Timex's iPod-controlling i-Control watch hits the FCC

Chalk another one up to the rumor mill, as it looks like the leaked PowerPoint slide we saw just last month was indeed referring to an actual product. Thanks to an FCC filing, we now know that Timex is actually cranking out a Made for iPod timepiece in its Ironman series. The i-Control isn't the most handsome of watches, but it will be available in a water-resistant casing, sport Indiglo backlighting, and play nice with your dock connecting iPod. According to the documentation, users will clip an included RF transmitter into their Pod, which will allow the watch to control the volume, track, and play / pause function so long as the it's within "about ten feet" of your wrist. Of course, it still sports the same alarm, chrono, recall, and interval timer modes as the rest of its siblings, but unfortunately, it doesn't look like you'll see any scrolling track tags on this one. As expected, there's no word on price just yet, but click on through for a more detailed shot of it all sprawled out.

[Tk @ Jul 13th 2007 2:37AM]

Whatever happened to those Nike iPod controlling watches from months ago?

[carl @ Jul 13th 2007 2:50AM]

no gps heartrate monitoring barometric compass, no deal.

[Rob Lusk @ Jul 13th 2007 3:04AM]

The band looks like it will last a year - max. Oh yeah, it looks like crap.

[CR @ Jul 13th 2007 10:26AM]

I've had the same band on my Timex Ironman since when I first bought it in 2004.

[Corey H @ Jul 13th 2007 3:09AM]

Oh jeez not another stupid iPod accessory. I personally hope there is never another iPod made. iPods are the most worthless pieces of junk ever. Long live Creative Labs!!!!

Corey

[Corey H @ Jul 13th 2007 4:04AM]

Thats not very nice Bull. I happen to be basing myself off the fact that like 10 out of the 15 people who I hang out with that have iPods have sent theirs in for repair or their Pods have frozen multiple time. Apple is not an innovator they are an imitator. I mean why do you think they are constantly being sued and forced to pay money to companies that they have stolen patented ideas from? Just like Creative Labs, they were awarded 100 million dollars after Apple used their patented menu navigating system.

Bull you are far more ignorant than I expected

Corey

[BigBirdUK @ Jul 13th 2007 7:47AM]

Corey, so you are basing your opinions on a statistically limited sample of 10/15?

Man, I can hear Gallup beating your door down with a job right now.

I'm not pro or anti Apple but if the products are, as you say, total duds then care to explain the volume sales of ipods over the years. Have we all, en masse, been the subject of a total deception?

Answers on a postcard, entitled, "Corey doesn't get it"

[Piers Tincknell @ Jul 13th 2007 4:28AM]

Shame its probably the ugliest watch i have ever seen. gross.

[Gnu @ Jul 14th 2007 1:54AM]

I honestly think it'll look a lot better worn.

I agree, though ... without track information, the usefulness factor might be a little thin. Granted, unless I'm scrolling through podcasts, I usually have my iPod on shuffle and just mindlessly hit the next button to skip through tracks -- but I can do that through my pocket, and the only thing that would draw me to a watch interface IS track info, especially if I'm having to physically attach extra crap to my iPod. (Bluetooth-enabled iPhone watch, anyone? Caller ID on your wrist FTW.)

[silverblackvoid @ Jul 13th 2007 5:57AM]

this is gonna replace my ironman triathlon

[Ozbone @ Jul 13th 2007 6:47AM]

Whoa, that's seriously fugly - so where in the world is/are the Nike+ items we saw 7-8 months ago. In facts it has been a year+ now since the whole Nike+ thing came out - makes me wonder if a revision might be coming.

[Steven @ Jul 13th 2007 11:30AM]

Would be really nice if Nike+/Timex would take the extra step and include heart rate monitor. Would purchase for sure.

[Infoclipper @ Jul 13th 2007 9:22AM]

This particular watch is designed to only be worn when running/exercising, hence the lightweight, breathing band. The basic idea is that, once you strap your iPod to your arm, while its convenient for listening, it's a pain to control. Now the controls are in the same device that you are using to track your laps and pacing.

You aren't going to wear this to the office or on a hot date, but hopefully you won't have a music player strapped to your arm then, either. :)

Disclaimer: I work for Ironman, but am not involved with Timex or licensee product development.

[GameboyRMH @ Jul 14th 2007 12:05AM]

You aren't going to wear this to the office or on a hot date, but hopefully you won't have a music player strapped to your arm then, either. :)
--------------------------------------------
You're lucky you haven't had to see that :(

That really is one seriously ugly watch. Doesn't seem to have any other special features either. Without the iPod playlist control it wouldn't get a second glance from anyone.

1. Take a cheap digital watch with an already inflated price
2. Make it an iPod accessory by, say, giving it wireless iPod playlist control (+$7)
3. Sell for 2-4x the price of a similar watch
4. PROFIT PROFIT PROFIT!!!

[blooy @ Jul 13th 2007 9:24AM]

"users will clip an included RF transmitter into their Pod"

You mean a receiver, right?

[corinne brohme @ Jul 14th 2007 1:28PM]

Yes, it's a receiver that you plug into the watch.

[Galley @ Jul 13th 2007 10:59AM]

No track information = no sale.

[AndyM801 @ Aug 5th 2007 5:28PM]

First off, Corey; You're an idiot. The iPod has been the top selling media player of all time. And thats not by some fluke accident you twit.

Second, Rob; Timex has been using that same band on their Ironman series for a few years. I own one, and as a wilderness backpacking guide I've put it to the test. It's lasted great.

And third, EVERYONE; it's not a fashion accessory. So stop complaining about its looks. This is watch is strictly for functionality. Ever tried fishing around the back pocket of your jersey while riding your bike down single-track, just to change the song? Ever had to dig through your inner coat pocket during a blizzard so you can adjust the volume while your skiing? THAT is what this watch is made for. Not so you can wear it to the mall.

[Kazu @ Sep 12th 2007 4:25AM]

thank you, thank you, thank you!

[jane yates @ Sep 12th 2007 9:02PM]

need it