After dealing with a few so called "universal" remote controls, I truly hope that Apple does release something like this. I list my desires as follows:
1. Touchscreen design, ala Bose's touchscreen remote for its top of the line systems.
2. Online database of codes to simplify programming.
3. IR and RF control.
4. User configurable layout for virtual "buttons" on the display.
5. Cradle/display stand to showcase the remote and to make it a showpiece in a home theater.
Bose just came out with a new remote control with the display built right into it.
My idea was rooted in the fact that last weekend I was cleaning the house and listening to tunes. Every room i moved to i just moved my powerbook with me and directed my tune selction from there. Thats when it hit me. Why cant my ipod connect to my airport express? why do i have to carry around my laptop? Why cant i attatch something to the bottom of my ipod, then in menu go to airport connections > select my air port express in the living room > and presto my ipod would play over the speakers in my living room. This seems pretty easy to me. Im not talking about it being the end all, work all remote. I just want to play music to a stereo hooked up to my air port express wirelessly from my ipod like i do from my laptop..
Personally, I'd like to see one that can control iTunes, DVD Player (software), and be able to control the mouse onscreen as well (sort of like those generic presentation remotes for use with PowerPoint). I'd like it to have volume/mute keys, as well as be able to control all my regular home theater components (it IS universal, right?)
Some sort of interface for accessing e-mail or the web or dashboard would be pretty sweet, but I'd like it small enough to use as well, so all that's just extra.
As for connection, well: IR for my non-Apple hardware, BT for computer stuff, maybe WiFi for all the web stuff? nothing that would need an extra usb adapter or anything for the computer.
I think it's funny how Bill Gates has all of a sudden started trumpeting the Tablet PC again. I thought he was going to let it slowly and quietly die out so as not to bring any more attention to his failure (he should anyway, its been 4 years and the Windows Tablet has gone no where). The last couple weeks, it's all he talks about, "I still believe in the Talet PC", blah, blah, blah. Yeah, hhhhhh, as soon as you got wind that Apple was making one.
If tactile feedback is problem with lcd remotes (never used one myself) then I believe apple would use something very similar to this . If a remote simulated some sort of click or weird vibration for each button it wouldnt be a problem. I really dont think its much of an issue anyway. I know at least with my Home Theater remote that has a gazillion different buttons on it I dont ever look at it or feel for the buttons I just know where they are. If an lcd remote kept the buttons for each individual control "widget" in the same spot on the remote, people would insticively learn where these functions are over time.
I am not saying Apple would necessarily take this route, but if tactile feedback was important in the development, they might split the screen into sections (essentially making the screen into something like a checkerboard) and enable each of those sections to be depressed to make some sort of satisfying click to give tactile feedback.
Kinda like this keyboard with little OLED screens built into each key...
Or maybe they could use a screen like the one below which is actually flexible and could be depressed into a sheet of metal with those little bubble divets, lying below it, to give a resounding click regardless of where you press. This screen has the added benefit of using no power whatsoever to display the last image before power is cut (I have no idea how they do that).
I just bring these up because I realy don't think Apple would be into "simulating" a click for tactile feedback. But, like you, I also do not think it is much of an issue.
the wording is quite open to interpretation in retrospect! "universal remote control" could very well be remote controlling your iTunes collection, apps on the Internet, voicemail (read: visually), email over IMAP, etc.
seems to me there is quite the art of describing your invention without giving it away
Comments
Originally posted by Kishan
After dealing with a few so called "universal" remote controls, I truly hope that Apple does release something like this. I list my desires as follows:
1. Touchscreen design, ala Bose's touchscreen remote for its top of the line systems.
2. Online database of codes to simplify programming.
3. IR and RF control.
4. User configurable layout for virtual "buttons" on the display.
5. Cradle/display stand to showcase the remote and to make it a showpiece in a home theater.
Bose just came out with a new remote control with the display built right into it.
http://www.bose.com/images/home_ente...2_remote_l.jpg
This is what they need
Originally posted by afalkner
RonGold that is pretty weirderer!
