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

The MX-980 is the next big step for universal remote controls everywhere.  Boasting a 320×240 LCD that can support BMP, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and animated GIF files, users can customize the controls for up to eight different activities. It claims to be a powerful integration for “sophisticated Home Theaters and whole house A/V system.”  The WATCH & LISTEN buttons control the activities for users - switching from DVD to TV is as easy as pressing the WATCH button, and if the user should be in the mood to listen to a CD or the radio, all it takes to change the input is the LISTEN button.  The MX-980 has a motion sensor that detects when it is being picked up and turns on the display automatically, as well as blue blacklighting to ensure ease of use in the dark.  This remote control also sports a time/date display, a small integrated speaker, and a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

It’s prety spiffy, right?  Except - I would imagine that most households would find it an unnecessary purchase, especially considering its hefty retail price of $599. 

Via Gizmodo //  CEPro

Technorati Tags: Universal Remote Control, remote control

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CrunchGear has published a review of the DLO HomeDock Music Remote device here on their website. The HomeDock Music Remote is made up of two components - a dock you connect to your stereo system and a small remote that lets you see information from your iPod such as artists, playlists, settings and what’s currently playing. The $129.99 package comes with the following features:

• Dock and charge your iPod while you browse and control wirelessly from anywhere in the house
• Music Remote that displays your iPod information on a small screen
• Browse up to 150 feet away on the remote
• See “Now Playing” song info at a glance
• Ready to go out of the box with all the necessary cables
• Jukebox feature lets you build a playlist on the fly
• Charge your iPod and Music Remote on the base dock

Here’s what CrunchGear thought of the DLO HomeDock Music Remote:

At about $130 (MSRP), this is a less-expensive alternative to the HomeDock Deluxe, and the display remote is handy enough if you rely more on artist name or playlists when choosing what to play.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: DLO, HomeDock Music Remote, CrunchGear, Review