If I had one complaint with Logitech Harmony Remote Controls over the last few years it would its inability to control the Sony PlayStation 3 console thanks to the lack of built-in Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It’s a pain I tell ya – if I want to watch a Blu-ray movie, the Sony PS3 controller needs to be accessible in order for me to control the console.

HOWEVER, it appears this problem is now remedied thanks to the availability of the new Logitech Harmony Adapter for the PlayStation 3 console. Think of this adapter as basically a proxy between a Harmony Universal Remote Control and the Sony PS3 console – receiving and transforming commands from the Harmony remote into Bluetooth wireless commands for the PS3. All I can say is – it’s about time.

Features include:

• Works with all Logitech Harmony Remotes
• Supports all 51 PS3 commands
• Compact low-profile design
• Guided online setup
• Always-on wireless link to PS3

The Harmony Adapter for the PS3 is currently available at Amazon.com for $59.99.

[Check it out via SlashGear]

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If you haven’t found yourself a universal remote control for that complicated home theater system of yours yet then perhaps the new Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control will be the right fit for you. The new palm-sized remote comes with a customizable 3.5 inch full-color touch-screen QVGA resolution display and a fully redesigned software which allows you to easily place the commands you use most on the screen.

Other features include:

• Tactile guides around the touch-screen which help position the finger for the right command
• Brushed-black aluminum top case and soft-touch button case
• Rechargeable battery
• RF capable
• One-touch activity based control

Another reason to like the Harmony 1100? It recently won the CES 2009 Design and Engineering Award: Best of Innovations in the Home-Entertainment Accessories category.

The Harmony 1100 will be available in February for a suggested retail price of $499.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote

Movea Inc. announced the retail availability of their new Gyration Air Music Remote control today. The new remote is designed to handle both home theater environments as well as PC systems by being both a universal remote as well as a PC mouse. Thanks to the included MotionSense technology, the Air Music Remote can be used to control the PC’s on-screen cursor via natural hand movements (or the magic wave of the hand as I like to think of this). The remote features a backlit LCD panel which is capable of displaying music selections from Windows Media Player, Windows Media Center, and of course, iTunes.

Features of the Gyration Air Music Remote include:

• Replaces all existing TV, cable, A/V, and Media Center remotes
• Eliminates the need for a PC mouse
• Standard menu navigation, alphanumeric keypad and shortcut buttons
• Radio frequency based and infrared based remote

The new Gyration Air Music Remote will be available for purchase at a price of $179.99 or $229.99 with a wireless portable keyboard.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Movea Inc, Gyration Air Music Remote

Just a small notice to owners of Logitech Harmony remote controls and Mac systems – Logitech has released version 7.5 of their Logitech Harmony Remote Software for OS X and is available for download here. Of course if you’re remote is working perfectly fine for your setup, then there’s probably no reason to update your Mac.. but if you need to make some changes, go ahead and download the 29MB beast. And now… my little plug for the Harmony – these remotes utterly rock!

[Check it out via GearLive]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Harmony Remote Software 7.5, OS X

AMEX Digital has announced a new wireless remote control called the RM-mp1 which provides the functionality of a media remote, laser pointer, and touchpad mouse all in one device. Utilizing Wireless USB, the RM-mp1 allows you to control slideshows, point at objects using the built in laser pointer, and control multimedia applications such as DVDs and music playback. If you don’t have Wireless USB – never fear – the RM-mp1 comes with a Wireless USB receiver which connects to an available USB port. Here’s the button layout for the RM-mp1:

Specs include:

• 3.7V Lithium Polymer Battery
• 2.4G Wireless USB protocol
• Measures 104mm x 38mm x 12mm
• Available in Black or White
• Built-in touchpad acts just like a touchpad on a computer

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Technorati Tags: AMEX DIGITAL, RM-mp1 Wireless USB Presentation Controller

I was THIS close to upgrading to a new Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote today.. but I decided that I really need to publish my review of the Logitech Harmony 890 remote that I have FIRST before upgrading to yet a newer remote. Luckily, the folks at ExtremeTech have published a review of the new Logitech Harmony One (which made it’s grand debut at this year’s CES 2008 convention in Las Vegas).

