RF
Latest
Denon launches programmable RC-7000CI remote
Right on cue, Denon has gone and launched the oh-so-snazzy RC-7000CI remote, which we had the pleasure of seeing a tad early thanks to the FCC. The fully programmable, ZigBee-based remote allows for universal command and control of all Denon remote controlled products "as well as products from other manufacturers," and those with internet access (that'd be you, hot shot) can simply connect the remote to a PC via USB and "program the functionality of all the products in their system" care of the online IR database. Paired up with one or two RC-7001RCI RF/IR Remote Bases (pictured after the jump), the duo creates a multi-room remote control system that allows for "both two-way communication and IR functionality." As with everything labeled Denon, don't expect either of these August-bound niceties to come sans a premium, as you'll be asked to cough up $299.99 for the remote itself, while each base station adds another $199.99.[Via TrustedReviews]
Keyspan's Presentation Remote Pro sports audio controls
Hey, mundane PowerPoint presenters need to interact with their tunes from afar too, right? Apparently, Keyspan sure thinks so, as its Presentation Remote Pro not only provides a 100-foot range to flip through slides, but it also plays nice with Apple's Keynote software, sports audio controls, and packs an obligatory laser pointer for movie theater antics. Moreover, it's entirely plug 'n play capable with both Windows and OS X-based machines, and doubles as a mouse with integrated cursor control, scrolling, and two-button clicking capabilities, too. Of course, $79 may seem a bit high for a wireless substitute for your right index finger, but just put it on the corporate card and fuhgetaboutit. Check out another angle after the break.
Unboxing the Logitech MX Air
If there's such a thing as a Logitech fanboy, you can count us among their legions, as we've been more than pleased with almost all of the products (mice, webcams, surround sound speakers, wireless gamepads) that we've ever purchased from the peripherals giant. And we must say, the new MX Air certainly lives up to this enviable reputation. From good hand feel to instinctive reactions in 3D space to the sweet virtual scrollwheel (it even makes a freakin' accelerating and decelerating clicking sound, just like the MX Revolution!), the latest member of the MX family is a pleasure to work with all around, and also features the no-brainer plug-and-play setup that we've come to expect from these devices. We'll have a more detailed hands-on a little later, but for right now you can check out our unboxing pics in the gallery below... %Gallery-4810%
Logitech's MX Air Mouse: a witches brew of lasers, MEMS, and RF geekmagic
Oh hey, that little fella looks familiar. Sure enough, the rechargeable Logitech MX Air Mouse we spied last month is getting real this morning. Touting Logitech's "Freespace" motion control, the Air Mouse combines MEMS sensors with DSP and 2.4GHz RF technology for both gestural motion-control and traditional laser mousing about. The Air Mouse attempts to bridge the gap between mouse and remote control with a touch-sensitive scroll-panel (instead of a scroll wheel) and dedicated pause/play and volume control buttons positioned down the center of the device. Push the volume button and flick the mouse right or left to increase or decrease the volume, respectively, at distances up to 30 feet away from your PC. Niiice. Better yet, it's shaped to impress when toted about in the trousers... gaRowl! Ships in the US and Europe for $150 sometime in August.%Gallery-4779%[Via Notebooks.com]
Denon's LCD-packin' RC-7000CI remote hits the FCC
Universal Remote's MX-810 sure was nice, but now it's got a bit of competition coming its way care of the forthcoming Denon RC-7000CI. This stylish RF remote comes pre-programmed to play nice with a plethora of Denon components right out of the box, and the built-in LCD screen should make setting up your non-Denon hardware a lesson in simplicity (more or less). Additionally, the device looks to support multizone control and network control when used with the optional RC-7000RCI node. As you'd expect, the FCC isn't dropping any hints as to how much this beauty will cost nor when we can hope to see it land, but it's practically a foregone conclusion that the brand name alone here will demand a pretty penny. Check out a few more glances after the jump.
Philips SJM3151 universal remote mirrors your iPod screen
While Philips' latest universal remote lacks the genius design seen in the prototype book iteration, it's tough to deny the utility here. This universal remote may not sport the most luxurious button layout, but it does manage to control up to six devices and play nice with your iPod; moreover, the SJM3151's built-in LCD screen touts the ability to mimic your player's screen, so you can sneak a peek at what's on deck without squinting to see the faraway dock. Interestingly, this remote not only packs the infrared abilities we've come to expect, but it also speaks ZigBee in order to transmit signals "up to 300 feet." Of course, this multifaceted device won't run you cheap, as interested buyers will be asked to cough up $180 to procure one when it lands this fall.
