One of the little known new features of Windows Vista is Windows SideShow which is basically an auxiliary display for Vista which can reside on laptop covers, keyboards, LCD display casings, and in this case, remote controls. According to PVRWire.com, hardware manufacturers - Philips, Interlink, and Ricavision are all planning to develop remote controls that utilize Windows SideShow.

Some tidbits on the remotes:

  • The Philips remote looks to come with a USB RF dongle which will communicate directly to a Vista PC
  • The Ricavision remote will use Bluetooth to communicate with the PC

So what’s the point in having SideShow on a remote control? Well you can place Windows Gadgets on the SideShow Control Panel which means you can check your email, read RSS feeds, or perform whatever functionality that the Gadget provides. It looks like the screens on these remotes will measure 2.5 inches with a resolution of 320 x 240.

[Check it out]

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