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Posts with tag remote control

Engadget

Has Panasonic Reinvented the Remote Control?

by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted Oct 1st 2008 at 11:23AMBreaking News


Panasonic is looking to reinvent the remote control with its EZ Touch Remote prototype that it is showing off here at CEATEC. Rather than rely on a touch-screen interface that forces one to look down at a remote (and away from the object of one's entertainment), the concept puts the visual feedback where it belongs: on the screen.

The remote can sense left- or right-handed users and adjust the interface appropriately, moving important triggers around based on where one's thumb may (or may not) be. Dual touch pads allow for multitouch data entry and zoom manipulation, while gestures allow for quick scrolls, making this one of the most intuitive and drool-worthy remote controls we've seen in a while, or ever.

We're so into it that we've provided a full gallery and three videos after the break (and if you want to see more of what televisions are going to do in the coming years, check out our gallery of 7 Cool TVs From the Future).

Continue reading Has Panasonic Reinvented the Remote Control?

Engadget

Tmsuk Shows Off Shopping Robot

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 13th 2008 at 3:26PM


Tmsuk is back with even more crazy humanoid antics, this time demonstrating a shopping robot that can be controlled from far, far away. The modified TMSUK-4 humanoid showcased in Kitakyushu, Japan was actually being controlled by an elderly lady in her home via an NTT DoCoMo video-capable cell phone.

Essentially, the technology enabled her to see through the eyes of the robot and presumably control its movements via the keypad. We are told that she was able to successfully browse the hat section and finally make a purchase, but who knows how many innocent bystanders were unknowingly mauled in the process. [Source: Data-Max Via Pink Tentacle]
Engadget

Apple's Remote: Turns Your iPhone Into a WiFi Remote Control

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jul 10th 2008 at 5:01PM


There it is, the new freebie from Apple which turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote control. It works with Apple TV and iTunes over the Wi-Fi network to play, pause, skip and shuffle your songs stored in your iTunes library. You get access to playlists, album art (displayed in the Remote app), control over AirTunes speakers, and the ablity to search your entire library. No video support apparently but free is free and 1.0 is 1.0.

Update: Looks like Apple has updated Apple TV to 2.1 with support for the new remote app, along with support for MobileMe. Get it via your Apple TV's Update Software feature (check out Engadget for more images of the Apple TV update). Read [warning: iTunes URL]
Engadget

Remote Buddy Exemplifies the Need For a Universal Remote

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 26th 2008 at 10:56AM


Pictured above, dear readers, is all the proof you need that a universal remote really is the best option if you have 4+ units that you use on a regular basis. This borderline-comical storage unit has enough room for four of your favorite clickers and one ice cold beverage, but oddly enough, there's no basket for holding your day-old tater tots or marginally stale Fritos. Still, it does boast a built-in panel that will automatically buzz a lost remote in case you misplace it, which totally makes up for any other oversights in design. Of course, we'd recommend putting the $59.98 that this costs towards a decent universal remote, but at least this piece is less embarrassing than the infamous Remote Wrangler. [Source: Taylor Gifts]

[Thanks, Juergen]

Robot Listens To You, Controls Your Home Theater

by Will Safer, posted Mar 26th 2008 at 4:13PM

Toshiba's ApriPoko

We fear a robot takeover.

That said, this new robot from Toshiba, named ApriPoko, is so darned cute, how could we not want one in our very own home theater?

Its special purpose is the ability to memorize infrared signals from your remote control and assign each command to a certain action – like turning on your television or changing the channel – based on what you SAY to the little guy.

For example, if you use your remote control to turn on the TV, ApriPoko will sense the IR signal and then ask you, "What did you just do?" Your response, "I turned on the TV," is recognized and the command is assigned within ApriPoko's memory. The next time you want to turn on the TV, just say to the robot, "Turn on the TV," and it will be done. It works the same way with other devices and even more specific commands like changing channels, raising and lowering volume, and so on.

At least that's what's been promised by Toshiba, which at this stage is only demonstrating a prototype. ApriPoko is 8 by 11 inches and weighs about five pounds.

From Engadget via Pink Tentacle via Asahi News (crudely translated version of the article can be found here.)

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The Key Chain That Does It All

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jul 3rd 2007 at 3:57PM


We're suckers for ridiculous gadget combos. That's why we couldn't pass up this opportunity to share with you the Party Chain, a combination key chain, LED flash light, universal TV remote, and of course -- bottle opener.

Now you can drink, hijack your friend's TV, and help someone look for a dropped contact lens in the dark, all with your $14.95 key chain. Too bad it doesn't also serve as a USB Flash drive -- then it would be perfect.

From Red Ferret Journal

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