike on my iBook, which is smooth.

[alexph]

In the UK it seems that the new AE has a model number of MC340B/A. The one delivered to me today was a MB763B/A, so it goes back tomorrow hopefully

Alex
\

[basura!]

Are they going to provide some sort of control panel this time? It'd be nice not to have to rely on third-party software in order to make this thing useful...

[FromageTheDog]

Anyone else notice that the AEBS page says absolutely nothing about supporting Time Machine...? I remember that for the first gen AEBS, Time Machine support was "unofficial," but I thought the later revisions officially supported it...

[celticpride678]

Seems like a lot of empty space on the remote. But still, it might make sense. Amazing, new design was needed though. Apple came through. I might think about purchasing this now:)

[Sol]

I wonder why they moved the play/pause button. It doesn't seem ergonomic to me. I use my Apple TV a lot and my thumb just has to naturally return to a neutral position when selecting a menu item. Now I'm going to be picking it up and moving it off the arrows multiple times for any menu interaction.

Good question. If this was compatible with Apple TV I would say it used this button layout to make playing games possible. This way users would have one thumb on the scroll-wheel and the other on the two buttons. Of course Mac games could also be made compatible with such a control scheme, if enough people buy these things.

[dmelgar]

I'm in the market for a new router supporting QoS (quality of service) to make sure VOIP works even when the internet connection is busy.

I just bought a D-Link DIR-825 I can still return. Its working great with QoS for my VOIP phone, but my iPhone keeps dropping the WiFi connection complaining about "incorrect wifi password".

I'd rather have an Airport Extreme. I assume it would work better with my 2 macs and iPhone, but I need QoS.

[jettredmont]

I wonder what's coming down the pipe.

Apple wouldn't spend time and resources updating their remote control, unless there's something cool coming down that will take advantage of the new functionality or design. An updated Apple TV, perhaps?



What new functionality? Aside from the (not advertised, so I'm somewhat reticent to believe it) report of the black circle acting like a scroll wheel, there's no new functionality to be had from this remote. Two buttons were moved, the finish changed to aluminum from white plastic, and the shape slightly changed. Seems the definition of a cosmetic update.

I strongly doubt this portends anything good for ATV, as much as I'd love it to. I'd like to ship our old ATV upstairs and replace the living room ATV with a new model ... Apple just has to produce something with not-three-year-old technology. Sigh.

IMHO, I'd LOVE a much better remote for the ATV. I know Apple hates multi-button remotes, and I understand that. But the finger gymnastics I need to do to find an artist in my music collection (the inertial scrolling makes for a neat demo, but is WAY too imprecise for finding the right item in a list!) would benefit greatly from a better remote control interface. Even just having a dedicated remote control IR command for on and off (so I can program my home theater remote) would be a nice addition, I don't care if they implement it in the remote control or not. But, ideally, they'd come up with an iPod Touch-lite (read, cheaper than an iPod touch so that I can justify letting 3-year-old fingers within greasing range of it) remote control, and/or enable any Mac to run the iPod Touch's Remote Control app (because my laptop is always at the ready when I'm watching TV or listening to music anyway).

[jettredmont]

Good question. If this was compatible with Apple TV I would say it used this button layout to make playing games possible. This way users would have one thumb on the scroll-wheel and the other on the two buttons. Of course Mac games could also be made compatible with such a control scheme, if enough people buy these things.

You realize that the IR emitter has to be pointing pretty much directly at the computer/ ATV for the button presses to register, right? Holding it "sideways" like a Wii remote won't work. And, generally speaking, twitchy gaming action and IR remotes don't mix, even if you are holding it so that the emitter generally faces the receiver.

[skeep5]

looks like an upside down :0
:eek:

[thenorthman]

Hmm, the remote is no longer included in the iMac purchase (not that I mind—I found it useless).

Can someone tell me what the story is with these 18 month old TCs? I purchased a few months ago (just before the last upgrade). Am I safe putting data on it?

I purchased a 1TB version on the pre-order when they were first announced. Mine is still up and running and have had no problems with it after the initial issue of the first back up that was going on when it first came out.

So that is my experience....

Sean

[GQB]

I'm glad they made the remote optional, since I use either my Harmony remote or any of a variety of iPhone remote apps for both my Mac and AppleTV, to much better effect than the actual remote.
Actually, I've been using Air Mouse as my trackpad while my iPhone charges, but I'm getting a Magic Mouse as soon as they're available.

[Sol]

You realize that the IR emitter has to be pointing pretty much directly at the computer/ ATV for the button presses to register, right? Holding it "sideways" like a Wii remote won't work. And, generally speaking, twitchy gaming action and IR remotes don't mix, even if you are holding it so that the emitter generally faces the receiver.

