Scosche’s tapSTICK for the iPod shuffle attempts to fix the biggest problem with Apple’s super miniature MP3 player: the controls/headphones. The tapSTICK takes the controls that started out on the headphone cable and moves them back onto the device. Or rather, on a case that slides over one side of the device. And I’m so glad that it does. The tapSTICK is moisture resistant, and it allows you to use any set of headphones that you want to.

If the iPod shuffle was art, it would be beautiful. If it was a concept design, then it would be elegant. If it was functional, it would be amazing. Wait, what was that last one again? It’s not functional? You read correctly. The iPod shuffle is quite possibly the only piece of Apple gear I’ve been unhappy enough with to actually return. Let me explain why.

The hot topic in the Apple portion of the internet this weekend has been the discovery of a chip in the iPod shuffle headphones. It seemed the intent was to lock in users even more by only allowing playback with this chip. The concern was that headphone manufacturers would need to pay Apple for use of the chip, thus passing the cost down to consumers. On top of that, consumers would have a smaller selection of headphones to choose from, as not just any headphone set would have the appropriate chip.

The iPod shuffle update surprised everyone yesterday. It was completely unexpected—probably because it was unneeded. What has Apple done in this “update”? Let’s take a look…