Apple's 'Remote' application was a good start, but we've known for some time now that the platform was capable of far, far more. ThinkFlood is stepping up today and proving our assumptions right, as the RedEye universal remote control system effectively converts your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote for any IR-equipped component. The app itself is completely free to download, though it's the $188 base station that really makes the magic happen; your handheld talks to said dock via WiFi, and if you've got an AV device, home automation system or pretty much anything that responds to IR signals, your iPhone can now control it. The setup supports multiple rooms, controllers and users simultaneously, and we're told that it "controls a virtually unlimited number of devices and can store a virtually unlimited number of commands." Heck, this thing even reacts to multitouch gestures and accelerometer controls. Don't believe us? Check the vids just past the break.
@Quiglag You do need a router. Just watch the video. They don't store everything you need for this to work on the device. You need access to the internet. So while it can operate as a wireless hub, that's just to get it up and running initially.
@glamajamma Actually that might be a nice implementation for a simpler/cheaper version, but it does have some issues. You'd probably want the IR to come out of the top of the phone, the way you normally hold it. You *might* be able to power it off the headphone jack, but of course the iPod Touch's headphone jack is also on the bottom...
You could just turn the thing around and point the bottom of the phone at the TV every time you want to use it, but that seems problematic.
You could offer a case with the dock connector hooked up on the bottom and the emitters on the top, but having to put a case on your phone? A sled could also work, maybe even with an extra battery. But again it wouldn't work if you already have a case on the thing. And is inconvienient.
Not sure there's a good solution.
Plus of course it would require you to plug the thing in or whatever every time you wanted to do this. And it wouldn't work across rooms. And it wouldn't work with equipment that is in a closet or behind cabinet doors. And of course there would be no way to make it work with RF or Bluetooth using equipment, though this thing doesn't support either of those anyway...
There's probably a solution here, I'm just not sure what it is.
Somebody should build a community-supported app and sell such a small emitter/dock connector and see what happens. Will at the very least bring the prices of the commercial stuff down. And would likely result in a good database of equipment after a while.
I was excited....but $188 is way too expensive for this device, basically an app which is not that fancy and a wifi receiver/IR transmitter. I hope Apple puts IR in the next iPhone. Then this device will drop in price or stay the same and meet the needs of people who need it for it's unique benefits. As for me, all my IR devices are in one room in one spot.
Hey! MKRemote for Android costs only a couple buck and works awesome!!! Way to go Apple advertising! Even though you are the last company onto this you will still fool the millions who think you are pioneers!
MKRemote won't magically put an IR port on your Droid, numbnuts. Also, how does this have anything to do with Apple or their advertising? This is a 3rd party product.
@(Unverified) ... and WinRemote for the iPhone ($1.99) has been around since before Android was a glint in Google's eye. Problem is, it doesn't do IR. So, uh, there you go.
@Jack How does that miss the point? I thought the 'point' of any multi-device remote is to remove clutter and make navigating the array of devices easier.
Whether it's a cheap learning universal from 'The Shack' or a Harmony, either is a better solution than this.
There are too many usability situations where it fails. Being the only one in a household with an iPhone, and you're not home when someone wants to watch TV/DVD/whatever. A call comes in, and you need to take it, denying anyone else from the controls, and about a dozen other situations I can see... not to mention the drain on the battery with WiFi on.
Finally, as someone who's used the NoviiRemote software in the past (which works great but it's still at touchscreen), and the Harmony 1000, it's worth pointing out that when you're couch surfing, nothing beats tactile feedback. With any tactile remote, the average user figures out the key layout intuitively, and can operate it with one hand while not looking. Even with the gestures, you don't have such a command over the devices with the RedEye.
There's a reason universal remotes are designed the way they are. It just makes more sense.
If you live alone, it MIGHT be passable as a gimmick, but I doubt that it would satisfy anyone's need for a real universal solution in the long run.
When you have a phone AND a remote, you still have multiple devices. That's the point. I really don't see how this is so hard to comprehend. With the redeye system you have ONE device. Your iPhone.
What are you talking about? This is a solution to a problem no one has. Clutter? From your phone and remote? Are you insane? Did you get rid of the TV because you have a sofa? Did you toss the fridge after buying a microwave?
One device has nothing to do with the other...I doubt anyone has ever sat at home with their remote in hand and wondered if they could get rid of the phone. because the living room was getting cluttered. Hell, lets get rid of the baby, I bought a dog, it's getting cluttered!
I own Apple products, but sometime the level of fanboyism and sycophantic defence of silly things is crazy.
