In addition to the AppStore roll out today, the AppleTV gets version 2.1 for the set-top box. This update was expected to include support for the new MobileMe service, but what was unexpected was Apple Remote application support for the iPhone and iPhone Touch.

The MobileMe stuff functions the same way .Mac did on the AppleTV. We suspect that it was just an upgrade in graphics.

The Remote Application can be configured similarly to the way iTunes is configured. Select Remotes from the General Menu and select add remote. Enter the 4 digit code and your done. Your iPhone will now be able to select music, tv shows, movies, etc from its Remote App interface.

The Software Update for AppleTV 2.1 is available through Software Update.

As promised, Apple has released the iPhone/iPod Touch Remote application. This app allows you to control, navigate your iTunes library on your local wireless network. After playing with it for a while, all we can say is that its freaking amazing.

The application mimics the iPod interface currently found on the iPhone/iPodTouch where you can quickly navigate Playlists, Artists, Albums, Search, and More (Audiobooks, Video, Music Videos, TV Shows and Movies) For those of you with multiple libraries on multiple computers, don't worry, you can associate more then one with this app.

To set up your Remote App:

1. Ensure 'Look for iPhone & iPhone touch Remotes' is checked in the Advanced System preferences.
2. Downloand and install the Remote Application from the iTunes AppStore.
3. From the Remote App, select Add Library
4. Enter the 4 digit code into your iTunes 7.7 application.

From there you should be all set to navigate and take control of your iTunes Library. We hope that Apple ads further support for FrontRow, as many of us that use the Mini and AppleTV as a Macintosh HTPC would love to have this feature. Currently Remote Buddy and Telekinesis are the only polished methods of doing this.

Apple has released iTunes 7.7, just in time for the projected iTunes Apps store Opening on July 10th. This release looks to be mostly for 3G iPhone support MobileMe, and App Store support.

As we previously covered this release will also allow for iTunes Remote capabilities from your iPhone or iPod Touch. Once we get our hands on the Application expect a full review and comparison to RemoteBuddy and Telekinessis.

Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home — a free download from the App Store.

The update is waiting in Software Update and weighs around 47.9mb.

When the iPhone SDK 8 beta was released today, it included a pre-released version of iTunes 7.7. Closely inspecting the iTunes 7.7 documentation, it appears that the new version will include remote control features, built-in to the software.

Once iTunes App Store has been opened (July 12th), Apple will have a free remote control download for your iPhone and iPod Touch, that will interact with iTunes 7.7. This functionality is similar to RemoteBuddy and Telekinessis. However we find it unlikely it will include all the same features such as FrontRow control, system browsing, and mouse & keyboard controls. Based on the documentation, it appears the capabilities will be executed over your home wireless network.

Here's the incriminating evidence in the iTunes 7.7 Read Me file:

Use iTunes 7.7 to sync music, video, and more with iPhone 3G, and download applications from the iTunes Store exclusively designed for iPhone and iPod touch with software version 2.0 or later. Also use the new Remote application for iPhone or iPod touch to control iTunes playback from anywhere in your home -- a free download from the App Store.

We are hoping this iPhone App will also allow for users to control FrontRow and AppleTV's through your home-wireless network. The new iPhone ver 2.0 software of course will be a requirement, as well as iTunes 7.7, when its released.

One area we get a lot of questions about are remote control options for MacHTPC systems. We've tested a few options including the Apple Remote, ATI Remote Wonder, Salling Clicker, and Keyspan's Digital Media Remote. But all of these were designed to work exclusively with your computer. Our MacHTPC is only 1 part of a entertainment center that includes a DVD player, LCD, Receiver, and PS2, and we wanted t do away with the 5 different remotes.

Enter the Logitech Harmony 880. We chose the 880 due to the color LCD diplay, computer based programming and the great deal we were able to get through Amazon. (More on this Below). The remote is the basic size of most TV and DVD remote, but the color LCD makes this thing really stand off.

The configuration software isn't the most inuitive method for programmng your remote, but taking advantage of Logitec extensive library of remote codes makes your forget about all other universal remotes. We were able to quickly identify the LCD, DVD, Reciever and PS2. Finding the Apple Remote codes were difficult. We were not able to find them listed under Media Center Computer or Computer. We did however find AppleTV under Media Center computer, and because they use the same remote, your set.

Once programmed and using some suggested Activities, the user experience was pleasant. We could quickly switch between TV, DVD, and HTPC. For example, select Play DVD and our Receiver selects the proper input, LCD goes to the proper input, and the DVD player turns on. Setting our receiver as our master volume control allows for volume adjustment no matter what activity we were on. The remote includes a software CD, and a charging station so you never have to worry about AAA batteries.

We recommend the Logitec 880 for your multiple component HTPC. The only way we could see upgrading from this would be a killer RF Color LCD remote.

* Ever once in a while Amazon has a great deal on the Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote. This time its for $130 w/ free shipping. And after that Logitech offers a 10% Rebate on this item, making it $117.

IOSPIRIT was busy today releasing the latest version of their Remote Buddy software. Version 1.8 now includes support for remote controls supplied with EyeTV devices. Taking advantage of the Remote Buddy software EyeTV users can utilize the supplied remote to control more then just EyeTV, including Dashboard, iPhoto, iTunes, DVD Player, VLC, FrontRow, and more. 1.8 also includes leopard inspired OSD and behaviors to control spaces.

To utilize the EyeTV remote with RemoteBuddy, both EyeTV 2.5.1 and Remote Buddy 1.8 need to both be running to take advantage of new features. The EyeTV software contains the drivers, while Remote Buddy intercepts the remote signals. IOSpirit is reporting that the software and remote included with EyeTV 250, 250 Pluss, 300, 310, 400 410, 500, 610 in addition to Terratec and Pinnacle devices.

The update is available for download through IOSPIRIT's website for registered users. New users may purchase the latest version or $28.00.

With my iPhone in hand I wanted to find a way to control my HTPC via my iPhone. Not that my current remote solution wasn't working, but it is just nice to have options.

Tonberry is still in concept form, but it aims to be the best media controller for the iPhone. Utilizing some stunning CSS, Toneberry looks perfect on the iPhone. The easy to use buttons allows you to control your media. Navigate your library, complete with mini-album art. Unfortunately a take home personal demo isn't available, but you can play with it here.

I then found Telekinisis. This app is Google Code project. Using your computers web hosting abilities, Telekinesis's main function is more of a total system remote for your Mac. It does have a great Apple Remote inspired iTunes controller.

Check them both out, and let us know what you think!