Remotes And More

Logitech recently jumped into the phone and tablet universal remote market with the Harmony Link. The idea is simple: Make use of a phone or tablet to communicate via Wi-Fi to a bridge device which translates the commands to infrared (IR) for use by most home theater components. Logitech also adds in its Harmony database and setup routines used in other Harmony lines, for better or worse. Check out Engadget's verdict on the product.

A first encounter with a multitouch device gets any active imagination running, so of course a home theater fan thinks it could make for the ultimate remote. But can any of that promise be realized in the dead zone that is the consumer remote control space? The leader of that dead zone is ready to give it a try with the Harmony Link -- a WiFi-to-IR bridge that allows you to control your TV from any room of the house via an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android device. For $100, it's a setup that promises to blend ease of programming with network connectivity and multitouch control. So exactly how good is Logitech's attempt? We'll reveal that after the break, of course.

Engadget

If you've been eyeing the dual-sided Boxee Box remote control for HTPC use, D-link is bringing the remote plus an RF USB dongle to market for $50. This plus Boxee's promise of a client software update in the near future hopefully means the PC platform will be on a roll again instead of the recent stagnation that has occurred.

Boxee users on PC and Mac should no longer feel ignored, with promises of updated software on the way and now the option to use a Boxee Box remote from D-Link. The two sided QWERTY design is unchanged and the included RF dongle means your HTPC can stay safely out of sight while you enjoy some branded remote control action without selling out for a one-size-fits-all box. The roll your own media player crowd can pick up the remote at a penny under $50 at a variety of online retailers right now, the long awaited software update is still due this fall.

Engadget HD

Now this is exciting to see. Motorola is jumping into the universal remote space with their Nyxboard and its right up our alley. This remote is dual-sided with standard controls on top and a keyboard on bottom. It utilizes IR and RF. It is also designed specifically for XBMC! Pre-orders now for $60 at PulseEight.

According to Engadget, "there are more surprises in store: a second version that can control the Apple TV 2, and a secret method which would allow the remotes to control your home entertainment center without pesky line-of-sight infrared."

The best of both worlds

Combine the simplicity of a remote with the productivity of a keyboard. Type freely on the built in keyboard without fear of changing the channel due to it’s gyroscopic sensor.

XBMC without the hassle

The first remote in the world designed for XBMC, work's straight out of the box; just connect the remote and all the keys will be instantly recognised.

One remote

This universal remote can control your TV thanks to the built in programmable IR.

Built in RF

Hide away your electronics and show off your style, control your media centre through cabinet doors.

Simple no fuss set up

I was very skeptical on the Kinect as a remote alternative but after having used it for a bit I think there is a lot of potential and am happy to see a supported SDK being released.  I know I'll be adding support for Media Center if it isn't provided out-of-box.

For those who can't wait, check out "Kinect on Media Center? Closer than you think" if you haven't already.

 

The Kinect for Windows SDK is being developed and released by Microsoft Research (MSR) in collaboration with IEB.  It will be available this spring as a free download, and will give academic researchers and enthusiasts access to key pieces of the Kinect system—such as the audio technology, system application programming interfaces and direct control of the Kinect sensor itself.

Microsoft Blog