I actually like this idea, but my problem is the price which makes other solutions more favourable.
I was just wondering this morning why phones in the US don't have IR built in for remote control? Every phone in Korea had it in 2005 when I was there. Nothing like going into a bar and changing the channel or turning it off if it sucks...
WinMo has been doing this with it's built in IR for at least the last 6 years, but WOW the iPhone does it with a large extra bit of hardware, amazing I'm sure I could just buy a pretty cool standalone remote for that $$
WinMo is software. The hardware is required because it has an IR port. Does WinMo have an IR port? No, because it's SOFTWARE. In order for this to work without external hardware the phone you're using needs an IR port. It has nothing to do with WinMo.
I've had Windows Mobile devices with IR ports dating back to the Windows CE 1.92 days. Long before bluetooth was a household word. Certainly long before the iPhone, iPod Touch, and even the iPod Classic was around. Those Windows Mobile devices that didn't have an IR port could just have an IR piece added that plugged right into the headphone jack. Heck, even Palm had a decent IR remote control solution. But now for a minimum of $180 an iPhone or iPod Touch can now control my devices in just one room? The only thing innovative here is how apple lovers are bent over a second time while smiling.
You're aware that neither Droid nor the Palm Pre have IR ports either, right? It's just that there IS no IR solution for them, because nobody cares. Also, since when was having an IR port built into your phone an awesome thing to have? See, there's this thing called Bluetooth now that sort of obsoletes IR. The only things still using IR are things like TVs and receivers.
Which is why all the good phones don't have IR. Because it's almost completely useless unless you want to control a TV. Which is why you bought a phone in the first place, right? To control a TV? Which is why IR ports are such a high priority for phone makers?
Oh wait. No it isn't. You're stupid for making it seem like you think IR is important to have on a phone.
It's SO useless you've spent 4-5 posts justifying paying near $200 to ADD it to the iPhone. If you can't see how much of a ass you're being then I can't help you.
I'd consider it if it was sub-$100... otherwise, I'd agree that a Logitech Harmony remote is the way to go... also, I'd rather not have my family members lay their grubby hands on my iPhone every time they wanna turn on the tube
I think its interesting but a few things give me pause.
First, it isn't quite right for me. Like others I'd rather hide this in the cabinet and have it output its IR signal through a repeater. Meaning there's a lot of hardware on this thing that costs them/me money but does me no good (the dock, the emitters). Plus I have to spend more money for say an IR pickup when I shouldn't have to, and tape over the IR emitters to avoid delayed reflections, etc.
Second, I don't know this company from Adam. And if you go to their site and click support to see what kind of problems people are having with it, you'll find no user forum of any sort. Meaning you can't tell much of anything about it without buying it. Does it have IR codes for my Apple TV? How responsive is the company when they're missing stuff in their IR database? Did they get their IR codes from somebody I trust? How do the usual problem areas like repeat frequency and such work out? Can I customize the screen layout? Etc.
Also, one of the reasons for something like this is that you want to set it up so your wife can use it (yes, this is sexist, I'm sorry). Which means you have to install the application on maybe more than one iPhone or iPod Touch. Okay, no biggie, the app is free. But the customization is extensive. And once you set it up, you have to start all over again with the other iPhone. And what if you get a new phone? Does it backup the settings thru iTunes somehow? No idea.
There should be an Ethernet port if you want to bypass the whole Wifi setup thing. I like that Wifi is included, but it adds to the setup complexity for some people who don't need it.
No way to add RF support of course. Even an extra cost option might be acceptable for this. Ditto bluetooth devices like PS3 etc.
An IR emitter that plugs into the headphone jack for power would seem like a simpler solution for some people too...
@Fanfoot Whoa. Let's take this step by step. "I'd rather hide this in the cabinet and have it output its IR signal through a repeater"
I have a repeater with 8 IR eyes and one receiving eye. It was over $100 from a discount place. Best Buy would have been almost $300.
"Second, I don't know this company from Adam. " True. It's a new company, and they're technically not even open yet, which explains the lack of user forums. The software is up, but there are a limited number of docks available, and they're doing a public beta. Unfortunately because of Apple, there's no way to do a widespread private beta, since everything goes thru iTunes.
As to the third point, I'm sure there is a mechanism to back up the settings. If there isn't, there will be in an update.
For the 4th point, I agree. I'd like to plug this into a network rather than set up the wireless. I question the need for RF remotes if there is WiFi. I've never seen a component that is ONLY RF, with no IR option. And the PS3 is a lost cause, I have one. The best thing to do is buy a IR receiver that plugs into the USB port. It really is the best way.
