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Xbox One SmartGlass beta apps bring TV controls to Android, Windows and Windows Phone
Microsoft only just revealed it would test new TV remote features on the Xbox One and its associated SmartGlass apps, and Windows Phone Central points out that right now anyone can give them a try. All you need is one of the game systems and a device running Android, Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8. We tried out the apps and they install right alongside the standard Xbox One Smartglass apps, although there are some known issues and rough edges. The smiley face button serves as a way to report any issues, but overall things worked smoothly, and we were able to navigate recordings on a standard Comcast DVR or surf through the OneGuide without a problem. Download the apps now and try them via Google Play, the Windows Store or Windows Phone Store -- we haven't spotted a beta version for iOS yet. Update: Microsoft confirmed the beta apps are available to all users, and that there isn't a beta version available for iOS at this time.
TV-focused Xbox One update tests a DVR button and OneGuide on SmartGlass
We called the Xbox One a work in progress in our initial review, and to its credit, Microsoft has been hard at work addressing various software shortcomings (party system, friend notifications, Twitch streaming and so much more) over the last few months. One aspect that's remained mostly the same since launch -- besides some tweaks and a remote control accessory -- is its unique HDMI-passthrough TV experience and that's getting some much-needed attention in a new update preview test. Microsoft may be focused on gaming under Phil Spencer, but a big part of its strategy to win there is by controlling input 1 on your HDTV, and making the Xbox One more useful in other ways than as a Titanfall machine could help. Check after the break for a video preview of the new features plus a few more details on what they can do, and which countries are getting access to more TV listings and voice controls.
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.
Xbox One Media Remote emerges from cushions, coming early March
The Xbox One Media Remote has been officially revealed by Microsoft's Major Nelson. The Media Remote will launch in early March for $24.99. The small remote looks just like the one leaked on a recent Amazon Canada listing, and all of its buttons glow in the dark, a true bonus for those that don't care for lamps. It includes dedicated back and OneGuide buttons, and also controls TV and receiver power and volume via the Kinect. [Image: Microsoft]
Xbox One Media Remote surfaces on Amazon Canada, hides under cushions
Much like the remote that is buried somewhere in our couches right now, a media remote for Xbox One appeared only momentarily on Amazon Canada recently. The appropriately-named Xbox One Media Remote was around long enough on the retailer's site to be archived by Google Cache, similar to the darn clicker we can't seem to locate at the moment but just know it exists. The listing priced the media remote at $24.99 CAD ($22.69 USD) with a March 4 release date. We've reached out to Microsoft to confirm the existence of the remote and will update when we learn more. In any event, we look forward to shouting to our Kinect, "Xbox, where's my media remote?" Update: A Microsoft spokesperson tells Joystiq, "We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but don't have anything to share at this time." It sounds like they can't find the remote, either. [Image: Amazon Canada]
Xbox One Media Remote briefly surfaces, hints at March 4th release
Between Kinect, Smartglass and the Xbox One controller, there are plenty of ways to control Microsoft's new home entertainment system – but no traditional clicker for media hounds. That might change next month. A pre-order page for an Xbox One Media remote briefly appeared on Amazon's Canadian website today, revealing an image, a price and little else. The page wasn't up for long, but a Google Cache preserved the details: the above image, a $24.99 Canadian price tag ($22.69 in US currency) and a March 4th release date. The Xbox-branded clicker is light on buttons, and seems outfitted only with the bare minimum needed to navigate the console's menus, switch apps and pause, play or rewind media. It seems like a nice (and affordable) companion to Microsoft's other March-bound Xbox One accessories, but take this leak with a grain of salt: the Amazon page lists the remote as a game, and even gives it a pending ESRB rating. At least you'll know if it's safe for your kids.
Samsung's new TV remote for 2014 has a new pebble shape, 80 percent smaller touchpad
Samsung couldn't wait for CES to start leaking information about its new HDTVs, starting with the remote. After rolling out larger and larger contraptions over the years with more buttons (on both sides, even), this year's "Smart Control" model has a touchpad that is 80 percent smaller than the 2013 version. That control is in the middle (adjusted from the 2012 and 2013 versions, shown in this infographic) which, combined with a new button layout, integrated microphone and gesture control -- similar to LG's Magic Remote, among others -- promises to make controlling apps and content even easier. We've heard these claims before, and its pebble shape is very similar to the Panasonic Viera Touch remote introduced a couple of years ago, but we're for anything that's simpler than Samsung's previous remotes.
Remote iOS app adds iTunes Radio control on Mac and PC
Apple has released an update to its Remote app for iOS that adds support for controlling iTunes Radio stations on both Macs and PCs. Remote was last updated in November with an iOS 7-style design, but many fans of Apple's new iTunes Radio service lamented the fact that the app, which runs on both iPhones and iPads, could not control iTunes Radio. With today's update, Apple has remedied that. Users can now browse iTunes Radio on iTunes on their Mac or PC in Remote by tapping on the Radio button after selecting your computer. Remote displays both featured stations and "My Stations" -- the stations a user has personalized or subscribed to. Remote is a free download.
