New Watch Controls Your iPod

Here's a new gubbins that we rather like the look of, it's the Timex iControl Watch which allows you to remotely control your iPod using, you guessed it, your watch.

The Ironman iControl to give it its full name - though ironically MP3 players are now banned from use in Ironman events - comes complete with a wireless module that plugs into the iPod and allows you to control basic iPod functions from your wrist.

That means you can skip backwards or forwards through a playlist, adjust the volume and pause play, all without touching the actual iPod, which you can secrete in a handy and weather resistant location like an inside pocket or even in the lid of your pack.

In addition to it's musical remoteness, the iControl is also a fully featured sports watch with chronograph, three alarms, a 50-lap memory plus a night light and water resistance to 100 metres. Battery life is claimed to be three years.

It also comes in a number of different colours to match your clothing, eyes or mood ranging from black through to flamboyant green.

Having used one company's attempt at an iPod-compatible jacket and found it distinctly frustrating, we reckon the iControl looks like a much neater solution. Judging from the web site, it looks to be compatible with 1st and 2nd generation iPod Nanos and 5th generation iPod Videos.

Available in the UK from October 2007, the watch will sell for £79.99. You can find more details at www.timex.com.