If you’re not familiar with the Harmony series of universal remotes, then my friend, you are totally missing out. These remotes are incredibly easy to program (thanks to the software based wizard programming), support nearly every consumer electronics device known to man (ok.. maybe not every but it feels that way!), and easily manages any complicated home theater setup.

With the Harmony One, Logitech has improved upon an already great universal remote lineup by adding a color touch-screen display, and an improved button layout. Here’s the verdict from ExtremeTech:

$250 can sound like a lot to replace your current pile of remotes, but once you try it, you’ll never go back. This is Harmony’s best remote yet.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech Harmony One, Universal Remote, ExtremeTech, Review

There’s a new Harmony remote from Logitech and it was unveiled last week at CES 2008. The new Harmony One universal remote control features a redesigned key layout as well as a new 2.2 inch color touch screen display that uses capacitive technology which responds to tiny electrical charges from the fingertips.

According to Logitech, the Harmony One has a more intuitive button layout with the remote basically divided into four zones:

• Numbers
• Traditional DVD controls
• D-pad with volume and channel  up/down
• On-screen menu buttons

The remote features 40 of the most-essential buttons that people use on remote controls.

As with other Harmony remotes, the Harmony One supports the creation of Activity macros – a single touch activates all the components and inputs necessary to perform an action such as watching the TV, or viewing a DVD etc.

Key features of the Harmony One include the following:

• Full color touch screen display
• Sculpted backlit buttons
• New ergonomic design
• Rechargeable battery
• Replaces up to 15 remotes
• Online database of more than 225,000 devices from more than 5000 manufacturers
• Smart Start Technology tracks the power state and input setting of the various components it controls

The Harmony One will be available in the beginning of February for an MSRP of $249.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Harmony One, Universal Remote, CES 2008

The folks at MobileWhack have published an unboxing of the Nike Amp+ product here on their website. The Nike Amp+ is a combination remote control and watch – designed to work in conjunction with the rest of the Nike+ product line. Features of the Nike Amp+ include the following:

• Durable polyurethane strap can be cut to your exact preference for natural comfortable fit
• Stainless steel custom-fit buckle
• LED displays time of day and icons for iPod nano controls when activated by the remote
• Instant voice feedback of time, distance, calories, and pace
• Power song accessed through left side buttons for quick motivation
• Raised remote buttons for easy grip and precision
• SATM water resistance

Curious to see some pictures? Check out the page now.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nike Amp , Nike

Who says a remote control has to look like.. well.. a remote control? Check out Chloe Fung’s remote control design as featured over at Yanko Design. It’s called the "Orbit Remote" and it’s designed to be worn as a bracelet yet still features all the basic controls you’d find on a remote. Is it truly practical to have a remote on your wrist? Probably not but at least thinking outside of the box!

[Check it out via GearFuse]

Technorati Tags: Chloe Fung, Remote Control, Orbit Remote

It’s always nice to see a new company launch – in this case it’s a company called Bexy Corporation which officially announced it’s launch yesterday. As part of the company launch, Bexy introduced their first new product called the iMirror Wireless Remote Control Docking Station for iPod which remotely displays content data while it controls, and plays music and video connected to home entertainment systems.

According to their press release, Boxy products are designed “to enable mainstream consumers to simply, securely, and reliably connect entertainment devices in multiple rooms without a PC or manual software configuration.” Basically, the company wants to deliver straightforward, easy to use, and affordable connected entertainment devices.

The iMirror Wireless Remote Control Docking Station allows you to connect the Apple iPod to a variety of home entertainment devices and then provides 2 way communications to its bundled remote control system. Users with the remote can see all the music information stored on the iPod and remotely control the functionality of the player. You can view and control artist, album, genre, playlist, shuffle mode, volume, etc with the remote control. Here’s the summary of key features for the Bexy iMirror:

• Connect and play your iPod docking station through your powered amplified speakers, AV Receiver, Big Screen TV or computer
• Easy button navigation and display on the wireless remote control to view and control artist, album, song, genre, playlists, shuffle mode,  volume and more
• Charge and Sync your iPod with iTunes via mini USB
• Wireless remote control operation from up to 150 feet away
• Rechargeable wireless remote control and dock

You can purchase the Bexy iMirror BR100 for $149.95 on the Bexy website or via retailers across the country.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Bexy, iMirror Wireless Remote Control Docking Station