Actually yes, I did consider orientation and thought it would be meant to be used held vertically so that IR can function properly. Admittedly it is not ideal for typical video games players but Apple users are not exactly that. Besides, if there is a separate tv version for all we know it could be BlueTooth instead of IR, in which case horizontal orientation could work.

[twoodcc]

i want to try out this remote. also, i just bought a time capsule like a month ago. oh well

[ortuno2k]

While I'm very happy for all the upgrades, I'm kind of upset on the update for the Airport Extreme being hardware-based, instead of software. A newly redesigned antenna...oh well.
I guess I'll have to put my 3-month old Airport Extreme base station for sale on eBay...
I'm gonna get the new one. Plus that Magic Mouse. Looks damn sexy.
Or I might go back to a Time Capsule, since they upgraded its speed. The first time capsule was painfully slow.
Oh well. Damn you Apple. Love you, but hate you too :p

[Scottsdale]

I think the black buttons are way too big and black. How about some silver aluminum buttons and not two big bug eye buttons. Who thought this out? Does anyone really find this attractive? Think how great it would look with aluminum buttons.

[Gregintosh]

I guess I'll have to put my 3-month old Airport Extreme base station for sale on eBay...

Wow, did your 3 month old device break automatically when the new ones were announced? Weird, seems like a common phenomena on all the Apple boards I visit after a product announcement. :D

My advice: if you were happy with your purchase up to today's announcement, save your money. Maybe buy the new remote and/or magic mouse with the savings. ;)

[rosh325]

So I just bought an Airport Extreme last week and saw this update. I went down to the store to see if they the updated AE in stock (they did not) and I was told to come back next week. The problem? My return period is up in 3 days! I spoke to the manager who gave me his card so hopefully I will be able to exchange it next week. They said there is normally a 10% restocking fee on serialized items, but hopefully I can get that waived as well (Especially since they're not really restocking it with the newer models)...I'll post an update later.

Worse comes to worse, I will stay with my current model and be happy. The range on this thing is already ridiculous

[Aries326]

Anyone know if the new airport extreme has QOS? I've got the model before this latest one and honestly, I'm pretty disappointed. The range isn't bad but if you're into torrents or even streaming video over the network while other people are using the internet, forget about it.

[iMaggot]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!, I just got an AirPort Extreme a month ago :mad:

[Unprocessed1]

i want to try out this remote. also, i just bought a time capsule like a month ago. oh well

I'm sure the functionality will be similar, but it's nice it's all aluminum now. Nothing like having a white apple remote to go with an aluminum mbp :p

[bossxii]

For those asking about any universal remotes controlling ATV, Logitech Harmony series of remotes will. I have the Harmony One, Not the cheapest but work flawlessly. They range from around $99 to $400 and they control anything you can throw at em. The software comes with something like 5,000 devices/brands etc... if you have a device it wont' control, submit the model and some other info to Logitech and they will ADD it to the list.

Best purchase I've made, easy to use software to program it and with the LED screen, once programed my technically challenged in laws can even turn on the TV/Surround/DVD or whatever they want and everything works perfect. It's all setup, right inputs, right devices, and they can't screw anything up!

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/3898&cl=us,en

I picked one up for $149 about a year or so ago, seen em on sale at a Best Buy for $99 over the summer.

*One note I don't think it can control a PS3 without buying a USB dongle for the PS3, to receive the IR signal. Forget the specifics, but a buddy had an issue with it.

[alexph]

Good on you Apple

Airport Extreme being collected tomorrow. New model will be shipped in 4 days. No problems at all.

9/10 for service

Alex

[ZHH]

anyone know how to tell the difference between the old AE and the new one? I would just order it online, but I have something to exchange at the Apple store and I want to make sure I get the new one.

[OllyW]

anyone know how to tell the difference between the old AE and the new one? I would just order it online, but I have something to exchange at the Apple store and I want to make sure I get the new one.

They have got different part numbers.

Have a look at this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=8674311&postcount=92) post.

[dempson]

Anyone else notice that the AEBS page says absolutely nothing about supporting Time Machine...? I remember that for the first gen AEBS, Time Machine support was "unofficial," but I thought the later revisions officially supported it...

This was mentioned as a feature of the Airport Extreme base station prior to the release of Leopard (one of the many features "subject to change"), but all mention of it was removed when Leopard appeared.

Since then, Apple have never officially supported the use of an AEBS to host a Time Machine backup. They only support networked Time Machine backups to a Time Capsule, or to a hard drive connected to a computer running Leopard or later.

