AMEX offers up RM-mp1 media center remote

Though we'd certainly like to see a few hands-on shots of this beauty just to quiet that annoying doubter in the rear of our mind that this is merely a concept, AMEX's RM-mp1 is reportedly the real deal. Said remote features wireless USB, support for Windows Media Center, a built-in touchpad / laser pointer and a black or white motif. Beyond that, details are admittedly scant, but we'll certainly be crossing our fingers that this mystical device crosses the waters to America in short order.

[The Apple @ May 23rd 2008 9:21AM]

Looks Pretty Nice...

[Genjinaro @ May 23rd 2008 9:53AM]

Yeah same here.

[Backwards People @ May 23rd 2008 9:27AM]

Media Center will be available for another month.

Vista Ultimate has some Media Center components, but it's got DRM. Skip it.

[Quikboy @ May 23rd 2008 9:48PM]

Uh, Apple uses far more DRM in their media products, but people still use it. Does that mean those Apple products will go down in a month?

If you read that article from badvista.fsf.org, then you were reading a hate article. Seriously, MS wanted to be prepared in case the FCC ever made it mandatory for commercial DVR's to have that broadcast flag. And it only happened because NBC (accidentally?) enabled it. But otherwise than that, many of my TV shows are still getting recorded on my WMC, and I've had no issues.

When Apple uses DRM, it's completely ok. But when MS does, it's oh-so bad. Even though MS doesn't enable it at all.

Oh, and FYI: AppleTV or any Apple product doesn't do DVR. If Apple did, we might see exactly the same thing. Instead, Apple choose to charge customers to buy shows in DRM-form from iTunes.

[vudean @ May 23rd 2008 9:35AM]

what are you talking about Backwards?
Vista premium has Media Center too... and everything has DRM... but what does that have to do with watching/recording TV? (which is what most people use MC for)

[xanium4332 @ May 23rd 2008 10:17AM]

*ahem* broadcast flag?

[vudean @ May 23rd 2008 10:23AM]

That was the network that enabled that illegally.
Granted, the code shoudln't even be there but you can't blame them for being prepared.

[Sirius @ May 23rd 2008 9:51AM]

So that screen looking thing is actually a touchpad?... looks pretty sweet in any case~

[Jared C. @ May 23rd 2008 9:52AM]

Doesn't the device say "Research" right on the bottom?
Let's hope I'm wrong.

[dustinlikewhat @ May 23rd 2008 10:21AM]

it'd be nice if they built a universal remote into it, help eliminate some.

[chickenator @ May 23rd 2008 10:27AM]

what, mp1?
i'll skip it, that's not enough mp.

[Chrisvanren @ May 23rd 2008 10:33AM]

I need one of these really bad. I watch nearly all of my TV shows on my computer now & it really sucks when I have to get up to add videos to my play list. I know I'm lazy.

[The Apple @ May 23rd 2008 7:45PM]

Were all Lazy...

[OneLove @ May 23rd 2008 11:18AM]

American Express makes remotes?

[Predator.Z6 @ May 23rd 2008 4:21PM]

EXACTLY what I was thinking.

[whygshe @ May 23rd 2008 12:45PM]

use xbmc, windows media center is garbage. anyone that disagrees can go and die.

[The Apple @ May 23rd 2008 7:46PM]

I Disagree, yet i am not dead?
Mysterious

[Joe H @ May 23rd 2008 1:36PM]

Media Center is actually the best frontend I've used, and I've tried many (XBMC, MediaPortal, Myth, Sage, BeyondTV, Tivo, Comcast DVR, ATI Multimedia Center).

Regardless, this remote seems to be missing something.... maybe some buttons would be nice?

You don't want mouse control for Media Center, directional arrows are definitely the way to go.

[James @ May 23rd 2008 8:48PM]

Am I the only person that can't find the company website or where to buy one of these?

[Rhian @ May 26th 2008 8:25PM]

HAHA!!!!! Found the website. amexdigital . com. Check out the hi res pics! There's a button half way up labelled "Silde Show"!!! Gotta love gadgets with typos. This thing would be impressive if it offered 2-way media control via a built in LCD, like my Philips Pronto TSU9400.

[joe @ May 24th 2008 2:03AM]

The middle button's labeled "silde show"
Might wanna spell check the thing before shipping.

[Mark @ May 24th 2008 3:39AM]

Take a look at the press release for more info: http://amexdigital.com/Press_Release-E_RM-mp1.htm