How a PC and Air Video HD turned my iPad into the ultimate entertainment device
I have a problem: There just isn't enough room on my iPad to hold all of my beloved video content. Ideally, I'd love to have all of my favorite movies and TV shows -- which are currently stored on a Windows desktop -- available on my tablet at a moment's notice, but for a long time I didn't think this was a reasonable demand. Sure, I know that there are plenty of remote streaming apps out there, but I've always had terrible luck getting them to work. Usually they crash every few minutes, horribly downscale my content or fail to work at all. At some point, I just accepted that I'd never live in a world where I could watch all my PC-stored video anywhere in my home via my iPad. Today I was determined to find out if things had changed, and it only took a couple of tries to find the app of my dreams in the form of Air Video HD. But before I get into how flawlessly Air Video HD has worked for me, I first want to bring up a different streaming app called Air PlayIt. There are two components to both Air Video HD and Air PlayIt: a server application that needs to be running on the host computer and an app you download from the App Store to your iOS device. I followed the setup instructions for Air PlayIt to the letter, including opening up ports on my router, and after an initial buffering period, which lasted up to 30 seconds, the most it offered me was 10 or 15 seconds of video playback before it had to stop and buffer once again. I then began troubleshooting, which led me to investigate both my Windows firewall and a list of ports accessed via the command prompt to ensure my router's ports were functioning as intended (all of which checked out fine). I even halved the resolution of my already not-at-all-HD video in the hopes that it could handle the load, but it was all for naught. It was around this time that I began to feel the jaded "this is all a bunch of crap" attitude that had led me to abandon my search for a streaming solution a year or two ago. But as I was reading a forum topic on Air PlayIt -- which, for the record, has plenty of extremely positive reviews on the App Store, so maybe I'm just cursed -- a user suggested trying Air Video HD. I'm a big fan of the phrase, "It just works," as a response to those who question why I prefer Apple products over the competition, and the same holds true when it comes to apps. For the entirety of my time with Air PlayIt, I was begging it to just work, but it squashed my hopes at every turn. Air Video HD, on the other hand, just works. After browsing the Air Video website, I was extremely skeptical, mainly because it claims to offer exactly what Air PlayIt had just failed to provide for me. I decided to give it a try anyway. I downloaded the server, which, upon running, mapped my ports automatically without requiring me to do it myself. I added a couple of my video folders and then launched the Air Video HD app on my iPad. I clicked a video file and it played instantly from start to finish as though it was stored on my iPad itself. That had to be a fluke, right? It was a 22-minute, non-HD video file, so I grabbed the biggest HD file I had on my computer -- a two-plus hour 1080p movie -- and after two hours and 17 minutes of flawless HD playback, I was a believer. At this point I was giddy, so just for fun I decided to install Air Video HD on my iPhone 5s and play the exact same video file simultaneously, which it handled without issue. Two HD streams (running at different points in the movie, mind you) from the same application to two separate iOS devices. Mind = blown. In short, Air Video HD has turned my iPad into a device capable of playing all 500-plus movies and TV episodes instantly from anywhere in my home. It also has the ability to stream video over an internet connection, which seems to work fine, though this is obviously entirely dependent on your connection. If your download and upload speeds aren't where they need to be, you'll see a noticeable decline in quality. However, for less than three bucks -- the server application is free, the app costs US$2.99 -- Air Video HD has completely changed how I can use my iPad around my home, and I'm never looking back.
Apple updates Remote app for iOS 7
Apple has released Remote 4.0 for iOS. As could be expected, the latest version of Apple's Remote app that lets users control iTunes and Apple TVs from their iOS devices has received a new icon and iOS 7-style makeover. So far, it appears Apple hasn't introduced any new features to the app. From its release notes: What's New in Version 4.0 This version of Remote has been completely redesigned for iOS 7 and adds support for iTunes 11.1. Remote for iOS is a free download.
New icon for Apple's Remote app spotted
For better or for worse, Apple in iOS 7 made over every single iOS icon. A few days ago, 9to5Mac reported that Apple's remote app might also be graced with an iOS 7-style aesthetic. Specifically, a reader found a redesigned icon lurking within the most recent iteration of iTunes. It doesn't look too shabby.
HTC Mini+ companion device coming to the UK with added functionality
When the HTC Butterfly (better known as the Droid DNA here in the US) launched in China several months ago, it was soon followed by a companion device called the HTC Mini. This accessory -- not to be confused with HTC's One mini -- is basically designed to be a Bluetooth handset and remote control for the larger smartphone. It features NFC for pairing, plus a numeric keypad and monochrome LCD. What's more intriguing, however, is that UK retailer Clove recently outed an update to the product -- the HTC Mini+ -- which gains an IR blaster and the ability to remote control a variety of TVs, along with HTC's Media Link HD. The companion device is expected to be available soon fort £54.16 (about $83) before taxes.
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%
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.
