Is this the real Windows Vista MCE remote?

Considering the brick of a device we previously assumed would grab the role of being Vista's MCE remote didn't exactly fit the shiny, smooth look that's (apparently) taking coders so long to master, it's not too surprising that it probably, well, won't. While the previous rendition may have very well been some early prototype, we've now got good reason to believe that a sexier, more curvaceous replacement may take its place. Delving through the latest Windows Vista Product Guide manual discloses a svelte new remote with a much more fitting design, including the oh-so-crucial (DVR) playback buttons at the top, directional pads in the center, and your typical number pad layout taking up the lower half. There's also a row of four "shortcut" buttons that will presumably trigger just the right components to make the magic happen. Per usual with devices that haven't even neared mass production (nor tout actual confirmation of their existence), there's no pricing or availability info to speak of, but this version sure fits the stylish design Microsoft is apparently going for.

[Via Digg]

[Johan S @ Nov 29th 2006 6:38PM]

No OLED/LCD buttons? No voice interface?
No point.

[Omar @ Nov 29th 2006 4:50PM]

Looks better than tha Windows XP Media Center 2005 version fo' sure

[michael leimon @ Nov 29th 2006 4:51PM]

Right, like a DRM ridden POS like vista will be able to function as an hd media platform with the help of a magical remote... (if you squint closely you can see the "I agree" button under play) which is strategically placed so that you can agree to the EULA's that will pop up when you try to watch a blue-ray movie. Its just a shame that they have to degrade your playback because they figure you are just going to rip the content anyhow...

[Veritas II @ Nov 29th 2006 5:30PM]

MS is more behind HD-DVD actually.

[Matt @ Nov 29th 2006 6:57PM]

Its spelled Blu-Ray retard.

[Delsvr @ Nov 29th 2006 4:53PM]

Looks a lot like the Xbox 360 universal media remote, which I guess is to be expected.

[Chris @ Nov 29th 2006 6:20PM]

It can't be a Microsoft remote--there aren't enough buttons.

[Bob Spencer @ Nov 29th 2006 5:29PM]

Sexy looking remote! I'll add it to my Vista wish list for January 31... I like the diagonal push buttons near the top.

Too bad the link to details is bad :

[Ken @ Nov 29th 2006 5:45PM]

Recessed Record buttons are so 80's. You're only saving to digital media. It's not like you're overwriting a tape.

[Joshua Ochs @ Nov 29th 2006 6:45PM]

Why can't companies learn from Tivo and make the various buttons have unique shapes, colors, and organization? Grids of plain gray buttons (or the similarly useless "radial" arrangement) are incredibly frustrating to use. Consumer Reports and others have been railing against crappy remotes for years, and only Tivo seems to have assigned a couple designers to theirs.

[Rock Stone @ Nov 29th 2006 5:46PM]

Too bad they didn't design it so it'll stand up. Looking better than all previous incarnations tho.

[brad @ Nov 29th 2006 7:56PM]

looks fake. it uses the old windows xp logo instead of the windows vista logo

[Reginald @ Nov 29th 2006 6:36PM]

What no light-up keys?! I thought that was the best part of the MCE remote that Microsoft made before. No other MCE remote that I know of had backlit keys.

One more thing, when will these remotes start to have location beacons/sensors to indicate where they are when they lost in the sofa or under a blanket? Is that so much to ask?.

[Joel Rossel @ Nov 29th 2006 9:30PM]

its a F'in remote control people!!! It's like getting super excited about some new grey toaster coming out with a microsoft logo on it. I'm starting to worry about people on these forums.

[rob @ Nov 29th 2006 9:31PM]

are those arrows touch sensitive....cause thats sexy

[DoctaDJones @ Nov 29th 2006 10:14PM]

That can't be it.
You can only use Certified CableLabs remotes with your media PC...and you have to rent them from your cable provider.
Duh!

[DinnyHoon @ Nov 30th 2006 6:37AM]

Are you sure that's the final remote? It's sexy and all, but look at the Start button, it's the old Windows XP logo (the Vista logo being 2D with a white gradient from the centre)

[Teryaki Boyz @ Nov 30th 2006 10:29AM]

I Like It It Really looks like xbox 360 remote