Logitech planning MX Air gyration mouse?
A friendly tipster pointed us to this shot of the unreleased Logitech MX Air mouse. Not a lot of info on it, but apparently it does the cursor thing with a combination of an in-air gyration mouse and traditional desktop laser mouse tech. No Bluetooth for this one, Logitech is sticking with its RF dongle method, and purportedly plans to release it this summer. Our Wiimote isn't so sure it's ready to fork over the friendly skies so soon.[Thanks, Anonymous]
Netgear intros business-class networking solutions, partners with Avaya for VoIP
Fresh off its acquisition of Infrant Technologies, Netgear is unloading a bevy of new RAID NAS products, a host of small to mid-size business networking gear, and a newfound partnership with Avaya to provide VoIP to SMB customers. On the storage front, the four-bay ReadyNAS NV+ (desktop) and ReadyNAS 1100 (rackmount) devices support RAID 0/1/5 and X-RAID, automated backups and alerting, gigabit Ethernet, UPnP AV multimedia access, a number of USB ports, and room for up to four SATA drives. As for networking gear, the company is busting out its new WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless Switch, WGL102 ProSafe 802.11g Light WAP, WAGL102 ProSafe Dual Band Light WAP, eight-port GS108T Gigabit Ethernet Smart Switch, 24-port GS724TP Smart PoE Switch, and a monstrous 48-port GS748TP Smart PoE Switch to finish things off. As if that wasn't enough to digest, Netgear is also partnering up with Avaya to provide "an IP telephony solution for small businesses with 20 users or less." The newfangled lineups will be available at varying times and prices, so be sure to visit the read link for specifics on each individual model.[Via SmallNetBuilder]
DLO's HomeDock Music Remote mimics your iPod screen
Gone are the days where you sat impatiently in another room flipping through endless tracks just waiting to hear the lead-in from Forever Young, as even DLO is joining the LCD-equipped remote game with the HomeDock Music Remote. Similar to the KeySpan, EWOO, and Popalive iterations, this RF remote dons a sleek OLED display (shown after the jump) that mimics the menus and text on your iPod's screen so that you can flip through playlists, scroll through albums, and see what's currently playing all without having your eyes glued to your Apple. The device also comes with a docking stand that can connect to your home stereo or TV, and doubles as a charging station when plugged into an AC outlet. Still, you'd have to be mighty lazy or incredibly burdened with disposable income to make this one worth it, as DLO's charging a stiff $129.99 for the kit.
RFID / RFA anti-theft technology could hit optical media
Utilizing RFID technology to defuse the threat of theft isn't a fresh idea, but NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless are looking to make good on the premise by cranking out an anti-theft solution that just might appear on the next DVD you buy. By combining NXP's RFID technology with Kestral's RFA (radio frequency activation), manufacturers could install a minuscule chip on the optical media at the beginning of the supply chain which would render it unplayable, but having it scanned at a checkout counter would enable a series of authentication checks to occur and eventually unlock the media for playback. While the scenario may sound convoluted, it could allow manufacturers to skimp on bulky, restrictive packaging, and moreover, it could be applied to other items in the consumer electronics universe in order to deter thieves from trying to swipe expensive handheld gizmos. Of course, we can already envision the complaints that are sure to arise from legitimate buyers bringing home a coaster if the activation process happens to fail, but apparently, both companies are already hard at work persuading studios to write 'em a check and get these things into stores.[Via Physorg]
RFID / RFA anti-piracy technology could hit optical media
Utilizing RFID technology to defuse the threat of theft isn't a fresh idea, but NXP Semiconductors and Kestrel Wireless are looking to make good on the premise by cranking out an anti-theft solution that just might appear on the next DVD you buy. By combining NXP's RFID technology with Kestral's RFA (radio frequency activation), manufacturers could install a minuscule chip on the optical media at the beginning of the supply chain which would render it unplayable, but having it scanned at a checkout counter would enable a series of authentication checks to occur and eventually unlock the media for playback. While the scenario may sound convoluted, it could allow manufacturers to skimp on bulky, restrictive packaging, and moreover, it could be applied to other items in the consumer electronics universe in order to deter thieves from trying to swipe expensive handheld gizmos. Of course, we can already envision the complaints that are sure to arise from legitimate buyers bringing home a coaster if the activation process happens to fail, but apparently, both companies are already hard at work persuading studios to write 'em a check and get these things into stores.[Via Physorg]
RemoteLinc wirelessly controls everything in your crib
