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The PS4 will get an officially licensed media remote
You'd think that Sony would have released a remote control for the PlayStation 4 given that video is even more important this time around, but that's not the case -- without a compatible TV remote via HDMI-CEC or Harmony setup, you're usually stuck using a gamepad. The next best thing is coming, however. Accessory maker PDP has quietly unveiled an officially licensed PS4 media remote that gives you an easier way to navigate both your console and your TV when watching movies. PDP hasn't formally announced launch details, but US retailers have it shipping in October for $30. That's not a trivial amount, but it could be worthwhile if you spend as much time watching Netflix as you do grinding through Destiny.
Tiny brain implant delivers drugs with a remote control
An implant, the size of a human hair, can deliver drugs to the brain with the click of a button. A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Illinois have demonstrated the wireless technology in mice. While a previous iteration of the device delivered LED to neurons that respond to light, the latest experiment successfully introduced pharmacological agents directly to the brain. A drug was first sent to one side of the brain that made a mouse move around in a circle. Next, shining a light onto cells that cue the release of dopamine rewarded the mice with happy feelings. When the rodents came around for more, the researchers used a remote control to interject with a drug that put a halt on the dopamine effect.
Phone-controlled Range Rover helps you get out of a jam
Never mind those dreams of using a handheld device to steer your car from the back seat, James Bond-style -- the real purpose of remote control may be to get your vehicle past a muddy trench. Jaguar Land Rover is developing smartphone control technology that lets you pilot a car (in this case, a Range Rover Sport) at very low speeds while you're outside, helping you get past difficult terrain or tricky parking spots. You have to operate everything manually at the moment, but the hope is that this will eventually bring a level of push-button autonomy where you simply tap a button to get around some rocks or back out of your garage.
Logitech remotes can turn down Hue lights before movie night
Logitech's Harmony remote just got considerably more useful when you're setting the mood for a movie. A recent hub firmware update (available through the Android and iOS apps) for its Smart Control and Ultimate remotes lets you adjust Philips' Hue lights at the start or end of an activity. You can set a colorful backdrop before kicking off a house party, for instance. Frankly, this makes Logitech's Hue integration considerably more useful -- you can now light up a dark room and turn on your TV before you even reach the couch.
Chromecast will now take orders from your TV remote
Google's Chromecast is capable of all sorts of tricks, but some of them have remained untapped until now. Take HDMI-CEC, which has been built into the video stick since the outset, but has only just been made compatible with input from connected devices. This means that your TV remote can now deliver IR orders to the Chromecast: your remote can pause and resume whatever's being beamed from the stick. The stick has been using the same tech to turn on your TV and switch inputs when you broadcast video to the dongle since its arrival, but this is the first time user input has been included. The standard isn't quite as widespread as traditional HDMI, however, so be warned that the feature may not be compatible with your particular TV. Likewise, Chromecast users report that the functionality is working with HBO Go, WatchESPN, Allcast, BBC iPlayer, Google Play Music, and TuneIn Radio, although Hulu remains conspicuously absent.
Open Source Remote Control lets you pilot just about any drone
Drones and other remotely piloted vehicles are inherently limited by their controls; you frequently have to switch controllers when you switch vehicles, and you can usually forget about customization. You might not have to worry if the Open Source Remote Control (OSRC) project gets off the ground, however. The long-in-development peripheral uses a mix of modular hardware and Linux-based software that lets you steer just about any unmanned machine. On top of a programmable interface, you can swap in new wireless modules and shoulder switches to either accommodate new drones or improve existing controls. You can also attach a 4.8-inch touchscreen module (typically for a first-person view), use cellular networks or even share one vehicle between multiple operators -- handy if you're at a flying club or shooting a movie.
Watch a remote-controlled fighter jet evade a missile
Existing drone aircraft are useful for many things, but they make for lousy target practice when you're testing missiles; they're rarely as maneuverable as modern fighter jets. Boeing and one of its customers have just shown that there's a better way, however, by firing a surface-to-air missile at a remote-controlled QF-16. As you'll see in the video below, the unmanned aircraft is much nimbler than either a purpose-built vehicle or an aging conversion like the QF-4, and gives weapons a real workout. It even managed to dodge the projectile, although you can't really say that the shooters missed. The missile was tuned to avoid hitting its target -- sensors on both the missile and QF-16 confirmed that the weapon was on track without having to blow up expensive equipment. It'll be a while longer before the airplane is regularly serving as an aerial punching bag, but this test proves that it's up to the job.
