Remote Control

New Apple TV remote expected to feature Wii-like motion sensors

Cody Lee ∙ August 28, 2015

The new Apple TV expected to be unveiled at next month's event will feature a remote control with motion sensors, reports TechCrunch. Citing reliable sources, the site says the remote "likely includes several axis’ worth of sensors that put its control on par with a Nintendo Wii remote."

Apple has for years been rumored to be tinkering with motion control. The iPhone-maker has acquired multiple companies with expertise and proprietary technology related to the field, and it has filed several patent applications over the last 5 years regarding motion-sensing inventions.

Apple working on TV remote with built-in fingerprint sensor

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

The US Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday published three patent applications from Apple relating to biometric input devices. As noted by AppleInsider, all the filings mention a device with a built-in fingerprint sensor that could be used in a future TV remote.

It's not hard to imagine the biometric possibilities of a remote control for a TV or set-top box. The device would be able to identify users—paving the way for custom profiles, settings and parental controls—and could support multi-finger shortcuts and simple gestures.

New Apple TV to feature redesigned remote with touchpad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple is going to unveil a new set-top box in June with a redesigned remote control, according to The New York Times. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the publication says the new remote will feature a touchpad for scrolling, at least two physical buttons, and it will be thicker in size than the current aluminum Apple TV remote.

We've heard multiple reports now indicating that Apple is planning to release new TV-related hardware this summer. The device is expected to be introduced at the World Wide Developers Conference with an updated, slimmer design, the faster A8 chip, and an increase in storage to house an upgraded OS and App Store downloads.

Developer builds Apple Watch app that can fully control his Tesla

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Developer Allan Wong posted an interesting video on YouTube today, showcasing his new Apple Watch app Remote S. In the clip, he can be seen using the wearable to control his Tesla Model S, performing tasks such as opening the charging port and adjusting the temperature.

While Tesla's are pricey and not very common in most circles, the video is extremely impressive and worth watching. This is by far the most in-depth app we've seen demonstrated on the Watch, as Wong is able to use it to control nearly every function and feature of his vehicle.

The Stratus XL controller takes iOS gaming to the next level [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Since Apple announced MFi controller support for iOS games, fewer options appeared than originally anticipated. The reason for a slow response is a bit surprising. However, my point of view is slightly skewed as an iOS accessory hardware reviewer. Still, I cannot imagine why app developers would not want to build in the support. Even more shocking is the small list of hardware options.

At CES 2014, it seemed like controllers would be the new thing. Unfortunately, several companies I chatted with never released their controller. We have come a long way since January 2014 and a full year plus another six months since the MFi controller support protocol released at WWDC.

SteelSeries was one of the first companies to-market with their SteelSeries Stratus. The Stratus was an extremely small MFi controller, but perfect for on-the-go gamers. Recently, they released the Stratus XL, a full sized battle tested design, similar to a true console handheld. After settling down with the XL, it changed the way I look at iOS as a gaming platform.

Selfy case kinda turns your iPhone into a GoPro

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated February 3, 2015

Where do I even begin talking about selfies? Everyone loves a good selfie. They are wildly popular across the world, even causing South Korea to ban "unregulated" selfie stick sales. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, SnapChat, and other forms of popular social media channels are completely filled with selfies. What caused our self obsession will never be explained, but the selfie is here to stay.

The selfie stick was one of the first hardware selfie assistants. I saw them around touristy places when I traveled, but didn't think much of them about a year ago. Now, they are increasingly popular and being utilized in everyday places. Several iterations of selfie-inspired accessories cropped up and iLuv is capitalizing on the fad. Launching "selfy," iLuv guarantees you will always have a quick way to snap a selfie and includes a laundry list of add-ons to assist.

Good deal: 41% off this remote control mini drone

Cody Lee ∙ November 26, 2014

Folks looking to pick up something different this holiday season for that special someone, or even themselves, may want to check out the SKEYE Nano Drone. The remote control quadcopter is small enough that it can be flown almost anywhere, and right now deal site StackSocial is offering it at a steep discount.

UPDATE: You can get this mini drone for even cheaper from Amazon.

Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and are guaranteed to be a hot-ticket item this holiday season. The SKEYE differs itself from the rest of the pack with its size and agility. It measures just 1.57×1.57 inches and utilizes a 6-axis flight control System, making it perfect for performing stunts.

The MOTO TC is a fun iPhone controlled rally race car

Jim Gresham ∙ October 6, 2014

If you are ready to hit the pavement, I suggest grabbing the Griffin MOTO TC Rally iPhone controlled toy car. That's right, no additional hardware is required, just your iPhone and the Bluetooth 4.0 controlled race car. As a child, teenager, and even as an adult, one of the biggest rushes in the toy world is remote controlling a toy car. Growing up, I used to make race tracks in the pine needles behind my parent's house. Not much has changed.

Bringing my childhood excitement in line with the 21st century, the MOTO TC is not only iPhone controlled, but also utilizes virtual damage control, weapon systems, and can monitor lap times. It is essentially like playing a console racing game, but with actual hardware.

Philips expands iPhone-connected line with hue lux, tap and luminaires

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Philips' iPhone-connected Hue lighting system has come a long way since we first reviewed it in 2012. The company has added a number of products to the lineup over the years, including LightStrips, Bloom bulbs, and bulbs for recessed lighting installs. And today, it's expanding the line even more.

This morning, Philips announced three new upcoming Hue products. The first is known as the 'hue lux,' a bulb that can only emit white light, the second is the 'hue tap,' which allows you to control the Hue system without the iPhone app, and the third is luminaires, a set of high-end 3D light fixtures...

Google readying iOS remote desktop app unofficially named Chromoting

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Google officially started work on Chromoting, a remote access technology for its Chrome OS, some four years ago.

Later rechristened to Chrome Remote Desktop, the VNC technology resembles Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection software and is designed to allow folks to access virtual desktops.

An Android Chromoting app has been in the works since last year and now a blogger has discovered evidence in the form of support documentation on the Chromium issue tracker website which indicates that an iOS version is also under development.

Why should you care? Read on...

CES 2014: Orbotix announces new ‘Sphero 2B’ connected toy

Cody Lee ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

I hope you're ready to see a flurry of new products and accessories this week. The PR train known as the Consumer Electronics Show is now in full swing, and a number of companies have already made some big announcements.

The Colorado-based Orbotix got in on the early action. The makers of the popular Sphero ball unveiled its latest connected toy: the 'Sphero 2B.' This time it's a cylinder, instead of a ball, and it's twice as fast as the current Sphero...

Good deal: 28% off iPhone-controlled Cobra iHelicopter

Cody Lee ∙ November 17, 2013

We've seen a lot of good deals on Apple-related gear over the past few days. There's the Steve Jobs/Jony Ive book combo for 55% off, the iPhone 5/5s accessory bundle for 46%, and today we have another one to share with you.

Stack Social is offering the popular Cobra iHelicopter at 28% off. Using an audio jack transmitter, the remote control helicopter can be steered with either an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and it shoots tiny missiles on command...