While it must be nice to own a home that's completely controlled by your voice, a clap, or a simple remote, getting this stuff up and running isn't always easy, and the INSTEON-compatible RemoteLinc doesn't seen to make things any less complicated. Sure, controlling your garage door, fireplace, kitchen appliances, home theater components, and six or so lighting schemes throughout the house may sound novel, but considering the extras required to make it happen with the RemoteLinc, you may want to look elsewhere for your home automation needs. The control only dictates items that are first connected to an RF-capable AccessPoint, which acts as a bridge between the item and the RemoteLinc, but hooking up a multitude of devices can get quite pricey when buying a SwitchLinc, LampLinc, or ApplianceLinc for every single unit. Still, it does boast of "Plug and Tap" ease when setting things up, and the remote itself will only set you back $49.99, but we'd be well aware of the necessary add-ons you'll need to make the magic happen before diving on in.[Via CNET]
ThinkOptics' WavIt 3D Media-PC Remote gunning for Wiimote
We're hearing some fairly bold words from a startup company with a purported Wiimote killer, even though it's about as far from the gaming realm as it could possibly be. In what's likely a shameless attempt to link the WavIt 3D Media-PC Remote to the well-regarded Wiimote, ThinkOptics has reportedly "made a pointing system for the computer and TV that makes the Nintendo Wii's controller look downright primitive." Realistically, the Wavlt doesn't look much better than any other overachieving wireless pointing device, but it does hope to interact with TVs and HTPCs in order to make on-screen navigation a bit less painful. Additionally, the creator is looking to incorporate the motion-sensing device into home automation in order to raise and dim lights, crank up the furnace, or mute your youngster's blaring music from the living room. The controller supposedly utilizes both RF and infrared technologies, and although it can track minute twists, flips, and turns, it does lack both an accelerometer and built-in Bluetooth. Notably, the wand will rely on the 2.4GHz band as well as Zigbee's 802.15 protocol, and while no firm release date was set, official pricing information should be unveiled shortly. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
Keyport keyholder streamlines your keyring, won't change the world
While not quite as ridiculous as rigging up a Wiimote-controlled doorputer to pop your locks, the multi-key KeyPort "universal fob" is almost as hilariously overengineered. Although not as revolutionary as the company is claiming, the slide-out design seems like a pretty slick way to manage your keys, and they're also saying that RFID and RF chips will be integrated into the device to handle your building- and auto-entering needs. Interestingly, none of the swoopy Flash animations on the KeyPort website show the unit having any actual controls for these features, or what happens if you have a VW flippy-key, or one of those huge commercial Medeco keys, but that's not really the point of swoopy Flash animations, now is it? Peep a couple more tasteful renderings of the KeyPort after the jump, and be sure to check out the "forum" link on the KeyPort website to read the company's blog, which compares the importance of the KeyPort to Linux and, um, Gandhi.
SnoopTunes NoeStringAttached attachment gives iPod Zune-like abilities?
Although the Zune didn't offer too much innovation in comparison to the bevy of other digital audio players out there, the wireless streaming (however effective) did have a leg up over the non-sharing competition. A California-based teenager, however, has supposedly changed all of that with her (well, her dad's) engineering efforts, as the SnoopTunes NoeStringAttached transmitter purportedly opens up the shared lines to iPod users. While you can certainly color us skeptical, the bullet-shaped device managed to grab some airtime on an MSNBC broadcast (shown after the jump), and reportedly transmits your music to other NoeStringAttached users "withing a 15 foot radius," touts five separate channels for non-chaotic field trip usage, and only runs you about $60 for an entire kit. While the slapped-together eBay sales page doesn't elaborate on what type of transmitting protocol is being utilized, we're here to inform you that this thing most certainly won't allow you to beam your song to another iPod -- not even for a measly 72 hours. Truth be told, we're not even sure this thing actually functions as advertised, but even if it does, we really hope you don't mind following your new best friend around fairly close if you're interested in tuning in to what they have to listen to.[Via Wired]
Underground / indoor GPS repeater maintains your position
Sure, there's a number of uber-sensitive GPS receivers out there that claim to maintain your position whilst under a bridge, in a tunnel, or cramped up in some thick-walled office building, but a recent patent application is looking to implement a repeater system to ensure the best possible geo-location data regardless of your surroundings. Rather than utilizing a WiFi / GPS hybrid method to keep track of objects, the GPS repeater system would require multiple GPS antennae to be setup atop buildings and other obstructions, which would be wired to an indoor RF repeater system that directional receivers could tap into. The indoor segment would not only repeat the signals, but it would reportedly amplify them as well to ensure a solid connection. While we've no idea if this admittedly bright idea will ever go commercial, we can't help but wonder how folks like Jack Bauer already seem to be taking advantage of it.