Real FX lets you race against robot toy cars, no mobile app required
Sure, Anki Drive put robotic toy cars on the map, but it's not ideal -- not everyone can justify giving their kids iOS devices just to steer plastic vehicles. You won't have that issue if Wow Labs gets its Real FX kit on to store shelves. The system blends conventional RC handsets with smart, optically guided cars; all you do to play against artificial intelligence is switch a racer's handset to "pace car." You don't have to settle for fixed course designs, either, since you can build them piece-by-piece.
Logitech's universal remotes can now control your Sonos speakers
If you like to simplify your home theater with universal remotes, there's a good chance that you also like multi-room audio systems. Wouldn't it be swell if you could combine the two? As of today, it's easy. Logitech has posted updates for both higher-end Harmony remotes (the Smart Control and Ultimate) and its Harmony mobile app that let you control Sonos audio systems. All of the remotes can handle at least basic playback duties, while both the app and Ultimate also provide quick access to your favorite Sonos playlists and stations. They can steer Philips' Hue lights, too -- just in case you need to set the mood for a movie.
Samsung still makes Windows Phones: ATIV SE up for pre-order at Verizon
With Windows Phone 8.1 now free, we may start seeing more announcements like this: Verizon's just put the Samsung ATIV SE handset up for pre-order. As we saw in an earlier leak, it's essentially a high-spec Galaxy S4 with Windows Phone 8 (not 8.1) instead of Android. Though that's been superceded by the Galaxy S5 on Android, the internals are still not too shabby, especially for a WP8 handset: a 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 quad-core CPU, LTE, 2GB of RAM, a 16 13-megapixel camera and a 2,600mAh battery. Naturally, Samsung's also thrown in its own goodies whether you want them or not -- though some, like the TV remote control app, actually look useful. Verizon says it'll ship them out by April 12th at the latest and, if you go for one at $200 on a two-year contract, you'll even get a second for free.
Roku's revamped mobile apps bring content search and a fresh look
Roku's mobile software just got a long overdue coat of fresh paint. The remote control apps for both Android and iOS now have a minimalist (and very purple) interface, as well as search that lets you track down content based on actors, directors and similar minutiae. It's now easier to control most any Roku device on the network, too. You don't have to use an account for most functions, and a single sign-in will automatically log in to every device linked to your credentials. There's still no iPad-optimized app -- really, Roku? -- but what's here is definitely worth grabbing from the App Store or Google Play.
Dish Explorer for iPad can now recommend shows and turn on your TV
If you own one of Dish's Hopper DVRs and have ever been stumped as to what to watch next, you'll want to grab the latest version of Dish Explorer for the iPad. The new app now recommends shows based on your viewing habits; watch a lot of crime dramas and Dish may suggest the others you've missed. The update also introduces direct control over the TV's power and volume, so you won't have to go hunting for that lost remote. Head to the App Store for an upgrade if either new Explorer feature sounds appealing.
Xbox One Media Remote arrives in early March for $25
That didn't take long. Scarcely a week after the Xbox One Media Remote briefly surfaced at a Canadian retailer, Microsoft has made it official. As expected, the peripheral lets you navigate videos more elegantly than with the bundled gamepad. However, it's not just a cheap substitute for a mobile device using SmartGlass. If you have your Kinect plugged in, the remote will also steer the power and volume of your TV or receiver. That consolidated control may help justify buying the peripheral for $25 when it ships in March -- especially if you're the sort who's more likely to watch Netflix than play Forza.
ROCCAT's Power-Grid enters open beta, turns phones into PC control centers (video)
ROCCAT's Power-Grid has been slow in coming -- the smartphone-based PC assistant was originally supposed to launch last December. Nonetheless, gamers will be glad to hear that it's finally available to the public through an open beta. Both Android and iOS users can now control and monitor Windows PC activities of all kinds from their mobile device's screen, whether they're triggering StarCraft II keyboard macros or tracking CPU workloads. Demanding gamers can also create command screens and share them with others. ROCCAT doesn't yet know when it will stop the Power-Grid beta, but it does promise a slew of supporting accessories in 2014. Curious players can check out a feature video below before grabbing the app for free at the source link.
