Hasta La Gadget!

Ever since Apple introduced the third generation iPod Shuffle, with controls built into the earbud cord, companies have been helping you avoid having to use the included earbuds. They’re not for everyone. Scosche, for example, created a case with controls built into it. Today, Belkin introduced an inline adapter that lets you plug in any headphones you like.

The Belkin Headphone Adapter can do everything that the Shuffle’s default earbuds can do, including changing tracks, adjusting the volume, pausing playback, or making the Shuffle speak the song title. They work just like the Shuffle’s controls: one click for play or pause, double-click to skip to the next track, and so on.

The only change is that this puts the controls closer to your Shuffle, which sounds even more convenient to me. With these, you can keep your hands in your pocket while you change tracks. The adapter is available this month in North America and will list for $19.99.