PCPAL trifecta crams mouse, RF remote, and laser into PCMCIA slot
You're not apt to find us grumbling about a little consolidation done right, and the PCPAL "3-in-1" mouse, RF remote control, and laser pointer looks to have (most) all the right tools to properly occupy that presumably lonely PCMCIA slot. Aside from handling those PowerPoint presentations from afar, dictating your cursor, and beaming a red dot on those (hopefully soaring) yearly profit reports, this thing purportedly pulls a fourth duty acting as a "keyboard," but considering the obvious lack of alphanumeric buttons on the slot-housed device, we're assuming this assertion was very loosely based. Regardless, this boardroom's best friend reportedly plays nice with Windows, OS X, and Linux operating systems, and you even get a USB RF receiver bundled in. So if you've been scouting a way to add a dash of utility to that gaping PCMCIA slot, you can hit this up for just under 40 bucks.[Via CNET]
Interlink unveils SlideLink: the first SideShow remote for Vista MCE
While SideShow, that snazzy forthcoming feature that lets you fire up slideshows, widgets, and other random goodies with actually booting up, has been garnering a good bit of attention lately, it's not much good without a equally flashy remote to control the action from afar. While there's been several devices parading around as Vista MCE remotes, CEPro is now reporting that Interlink Electronics -- the folks who sued Nintendo for jacking their motion-sensing technology and implanting it in the Wiimote -- is the "first company to officially announce a SideShow remote control." The firm asserts that the SlideLink will let customers "select songs, schedule recordings, navigate video clips and photographs, display TV program guides, and even browse recorded TV shows" right from the worn down cushion of your sofa. Still, we're not yet sure if this thing will utilize RF, Bluetooth, or some other short-range wireless format, and since this doesn't seem to be the company's "first priority" (see lawsuit mentioned above), who knows when we'll see this thing in the flesh.
C.A.T.S.eye's new solar-powered Trackable Clothing gig
The last couple of times we spotted C.A.T.S.eye, they were busy tracking down valuables, which is all well and good, but we'd really prefer to just hold onto our stuff in the first place, thanks. Now they're getting into the safety game with some new wearable tracking devices designed for "individuals who work or play in dangerous environments." The Trackable Clothing line will include high visibility safety jackets, outdoors sports jackets, and school backpacks, all of which will include a solar-powered material to power the device. Tracking takes place through a hybrid of GPS and RF, and the wearer should be detectable even if trapped under snow. The clothes will be on display at CES this January and eventually available to military and security personnel. No word yet on when exactly these will hit the market.[Via The Raw Feed]
Uncle Sam's nefarious plot to pwn your garage door
Republican / Democrat, Christian / Muslim, Team Kristin / Team LC -- despite our many differences, if there's one issue that all Americans can agree on, it's that law-abiding, tax-paying citizens should have unalienable sovereignty over their automatic garage doors. So you can imagine the uproar occurring right now in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ever since the nearby Cheyenne Mountain Air Station (headquarters of the North American Aerospace Defense Command) began testing an emergency radio frequency that has the unintended consequence of pwning numerous garage doors within a 10-mile radius. It would be one thing if the doors just randomly opened and closed on occasion -- smashing a few windshields and delivering a few good laughs -- but apparently the Air Force signal completely flummoxes the garages' RF receivers, often resulting in a pricey house call or an even pricier replacement unit. According to David McGuire, owner of the suddenly-profitable Overhead Door Co, it may be possible to slightly tweak the transmission frequency and put an end to this madness -- an option that Captain Tracy Giles and team are reportedly looking into. While it may be somewhat of an overstatement to call this the most pressing issue that the country has ever faced, if we don't come together as a nation and nip this outrage in the bud, what's stopping Big Brother from waltzing in and breaking our home surveillance cams, car door locks, or -- gasp -- even our remote-controlled projection screens.[Via The Inquirer]
