Although Chen Hung Ming's
Book Style remote control isn't the first gizmo to
mimic pages of the past, this prototype device adds a whole new meaning to flipping through the channels. Reportedly crafted for a short-term
Philips project, Ming set out to construct a remote that was "perfect for everyone," had a simplistic interface scheme, and would appeal to a broad group of ages. Still, we can't imagine that this "universal" remote would be any easier to program that the internet-savvy
controllers that are already available, but the clever colored tabs are indeed a thoughtful inclusion when considering the
elderly. Of course, we've no idea if Philips (or anyone else, for that matter) plans on commercialization the design, but click on through for another glimpse anyway.
[Via
YankoDesign]
posted Apr 27th 2007 4:11PM
What in the world?
I think a more appropriate question is WHY?
This thing looks bulky, hard to handle, and users are still limited by what is put on the controller. Just because it has more buttons doesn't mean its a better controller
Besides, nothing beats an ifrared transmitter on an ipod nano.
http://features.engadget.com/2004/07/27/how-to-turn-your-ipod-in-to-a-universal-infrared-remote-control/
Wow!! What a great idea! R&D at Philips has really sat down and thought long about the remote problem that plagues us in the western world.. As this is a prototype I'm sure the design will change many times before going commercial, but still the idea is genial!
So when I push on the top page what stops it from hitting 5 more buttons below it?
Technology, my friend. It's technology that does.
I really like that idea. It's like a remote that only lights up the applicable buttons when any mode is selected, but it's a more tangible version. I think this is a great idea. and hackedbyjoe, I think the point is that there aren't more buttons at once. You can flip to DVD or something, then only dvd controls will apply. So the controls you use for Tivo won't be on the remote at the same time when they won't be applicable. I think it's a great idea, very cool.
This would be nice. I don't mind my current remote so much, but the wife would like the simplicity of this one.
Perhaps it could be improved if the pages swung all the way around though; sometimes I like to use the remote with my left hand, which this design wouldn't easily allow.
I'm not the type to jump on grammar or spelling errors in other peoples writing, especially when it is not an egregious error. But (and there has to be a but, right?) I'd like to note that this blog repeatedly refers to things as "simplistic" when it is not meant in any way as negative.
Most things that are simple on purpose would be better described as "simple" as "simplistic" commonly is taken as a negative. As in "Your device only does half of what it should, and it is therefore a simplistic solution." as opposed to "Your device is everything we'd want without any excess clutter, and it is therefore an elegantly simple solution."
Just a note. I love this blog (thought that might be a simplistic description of my feelings)!
Thanks,
zero
Looks cool... if it was a gaming console control :)
I would personally LOVE to have one of these.
Yes, we have two different programmable remotes. One with programmable buttons, and another with a touchscreen.
And yet we still always end up using the original remotes. I want to be able to pick up a remote and not have to look at it and struggle to remember what button does what in which mode because they`re not in the same places as the original, and are unlabeled. I also don`t want to have to look at a touch screen everytime I choose to do something... Especially if it`s a glowing touchscreen. And it`s dark in the room. Not to mention the ungodly speed that thing goes through batteries.
So we`ve just given up and use the original remotes. I can`t tell you how much I`d love to have a remote *book*. It would be great.
Smells like fancy Wiimote, too.
Looks easy to break.. they should be able to sell a lot of replacements