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Airstream brings app-based smart controls to its Classic RV
Airstream is bringing smart controls to its 2019 Classic RVs, giving users the ability to adjust lights, temperature levels and the awning, monitor battery and propane tank levels and even find their RV if they've wandered too far from it. Controls are easy to access via the new Smart Control app through which Airstream customer service, roadside assistance and the owner's manual are accessible as well. "Digital technology has improved almost every aspect of our lives," Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler said in a statement. "Shouldn't it make camping better, too? We think so. That's why, in keeping with our commitment to innovation, we're leading the way with our new Smart Control Technology and connectivity solution, starting with our Airstream Classic travel trailers."
Samsung's 2016 Smart TV remote controls all your devices
It's not too hard to simplify your home theater if you get a Harmony remote or the right HDMI-CEC gear, but Samsung wants the experience to be even simpler than that. Its 2016 Smart TVs are launching with a Smart Control remote that can recognize and control all kinds of devices, including game consoles, dedicated media hubs and your service provider's set-top box. Theoretically, you only need the one Tizen-powered remote to steer your whole media setup -- a big deal if you're tired of shuffling multiple remotes to start a movie.
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.