Autonet Mobile puts a new twist on the car key (video)
Remember Autonet? The company -- which is best known for providing manufacturers like Chrysler with in-car WiFi hotspot solutions -- is launching a new product designed to replace the key fob and enable low-latency remote vehicle control and diagnostics from any smartphone. Of course, this is nothing new -- car makers have been featuring apps to unlock doors, start the engine and monitor vehicles for some time now. Still, most existing solutions rely on satellite or 2G connectivity and often require the car's computer to be fully booted before responding to commands, which makes for a slow and unreliable experience. Autonet's new system combines in-vehicle hardware, mobile software and cloud services to streamline this process for both manufacturers and owners. More after the break. %Gallery-195223%
Harmony Ultimate and Smart Hub review: Logitech outdoes itself with new remotes
Until now, Logitech's Harmony line has been the name in user programmable remotes. Now the company's back with three follow-up products, and they differ enough from earlier models to warrant an explanation. Instead of using a programmable IR remote, the Harmony Ultimate, Harmony Smart Control and Harmony Ultimate Hub each offload the IR-emitting duties to a networked device, allowing smartphones and tablets to act as remotes too. Additionally, the Hub uses Bluetooth to control your game console. Ranging in price from $99 to $349, the lineup covers almost every budget, with the Hub sold as a standalone accessory for smartphones and tablets. Meanwhile, the Smart Control includes a simple remote, and the high-end Ultimate Hub swaps a basic remote for the Harmony Touch. How exactly might these enhance your home theater enjoyment? Read on to find out.%Gallery-192598%
Meet B, the flying car that'll make it even easier to terrorize local wildlife (video)
Sometimes, when a remote-control car and a remote-control helicopter love each other very much, they come together and produce something like the B. Well, okay, that's not exactly how this small flying car came about, but it's a nice story. Witold Mielniczek, a computational engineering Ph.D. candidate at the University of Southampton, is currently running a Kickstarter for the simply named B, a hybrid car-helicopter that can handle both challenging terrains and limited air travel. Equipped with a sleek polycarbonate chassis, four propeller driving units (a fancy way of saying wheels) and an HD 1,280 x 720 camera to record one's travels, B seems to be the little flying car that could. In the greater scheme of things, Mielniczek hopes that B will one day be able to operate on water in addition to land and air. While it's no Avengers helicarrier, we suppose every journey begins with a single step. To see B in action, check out the video after the break.
Hands-on with Logitech's Harmony Hub and Harmony Control app
I'll be the first to admit that I'm probably not the biggest fan of remote controls. Over the years, my wife and I have accumulated a literal basketful of remotes. There's one for the HDTV, one for the Blu-Ray, one for the Comcast DVR. Add to that the controls for the Bose surround sound system, the HDMI hub that doesn't work and the Apple TV, and it's no wonder I hate video in all of its many forms. At one point, I had a really bad experience with the Logitech Harmony One "universal remote" that was supposed to free me from all of those remotes. Well, it worked occasionally, but it was a pain to program, not all of the devices we had in our media center were supported, and chained events -- like "turn on the surround sound, then turn on the TV, and then turn on the DVR" never worked quite right. The reason I'm giving you this history is to let you know that I'm a skeptic about universal remotes. That's why when Logitech asked if I wanted to review its new Harmony Smart Control (US$129.99), I initially wanted to run away screaming. But since the Harmony Hub (hardware) works hand-in-hand with an iOS app, I was intrigued. Follow along to see how the Logitech Harmony Smart Control worked out for me. Design Opening the box for the first time, you're greeted by a black plastic curved "puck" called the Harmony Hub. There's a pretty standard looking remote control (for those times when you don't want to use your iPhone), an AC adapter, and an IR blaster to control all of those many devices that use that common method of talking to remotes. That's pretty much it, and the setup guide basically tells you to go to the App Store, install the app, and then follow the instructions from there. Since that's about it for the hardware, let's see how the Harmony Smart Control worked. Functionality After my previous bad experiences with universal remotes, I was pretty much filled with trepidation about this, not to mention fearing the wrath of my wife if I somehow screwed up the symbiotic relationship she's built up with other remotes. Upon loading and launching the Harmony Control app, you're greeted with a screen asking if you wish to Buy it or Continue -- since I already had one sitting here, I tapped Continue. So far, so good. Well, that took me into a Connect screen in the app that said it was scanning for hubs on my network. When it didn't find one, it went off to another screen to ask me to re-scan. It finally occurred to me that I needed to tap the Set Up Remote button on the previous screen. <facepalm> That