Agreed on the dongle. I'd rather see an emitter that plugs into the dock connector, then you could just flip the screen upside down to work it.
The price isn't bad for this when you consider it's not just repeating IR signals it's actually saving a series of IR commands and send them them out in order when you press one button. Remotes like the logitech have to have line of site and has less chance that all the commands will get to all your equipment. Downside - you have to keep your phone in airplane mode? What if you want to say... use you phone for calling friends?
Needs IR blaster ports and RS-232 at the very least and for that price bluetooth and RF support... Why not make software available to any wifi equipped device?
The lack of IR blasters means this will work poorly if you're trying to control more than one device unless you place the blinking base on your coffee table and have no equipment hidden.
They're charging $188 retain for this thing. The least they could do is add a 50cent piece of hardware to make it 10x more useful.
Red Eye is a device though: Red Eye + iPhone/iPod = 2. And for those of us with families, it's easier for me to leave them with an actual universal remote.
With that said, I'd still be tempted to try it out if the price were
Nice try, but the redeye is not a device that requires human interaction like a phone or a remote control. When you get the redeye set up it just sits there and you don't have to touch it again. The entire point is that the redeye eliminates the need to have separate remote controls and you can just use your iPhone to do it, since you'll have your iPhone on you anyway.
This device for me has potential. My hardware isnt' line of site sometimes the hardware is in a completely different room then I am in (I have a weird setup). The price point is cheaper then the Harmony's that I was lookign at. I'm just not 100% sold on its interface. I'd like to see color/customizable icons.
Also I'm not entirely sure I'm crazy about a touch screen remote. I've had a Phillips pronto back in the day and I wasn't crazy about it. The gestures might help.
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posted December 2nd 2009 2:27PM
@Quiglag
Your Apple Tax excuse fails because this has nothing to do with Apple.
@Quiglag You do need a router. Just watch the video. They don't store everything you need for this to work on the device. You need access to the internet. So while it can operate as a wireless hub, that's just to get it up and running initially.
@glamajamma Actually that might be a nice implementation for a simpler/cheaper version, but it does have some issues. You'd probably want the IR to come out of the top of the phone, the way you normally hold it. You *might* be able to power it off the headphone jack, but of course the iPod Touch's headphone jack is also on the bottom...
You could just turn the thing around and point the bottom of the phone at the TV every time you want to use it, but that seems problematic.
You could offer a case with the dock connector hooked up on the bottom and the emitters on the top, but having to put a case on your phone? A sled could also work, maybe even with an extra battery. But again it wouldn't work if you already have a case on the thing. And is inconvienient.
Not sure there's a good solution.
Plus of course it would require you to plug the thing in or whatever every time you wanted to do this. And it wouldn't work across rooms. And it wouldn't work with equipment that is in a closet or behind cabinet doors. And of course there would be no way to make it work with RF or Bluetooth using equipment, though this thing doesn't support either of those anyway...
There's probably a solution here, I'm just not sure what it is.
Somebody should build a community-supported app and sell such a small emitter/dock connector and see what happens. Will at the very least bring the prices of the commercial stuff down. And would likely result in a good database of equipment after a while.
I was excited....but $188 is way too expensive for this device, basically an app which is not that fancy and a wifi receiver/IR transmitter. I hope Apple puts IR in the next iPhone. Then this device will drop in price or stay the same and meet the needs of people who need it for it's unique benefits. As for me, all my IR devices are in one room in one spot.
$188 for some piece of ugly plastic ... Come on people be a little realistic here ... Is it cool? Sure ... but way over priced ...
Hey! MKRemote for Android costs only a couple buck and works awesome!!! Way to go Apple advertising! Even though you are the last company onto this you will still fool the millions who think you are pioneers!
@(Unverified)
mkRemote only controls computers
@(Unverified)
MKRemote won't magically put an IR port on your Droid, numbnuts. Also, how does this have anything to do with Apple or their advertising? This is a 3rd party product.
@(Unverified) ... and WinRemote for the iPhone ($1.99) has been around since before Android was a glint in Google's eye. Problem is, it doesn't do IR. So, uh, there you go.
@(Unverified)
Won't people ever think before commenting?
his password is ABCD...looser
@mRichardy629 That's the same password that I have for my luggage.
@(Unverified) quick better change it to 1234
How about getting a cheap remote from Radioshack ??
@jashsayani
... what? Could you possibly miss the point any harder?
@Jack How does that miss the point? I thought the 'point' of any multi-device remote is to remove clutter and make navigating the array of devices easier.
