Klipsch on Thursday said it's developing a set of earphones designed for the third-generation iPod shuffle. The revision will give users the same controls as with Apple's stock and In-Ear headphones, including triggering VoiceOver and switching playlists. The feature set is unknown but will result in a $100 price point, suggesting the earphones will be similar to or slightly better in quality than the just-announced Image S4s.

The news confirms relatively open-ended support for third-party earbuds on the new screenless iPod. Its requirement for separate controls has triggered fears that Apple would exercise tight control over support for non-Apple audio peripherals, but the company had said of yesterday that it would already be working with accessory makers to ensure compatibility.

Existing third-party earphones from Etymotics, Shure and others with in-line remotes typically won't work correctly as they don't include the necessary volume controls.