lead to a page telling me that I was setting up a Harmony Smart Control, not to be confused with the many other Logitech Harmony remotes. I initially had some issues during the setup process. The device uses Bluetooth to make a local connection to your iPhone, and then grabs the Wi-Fi setup information for your network from the iPhone. My iPhone just wouldn't connect (it's running iOS 7 beta), so I tried an iPad even though the app is really designed for the smaller screen. Sure enough, that worked perfectly. By the way, when I tried to be nice and report to Logitech that the app didn't work with iOS 7, I received a rather snarky reply from its support staff essentially telling me that it was the beta OS, not the app that was broken. Interesting, considering none of the several hundred other apps on my iPhone have had issues... After this point, it was pretty straightforward to set up the combination of HDTV, DVR, and surround sound system to work properly for watching TV. For the purposes of the review, I chose not to add three other devices -- an Apple TV, a Wii, and a Sony Blu-Ray player -- because of some issues I've had with the Blu-Ray player deciding to turn itself on whenever it is "tickled" by the HDMI hub. In fact, I had to unplug the Blu-Ray player from the HDMI hub just so it would stop turning itself on! If I can resolve that annoying issue, then I can create a new activity (as Logitech calls them), this one being to use the HDTV, Blu-Ray Player, and surround sound to watch movies. Next, I can set up another activity for the Apple TV, likewise using the Apple TV, HDTV and surround sound. I found the "interview" type of setup used in the app to be an excellent way to walk someone through the setup of the device. If there's anything that needs to improve, it's the description of when to use or not use the IR blaster. The entire Harmony Hub is an IR blaster and works well even on a shelf below the TV; I wasn't really sure if I'll ever need to use the separate IR blaster. In fact, Logitech may have gone a bit too far in trying to do away with documentation of this product. %Gallery-191927% That being said, the interface of the iOS app -- both for setup and for control -- is excellent. As you can see from the screenshots in the image gallery, the app uses a combination of traditional buttons and gestures to control your gear. For example, if I want to change channels I simply scroll through my collection of favorites (mostly in the HD channels), and tap on one logo'd button. When I'm watching a show and want to scroll back a bit on the DVR, I just swipe to the left. Want to fast-forward? Swipe across the iPhone screen to the right. Need to crank the volume a hair? Swipe up. It's very intuitive; much more so than any remote I've ever used before. Conclusion Logitech's developers knows that the "second screen" is a reality, and they've come up with a winning way to use your iPhone as a universal remote control that really works. Through a combination of the Wi-Fi connected Harmony Hub and the Harmony Control app, the Logitech Smart Control can finally replace your basket of remotes with your favorite smartphone. Pros Simple setup and intuitive control through the free Harmony Control app Harmony Hub is good-looking, yet unobtrusive App provides a way to "dive down" into DVR and TV controls if needed Price of the Harmony Hub is reasonable "Interview" method of setup is a good way of making sure that all equipment that's needed for a specific activity is added and configured correctly Cons Documentation of how to set up unit is a bit sparse and may confuse some users Who is it for? Anyone with a lot of audiovisual gear who would like to replace a pile of remote controls with their iPhone
Logitech ships Harmony Ultimate Hub in August for $100, remote not required
To date, home theater mavens who've wanted Logitech's Harmony Ultimate Hub have had to buy it as part of a Harmony Ultimate or Harmony Smart Control bundle -- neither kit being a bargain for viewers with existing gear. They'll have a better option soon, as Logitech now expects to ship its promised stand-alone version of the Ultimate Hub to Europe and the US in August. Those who shell out $100 will have the same IR, RF and WiFi support as the bundled hub, just without the redundant hardware. They can even rely solely on Logitech's free Android or iOS apps for input, should a dedicated remote seem archaic. The Ultimate Hub may be well-timed: when alternative remote control bridges are fading away, Logitech may snag some of those customers looking for a replacement.
Researchers flaunt flying bike, no mention of alien-caching basket (video)
Researchers from several Czech companies have managed to make a bicycle soar with the aid of six electric motor-driven propellers. Looking like an over-sized quadrocopter drone, the bike was actually guided in a similar RC manner by scientists on the ground while a dummy rode in the pilot's seat. The range of the contraption was severely limited by the small batteries needed to keep the already-chunky 220 pound weight down, and the device would obviously be difficult to operate on a bike path due to its ungainly size. Still, the developers said the project was more about the fulfillment of childhood dreams than any commercial aim -- though we're not sure even our wildest ET fantasies would compel us to make the leap. [Image credit: Michal Cizek/AFP/Getty Images]