There are workarounds to get Time Machine to use an AEBS (and several other "unsupported" network backup devices. Once it is set up, evidence is that it seems to work fine. Haven't tried myself.

[cmendill]

Is there a universal remote out there that includes the AppleTv?

ATV will learn any remote you want to use. There is a very nice remote training procedure. It prompts you to press the buttons you want to use for each function. It works great.

[macintoshtoffy]

My sentiments exactly.

Airport extreme and an external hard drive seems like a more reliable option than Time Capsule

I used to do that but thanks to the hard disk spinning down all the time - it is a nusence, so I put it back into my desktop.

Damn I hate hardware companies who think they're saving the environment by spinning down disks.

[FromageTheDog]

This was mentioned as a feature of the Airport Extreme base station prior to the release of Leopard (one of the many features "subject to change"), but all mention of it was removed when Leopard appeared.

Since then, Apple have never officially supported the use of an AEBS to host a Time Machine backup. They only support networked Time Machine backups to a Time Capsule, or to a hard drive connected to a computer running Leopard or later.

There are workarounds to get Time Machine to use an AEBS (and several other "unsupported" network backup devices. Once it is set up, evidence is that it seems to work fine. Haven't tried myself.

I see. At least for the first-gen AEBS which I have, while not officially supported, Time Machine eventually worked -- no hacks or workarounds necessary -- after a (Apple official) firmware update. I thought that since then, the subsequent iterations would have (re-)introduced official support, but I guess not!

[silentnite]

It's a nice clean & sleek look. It should have been made to control your ipod touch etc. :D

[iZac]

In an alternate universe where the 2nd Gen clippy shuffle never happened, this is what it should have evolved into!

[Trahere]

There is quite some reference with the Universal Dock to be used with the new remote. I presume as a mini TV.
Could someone point to me where in the current Apple Store this item can be found?

[JLB-UK]

It's a nice clean & sleek look. It should have been made to control your ipod touch etc. :D

That would have been really cool!

[ipedro]

They almost got it right...

If that ring had been a click wheel with scrolling capability, it would have been the perfect remote for both FrontRow and tv and given a use to the ingenious click wheel concept which will eventually die out when the iPod Classic goes away and the Nano Touch makes its debut.

[ams23]

Received my new (just released) Airport Extreme today. Was surprised to see some other software tweaks. There is a new version of Airport utility with the unit. For example, now you can list multiple MobileMe users for BacktoMyMac functionality/access from outside--- nice touch, Apple! With informal testing the range is definitely improved compared to my prior dual-band version. More to follow...

[gnomeisland]

Received my new (just released) Airport Extreme today. Was surprised to see some other software tweaks. There is a new version of Airport utility with the unit. For example, now you can list multiple MobileMe users for BacktoMyMac functionality/access from outside--- nice touch, Apple! With informal testing the range is definitely improved compared to my prior dual-band version. More to follow...

Will you also let us know if the airdisk speed improved? I'm wondering if a faster proc (hardware) is what's really behind the increase and not just antennas.

[dmelgar]

Received my new (just released) Airport Extreme today. Was surprised to see some other software tweaks. There is a new version of Airport utility with the unit. For example, now you can list multiple MobileMe users for BacktoMyMac functionality/access from outside--- nice touch, Apple! With informal testing the range is definitely improved compared to my prior dual-band version. More to follow...

Does the new airport extreme add any configuration options about Quality Of Service?

[nooficial]

Hello, someone knows that there are universal dock, since they've got the remote again

[rosh325]

Just an update, I was successfully able to exchange my "old" dual-band Airport Extreme yesterday (it was 10 days old). There was no restocking fee despite the fact that it was unpackaged.

So far everything seems fine. To answer the earlier question: I did not see any QOS additions. Sorry

[ftaok]

I was one of the ones that bought an AEBS right before this last update. I called the store and they said they would exchange it without the restocking fee.

I just did that today without any problems. The folks at the apple store are great. The girl said that they were taking them back without a restocking fee for everyone (I'm assuming just the ones who were exchanging).

Now here's the issue. The new AEBS requires the latest version of the Airport Utility to work. It's only available on the included CD. The problem is that it requires Leopard to run. AGGGH!!! I haven't updated yet.

So my next option is to run Airport Utility on my PC. I'm downloading SP3 right now because Airport Utility requires XP/SP3.

I'm lucky I have an option .. but not everyone has another compatible computer lying around to use.

Just putting this out there because I hadn't read about it and I don't think it's widely known.

[appleguy123]

My Apple REmote has a definite ship date! its a really long time away though.

[nooficial]

Excuse but no one knows the case with the universal dock ???

Thank's