My idea was rooted in the fact that last weekend I was cleaning the house and listening to tunes. Every room i moved to i just moved my powerbook with me and directed my tune selction from there. Thats when it hit me. Why cant my ipod connect to my airport express? why do i have to carry around my laptop? Why cant i attatch something to the bottom of my ipod, then in menu go to airport connections > select my air port express in the living room > and presto my ipod would play over the speakers in my living room. This seems pretty easy to me. Im not talking about it being the end all, work all remote. I just want to play music to a stereo hooked up to my air port express wirelessly from my ipod like i do from my laptop..
You need the Belkin Tunestage: Not yet released
http://www.machtpc.com/archives/2005...kin-tunestage/
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D2138
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D2133
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D2136
and a hybrid (traditional/touchscreen):
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D2144
Personally, I'd like to see one that can control iTunes, DVD Player (software), and be able to control the mouse onscreen as well (sort of like those generic presentation remotes for use with PowerPoint). I'd like it to have volume/mute keys, as well as be able to control all my regular home theater components (it IS universal, right?)
Some sort of interface for accessing e-mail or the web or dashboard would be pretty sweet, but I'd like it small enough to use as well, so all that's just extra.
As for connection, well: IR for my non-Apple hardware, BT for computer stuff, maybe WiFi for all the web stuff? nothing that would need an extra usb adapter or anything for the computer.
Originally posted by rongold
I think it's funny how Bill Gates has all of a sudden started trumpeting the Tablet PC again. I thought he was going to let it slowly and quietly die out so as not to bring any more attention to his failure (he should anyway, its been 4 years and the Windows Tablet has gone no where). The last couple weeks, it's all he talks about, "I still believe in the Talet PC", blah, blah, blah. Yeah, hhhhhh, as soon as you got wind that Apple was making one.
Couldn't agree more.
Originally posted by gjas15
If tactile feedback is problem with lcd remotes (never used one myself) then I believe apple would use something very similar to this . If a remote simulated some sort of click or weird vibration for each button it wouldnt be a problem. I really dont think its much of an issue anyway. I know at least with my Home Theater remote that has a gazillion different buttons on it I dont ever look at it or feel for the buttons I just know where they are. If an lcd remote kept the buttons for each individual control "widget" in the same spot on the remote, people would insticively learn where these functions are over time.
I am not saying Apple would necessarily take this route, but if tactile feedback was important in the development, they might split the screen into sections (essentially making the screen into something like a checkerboard) and enable each of those sections to be depressed to make some sort of satisfying click to give tactile feedback.
Kinda like this keyboard with little OLED screens built into each key...
Or maybe they could use a screen like the one below which is actually flexible and could be depressed into a sheet of metal with those little bubble divets, lying below it, to give a resounding click regardless of where you press. This screen has the added benefit of using no power whatsoever to display the last image before power is cut (I have no idea how they do that).
I just bring these up because I realy don't think Apple would be into "simulating" a click for tactile feedback. But, like you, I also do not think it is much of an issue.
Originally posted by geobe
Bose just came out with a new remote control with the display built right into it.
http://www.bose.com/images/home_ente...2_remote_l.jpg
This is what they need
Wow and iPod on steroids!
Originally posted by geobe
Bose just came out with a new remote control with the display built right into it.
http://www.bose.com/images/home_ente...2_remote_l.jpg
This is what they need
http://www.logitech.de/index.cfm/pro...pr_H885_july05
End of Line
Originally posted by User Tron
http://www.logitech.de/index.cfm/pro...pr_H885_july05
End of Line
Too expensive...not user-friendly enough. But it's ok if it's the end of line for you.
Originally posted by kim kap sol
Is this the famous iBrator?
No, you're looking for this .
Originally posted by kim kap sol
Too expensive...not user-friendly enough. But it's ok if it's the end of line for you.
Have you ever tried one?
End of Line
Originally posted by User Tron
http://www.logitech.de/index.cfm/pro...pr_H885_july05
End of Line
Very nice remote, but no RF
I am reading the abstract of the patent:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6914551.html
the wording is quite open to interpretation in retrospect! "universal remote control" could very well be remote controlling your iTunes collection, apps on the Internet, voicemail (read: visually), email over IMAP, etc.
seems to me there is quite the art of describing your invention without giving it away