UnityRemote Turns iPhone into Universal Remote

Most living rooms are littered with two to four different remotes; one each for the TV, DVD, Set Top Box etc. A single universal remote is what you need instead of different remotes for different functions. Gear4 has introduced a new UnityRemote that turns iOS devices into universal remotes to be used with any infrared receiver carrying electronic device. UnityRemote uses a small device hardware for command signal transmission and a free app acting as a remote interface on iOS devices.

Gear4 will demo the UnityRemote at the CES 2011 convention starting January 6. The UnityRemote is currently available in the US, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Spain.

The beauty of UnityRemote lies in the fact that it works with most electronic devices with Infrared receivers. You don't need any Dongle or wire to be plugged to your iPhone or iPod touch for using it with the small UnityRemote for controlling your TV, DVD or SET TOP BOX Menus. Unlike other remote Apps, the UnityRemote involves combination of hardware as well as software app.

A small cylindrical UnityRemote hardware lies between the iOS device and the electronic you want to control. This device has five transmitters for covering 360 degrees for emitting appropriate commands in the form of infrared signals. Running on 3 AA batteries, the UnityRemote Device is so light that you can carry it along while you are traveling abroad.

UnityRemote App for iOS is free and communicates to the device via Bluetooth. This remote app contains wide database of devices from different manufacturers. If the device you're using isn't listed in the database, then the app offers a learning mode where you can teach the app to control the device. Users can create Actions for controlling multiple devices with a single button press on the App. Basically, it is like a short cut to turn on your FM Radio and tune to your favorite channel.

Since you'll be using the iOS devices, you can perform swipe gestures to control volume and browse through channels. This UnityRemote is currently compatible with following iOS devices:

• iPhone 4
• iPhone 3GS
• iPhone 3G
• iPod touch 4th Gen
• iPod touch 3rd Gen
• iPod touch 2nd Gen

Universal Remotes for the living room are a bit of costly affair and these remotes tend to look like bulky wands. UnityRemote is available in the UK for 100 British Pounds (Rs. 6780 approx.) and has been launched in the US for $100 (Rs. 4520 approx.). You may consider getting this UnityRemote if you own an iPhone or iPod touch.