Wi-Fi Remote Surfs Channels, Browses Web
Thu Jan 31, 2008 11:47AM EST
See Comments (5)
Who needs a universal remote that only controls your A/V devices? Boring, right? Here's a wand that'll keep your attention: a Wi-Fi remote that browses the Web, downloads its own TV programming guide, and even checks the weather.
Still, the Windows CE-powered SR1500 looks custom-made for tech geeks who can't bear to merely, well, watch TV. Armed with a 2.2-inch QVGA color display, the device handles all the typical universal remote duties—that is, it'll download all the codes needed to control up to 24 components, including your TV, DVR, DVD player, and receiver. But rather than having to select your devices on a PC and then syncing the remote via USB, the SR1500 can grab everything it needs over Wi-Fi—no PC required. What's more, it will also back up all your custom settings on a remote server.
Of course, the SR1500 isn't content to use its Wi-Fi radio for merely downloading component control codes. The remote will also download its own TV programming guide, so you can see what's on without turning on the tube. Want to surf while you watch? The remote has its own xHTML Web browser, complete with an RSS client. Hot keys let you check the weather, news, and sports headlines, PayPal is supported (perfect for snapping up that Ronco Veg-O-Matic) and the remote can even download XML, J2ME and Flash applications. There's even a built-in speaker for playing alerts and music.
Cool stuff—now we'll just have wait for some enterprising manufacturer or cable/satellite operator to bring the SR1500 to market. In the meantime, you'll just have to settle for, you know, changes channels and cranking the volume. Yawn!
Related:
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2 Posted by i_miss_beer on Thu Feb 7, 2008 8:48PM EST Report Abuse
Why not just use a PDA or an ultra mobile with an IR? You can pick one up off of e-bay for alot less than $400.00
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3 Posted by kazul10 on Fri Feb 8, 2008 8:04PM EST Report Abuse
haha I have one and am beta testing it. It looks a little different but it's still the same one.
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4 Posted by tahtahwichita2 on Fri Feb 15, 2008 4:19AM EST Report Abuse
Add it to Iphone or any phone like a PDA phone and then you will have something. But they will drag it along for as much as it is worth. It is all about the money. Like it can't be done or isn't already done.
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5 Posted by haydad07 on Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:50PM EST Report Abuse
I have IR on my phone where do I look to get the program to do this myself?
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1 Posted by matt_archbold2002 on Thu Jan 31, 2008 1:54PM EST Report Abuse
Has anyone speculated the cost of one if it were released? It looks cool, but dont know if it would be worth 400.00 (my estimate).