Like peas in a pod: Korea Telecom combines phone, TV remote

Sure, there are literally hundreds of apps to turn that otherwise limited-use IR window found on many phones into a remote control, but how many phones are designed from the ground up to serve double duty? Not many, we think -- especially ones with names like "Cutie." South Korea's Korea Telecom is introducing a handful of phones in its "Ann" series -- including the pictured "Ann Sweety" from Samsung -- that function both as cordless telephones and as remotes for all manner of home entertainment devices. The phones also handle SMS messages, meaning that it's finally possible to turn on the tube and immediately stop paying attention it while you send a text in one fluid motion.

[zx3junglist Posted Feb 7th 2007 5:57AM]

Why can't the U.S. telecoms offer cool things like this, DMB, etc etc.?

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2007 6:01AM]

"Sure, there are literally hundreds of apps to turn that otherwise limited-use IR window found on many phones into a remote control"

Actually, there aren't that many. Phones do have an IR feature, but this is IRDA -designed for data transfer. It uses a narrow beam and (usually) different peak wavelengths. It's not very well suited to controlling home entertainment devices. Do some Googling

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2007 9:14AM]

Brilliant! Now whenever my girlfriend is watching her crappy woman television shows I'll be able to text a buddy and ask him to call the house and ask for me so she'll be forced to hand over the remote.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 7th 2007 9:24AM]

Gee, I've done this for years... Treo 650 and now the Treo 680. Admittedly, the 650's IR output was pretty weak and I would have to point it pretty precisely, and it's slower than a normal remote.

However, my 680 seems to be much stronger and works from 10-12 feet away, which is plenty of distance for me.

Not dedicated, but when you realize the remote is on the entertainment center and you're on the couch, launching Novii Remote and changing the channel is nice. Or realizing the remote in the bedroom is god-knows-where when you're half asleep...

[PhilR8 Posted Feb 7th 2007 12:29PM]

Not as elegant as the Phone/Remote control combo from V for Vendetta... but it's a start.

[smcquade Posted Feb 8th 2007 12:24AM]

cool. me want.