MediaCenterRemote
Latest
Media Center Remote for Windows 8 controls 7MC PCs, Extenders via WiFi
Microsoft hasn't provided much in the way of Media Center enhancements as a part of its upgrade to Windows 8, but this app lets those PCs, tablets and everything in between control Windows 7 Media Center computers and extenders. Coming from the developer of the Kinect for Media Center app we saw earlier this year, Media Center Remote for Windows 8 is compatible with ARM / Windows RT devices and can control playback, as well as browse libraries of music, pictures and videos. It's all done in the Windows 8 UI style, of course, so how much you love the look will apply here. It's not free, with a pricetag of $4.99 (also requires the installation of a free command listener app on your Media Center PC) and at the moment will only control PCs running Windows 7, although a backend update that will enable support for WMC on Windows 8 is on the way.
Acer touch pad / Media Center remote surfaces at the FCC
We've already seen Acer include a sleek little touch pad / remote with its Revo 100 in the UK, and it looks like one could also be coming to the US, as a similar device known only as the RMTP-S1Q has now passed through the FCC. Like the one we've seen previously, this device can be used as a multitouch trackpad to control your Media Center PC or, at the press of a button, be turned into a standard remote complete with illuminated capacitive controls. Of course, this being the FCC, there isn't any indication of an actual release, and the user manual included with the filing is actually from a company called Suyin Connector, so it would seem to be a rebadge job -- though there is a big Acer logo on the back of the device itself.
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.
Ricavision kicks out VAVE100 universal MCE / SideShow remote
Following up on the RICA 100 that Ricavision unveiled in May is the VAVE100, which doesn't deviate too far from its past siblings in the design department, but does offer up a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD, a shiny green MCE button and SideShow functionality. As we'd expect, this thing is a Class 1 (~50 meters promised) Bluetooth device with A2DP support, and it comes with its own docking station, a BT transceiver and a power charger. The remote enables users to control over 20 different components from up to 50-feet away via IR, and the buttons are backlit to keep you from fumbling around in the dark while trying to switch tracks. Unfortunately, you won't be using one of these to control your new gear (you are asking for new gear this year, right?) until next February, but you will save $25 by pre-ordering now for $274.[Thanks, Ronald]
Gyration updates motion-sensing Media Center Remote for Vista
With Vista fast approaching, it seems only natural that the folks at Gyration would tailor its gyroscope-packing, motion-sensing Media Center Remote to the new media-centered OS on the block -- and that's just what they've done, announcing the strikingly familiar-looking Vista Media Center Remote at CES. Apart from the new paint job, the remote appears to be pretty much in line with its earlier Media Center incarnation, giving you full mouse control courtesy of its trademark "Motion by Gyration" technology, with a range of up to 100 feet and plenty of buttons to accommodate your non-point-and-click needs. Look for this one to be available at all the usual locations come March for $150, or in a bundle with a wireless keyboard for an even $200.