Sony's Google TV box gets a refresh, NSZ-GS8 adds voice search ready remote
Sony has just announced a new Google TV set-top box, the NSZ-GS8. Apparently replacing last year's NSZ-GS7 that lead the charge of second generation ARM-powered Google TV hardware, this one appears to be quite similar. As seen in the picture above (check after the break to see the old remote for comparison) it adds a microphone this time around, necessary to enable the voice search features added to the Google TV platform last fall. We're not seeing any other changes, but we'll let you know if we hear of any differences. In lieu of actual new devices, Google TV fans can at least take heart that Sony is continuing development on the platform -- good to hear after the NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray player that was also announced last year ended up being cancelled prior to its release. Like its predecessor, the NSZ-GS8 carries a sticker price of $199 and should reach stores by early July.
Blumoo turns mobile devices into RF remotes, streams music via Bluetooth (video)
If you hoard gadgets like us, then your living room is probably covered with a plethora of remote controls. Flyover Innovations' Indiegogo campaign aims to streamline your home audio experience and minimize your mess with Blumoo, a small hardware platform that turns your mobile device into an RF remote. The IR-equipped Blumoo pod connects to your stereo via standard 3.5 mm jack or RCA connections, and allows you to control your home theater system with your mobile device through the magic of Bluetooth. The Blumoo app -- coming soon for both iOS and Android -- pulls from a database that Flyover claims is comprehensive enough to ensure your home theater equipment is covered. Flyover plans on retailing the device for $79 but is offering an early bird special for supporters starting at $45. To check out their rewards and watch their cartoon mascot, Blumoo Bob, shake it a like a polaroid picture, head over to their Indiegogo page. For a more informative -- if slightly less entertaining -- video, watch the preview after the break.
Origin Stories: Tango Remote allows you to control music using iOS devices only
I've run into this issue a number of times while producing comedy shows: I want to play intro music for a comedian, but I don't have a staff available to sit there and punch buttons on my iPad. Enter Tango Remote, a handy tool which allows you to remotely control your playlists from iOS to iOS device. Now I can use my iPhone to not only queue up songs, but change the volume on the fly. It's not only very responsive and robust, it's designed well and easy to use. Tango Remote has saved my bacon a few times, and every time I use it I wonder, "why doesn't Apple build this functionality in?" In this episode of Origin Stories, we learn about how Tango Remote came to be.
DirecTV prepping voice search app for this summer
Help is on the way. DirecTV has been demoing a new app, due out in beta this summer, that will let you search using voice for your desired programs or movies. You can use an actor's name, a show title or just about anything that would identify a program. DirecTV has partnered with Nuance, the company behind Siri from Apple, for the voice recognition so the app is likely to work at least as well as Siri at recognizing your input. It's welcome news if you are suffering "death by typing" using the DirecTV remote, or even the current DTV iOS app. As we all know, Siri isn't perfect, but it is probably the best of breed in voice recognition. At any rate, saying things like "Show me Columbo episodes this weekend" or "Find some Bruce Willis movies" should work fine. The app works while you are away from home to set up items to record, and of course works from your comfy chair in front of the TV as well. When you are home, the search results will show up on your screen. DirecTV says the app will be in a "very wide beta" this summer with a final version coming later. Now if only Apple could only do something similar for the AppleTV... Even with the Apple Remote app, finding things to watch can be a pain. [via Engadget]
Logitech unveils Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control universal remote sets for home entertainment heroes
Got no touchscreen on your living room remote? That's a shame, because Logitech and others have been flogging such universal controllers since way back when. After a long new product hiatus, the late 2012 release of the Harmony Touch remote hasn't stopped Logitech from mulling a sale of the brand, but it's not done with it just yet. Coming soon are two fresh bundles bearing the Harmony name: the Ultimate and Smart Control. At the heart of both is the Smart Hub, a palm-sized box somewhat similar to the Harmony Link. It receives commands from remotes via RF, or from smartphone apps via WiFi, and in turn, broadcasts its own orders to your A/V setup using IR and Bluetooth. It's especially useful for those wanting to hide their kit away in cabinets, as it translates inputs into IR signals that'll bounce around those secluded spaces. Optional extender nodes will also pipe IR into other nearby recesses. To do that though, the Hub needs instructions, which is where remotes and apps come in. The new Ultimate remote (aka the Touch Plus) is last year's Touch remote with a few refinements, including the addition of a trigger-like nub on the underside to improve grip. It uses IR, Bluetooth or RF (to the Hub) to control up to 15 devices, and is programmed using Logitech's software for PCs that pulls settings from a database of 225,000 home entertainment products. The Ultimate's 2.4-inch touchscreen serves as a number pad, a favorite channel list for easy hopping, and is the home of one-touch "activities," which are basically macros for issuing multiple commands. Set up an activity for "Play Xbox," for example, and in one touch it'll turn on your console, switch your TV to the correct source, select the right channel on your amp, and so on. It'll even tell Philips' connected Hue lightbulbs to set a mood. Jump on past the break for more.