Whether it's a cheap learning universal from 'The Shack' or a Harmony, either is a better solution than this.
There are too many usability situations where it fails. Being the only one in a household with an iPhone, and you're not home when someone wants to watch TV/DVD/whatever. A call comes in, and you need to take it, denying anyone else from the controls, and about a dozen other situations I can see... not to mention the drain on the battery with WiFi on.
Finally, as someone who's used the NoviiRemote software in the past (which works great but it's still at touchscreen), and the Harmony 1000, it's worth pointing out that when you're couch surfing, nothing beats tactile feedback. With any tactile remote, the average user figures out the key layout intuitively, and can operate it with one hand while not looking. Even with the gestures, you don't have such a command over the devices with the RedEye.
There's a reason universal remotes are designed the way they are. It just makes more sense.
If you live alone, it MIGHT be passable as a gimmick, but I doubt that it would satisfy anyone's need for a real universal solution in the long run.
PS: JP1 Forums FTW!
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/
@Alan Strangis
When you have a phone AND a remote, you still have multiple devices. That's the point. I really don't see how this is so hard to comprehend. With the redeye system you have ONE device. Your iPhone.
Is that clear enough?
@Jack
What are you talking about? This is a solution to a problem no one has. Clutter? From your phone and remote? Are you insane? Did you get rid of the TV because you have a sofa? Did you toss the fridge after buying a microwave?
One device has nothing to do with the other...I doubt anyone has ever sat at home with their remote in hand and wondered if they could get rid of the phone. because the living room was getting cluttered. Hell, lets get rid of the baby, I bought a dog, it's getting cluttered!
I own Apple products, but sometime the level of fanboyism and sycophantic defence of silly things is crazy.
I actually like this idea, but my problem is the price which makes other solutions more favourable.
I was just wondering this morning why phones in the US don't have IR built in for remote control? Every phone in Korea had it in 2005 when I was there. Nothing like going into a bar and changing the channel or turning it off if it sucks...
At $188, no doubt it is on the wish list as an iPod stocking stuffer for Goldman Sachs.... and Pelosi........
WinMo has been doing this with it's built in IR for at least the last 6 years, but WOW the iPhone does it with a large extra bit of hardware, amazing I'm sure I could just buy a pretty cool standalone remote for that $$
@fourthletter
WinMo is software. The hardware is required because it has an IR port. Does WinMo have an IR port? No, because it's SOFTWARE. In order for this to work without external hardware the phone you're using needs an IR port. It has nothing to do with WinMo.
I've had Windows Mobile devices with IR ports dating back to the Windows CE 1.92 days. Long before bluetooth was a household word. Certainly long before the iPhone, iPod Touch, and even the iPod Classic was around. Those Windows Mobile devices that didn't have an IR port could just have an IR piece added that plugged right into the headphone jack. Heck, even Palm had a decent IR remote control solution. But now for a minimum of $180 an iPhone or iPod Touch can now control my devices in just one room? The only thing innovative here is how apple lovers are bent over a second time while smiling.
@DaveBach
You're aware that neither Droid nor the Palm Pre have IR ports either, right? It's just that there IS no IR solution for them, because nobody cares. Also, since when was having an IR port built into your phone an awesome thing to have? See, there's this thing called Bluetooth now that sort of obsoletes IR. The only things still using IR are things like TVs and receivers.
Which is why all the good phones don't have IR. Because it's almost completely useless unless you want to control a TV. Which is why you bought a phone in the first place, right? To control a TV? Which is why IR ports are such a high priority for phone makers?
Oh wait. No it isn't. You're stupid for making it seem like you think IR is important to have on a phone.
@Jack
It's SO useless you've spent 4-5 posts justifying paying near $200 to ADD it to the iPhone. If you can't see how much of a ass you're being then I can't help you.
What about when you are talking on your phone and you want to change channels?
@startingnow
um... you push the speakerphone button?
@startingnow
Just enter the RedEye application and change the channel. But we're likely males, so we can't do this anyway.
OMG, he cracked my wi-fi network password abcd! Now I'm going to change it for everything-- atm pin, role play safe word
@jj91709 voted for using the phrase "safe word"
i think the most important question here is, why the hell did these guys rip off the engadget logo?!?!? is nilay doing something about this?
I'd consider it if it was sub-$100... otherwise, I'd agree that a Logitech Harmony remote is the way to go... also, I'd rather not have my family members lay their grubby hands on my iPhone every time they wanna turn on the tube
I think its interesting but a few things give me pause.
First, it isn't quite right for me. Like others I'd rather hide this in the cabinet and have it output its IR signal through a repeater. Meaning there's a lot of hardware on this thing that costs them/me money but does me no good (the dock, the emitters). Plus I have to spend more money for say an IR pickup when I shouldn't have to, and tape over the IR emitters to avoid delayed reflections, etc.
Second, I don't know this company from Adam. And if you go to their site and click support to see what kind of problems people are having with it, you'll find no user forum of any sort. Meaning you can't tell much of anything about it without buying it. Does it have IR codes for my Apple TV? How responsive is the company when they're missing stuff in their IR database? Did they get their IR codes from somebody I trust? How do the usual problem areas like repeat frequency and such work out? Can I customize the screen layout? Etc.
Also, one of the reasons for something like this is that you want to set it up so your wife can use it (yes, this is sexist, I'm sorry). Which means you have to install the application on maybe more than one iPhone or iPod Touch. Okay, no biggie, the app is free. But the customization is extensive. And once you set it up, you have to start all over again with the other iPhone. And what if you get a new phone? Does it backup the settings thru iTunes somehow? No idea.
There should be an Ethernet port if you want to bypass the whole Wifi setup thing. I like that Wifi is included, but it adds to the setup complexity for some people who don't need it.
No way to add RF support of course. Even an extra cost option might be acceptable for this. Ditto bluetooth devices like PS3 etc.
An IR emitter that plugs into the headphone jack for power would seem like a simpler solution for some people too...
@Fanfoot Whoa. Let's take this step by step.
"I'd rather hide this in the cabinet and have it output its IR signal through a repeater"
I have a repeater with 8 IR eyes and one receiving eye. It was over $100 from a discount place. Best Buy would have been almost $300.
"Second, I don't know this company from Adam. " True. It's a new company, and they're technically not even open yet, which explains the lack of user forums. The software is up, but there are a limited number of docks available, and they're doing a public beta. Unfortunately because of Apple, there's no way to do a widespread private beta, since everything goes thru iTunes.
As to the third point, I'm sure there is a mechanism to back up the settings. If there isn't, there will be in an update.
For the 4th point, I agree. I'd like to plug this into a network rather than set up the wireless. I question the need for RF remotes if there is WiFi. I've never seen a component that is ONLY RF, with no IR option. And the PS3 is a lost cause, I have one. The best thing to do is buy a IR receiver that plugs into the USB port. It really is the best way.
Agreed on the dongle. I'd rather see an emitter that plugs into the dock connector, then you could just flip the screen upside down to work it.
The price isn't bad for this when you consider it's not just repeating IR signals it's actually saving a series of IR commands and send them them out in order when you press one button. Remotes like the logitech have to have line of site and has less chance that all the commands will get to all your equipment. Downside - you have to keep your phone in airplane mode? What if you want to say... use you phone for calling friends?
@frizbplaya Airplane mode is just for setup. He says to turn it off if you listen.
I'm still waiting for this: uiremote.wordpress.com
Thanks, but I'll keep my Harmony 890 at half the price.
@sbddude
And you'll still have multiple devices, which is what the Redeye solution solves.
Needs IR blaster ports and RS-232 at the very least and for that price bluetooth and RF support... Why not make software available to any wifi equipped device?
@TMoney2007
The lack of IR blasters means this will work poorly if you're trying to control more than one device unless you place the blinking base on your coffee table and have no equipment hidden.
They're charging $188 retain for this thing. The least they could do is add a 50cent piece of hardware to make it 10x more useful.
@Jack,
Red Eye is a device though: Red Eye + iPhone/iPod = 2. And for those of us with families, it's easier for me to leave them with an actual universal remote.
With that said, I'd still be tempted to try it out if the price were
@dnono
Nice try, but the redeye is not a device that requires human interaction like a phone or a remote control. When you get the redeye set up it just sits there and you don't have to touch it again. The entire point is that the redeye eliminates the need to have separate remote controls and you can just use your iPhone to do it, since you'll have your iPhone on you anyway.
That's what "one device" means.
@Jack
Semantics. A real single device solution would not require a second non-interactive device (RedEye).
My only gripe with this is that the hardware is so ugly. It looks like it was made by Joytech.
This device for me has potential. My hardware isnt' line of site sometimes the hardware is in a completely different room then I am in (I have a weird setup). The price point is cheaper then the Harmony's that I was lookign at. I'm just not 100% sold on its interface. I'd like to see color/customizable icons.
Also I'm not entirely sure I'm crazy about a touch screen remote. I've had a Phillips pronto back in the day and I wasn't crazy about it. The gestures might help.