Like most universal remote controls the app includes a database of control codes that can used to control devices from hundreds of well-known manufacturers, and I was able to set up my Samsung TV, Panasonic Blu-ray player and Sky+ box, with no problems at all, in just a matter of seconds.
With a bit of poking around, specific actions can be configured
My Freeview HD recorder from FetchTV was a little more troublesome, though, as it wasn’t included in that database. However, the Unity also has a training option that allowed it to recognise and store codes beamed directly from the remote control of the FetchTV box. The training process is a bit tedious, but that’s the case with most other universal remotes too, so we can’t criticise the Unity too harshly for that.
Available devices are listed
I did stumble across one annoying glitch, though. Like many universal remotes, the Unity also allows you to create ‘actions’ that can control multiple devices simultaneously – such as turning on both the TV and Sky+ box together and then automatically switching to a specific channel.
COMMENTS
What a complete load of rubbish
Firstly, universal remotes start at about £15. Mine cost £35 and controls five devices with ease (the wife and a four year-old cope fine). So the £100 already looks pricey assuming you already have the required iPod or iPhone.
But then what happens when I go out and take my iPhone with me? Either no-one can use any of the electronics in the living room OR you have to have all five remotes sitting around AS WELL. Or another universal remote control.
I remember when all Windows Mobile devices had IR transceivers built-in and Universal remote software was available. Even then, when free, it was a pointless waste of time/brief "wow. Look at that" distraction because of the need to have another means available to change channels.
This is genuinely the most pointless piece of tech I've ever come across for £100. To see it score so well is flabbergasting. What were you thinking Reg? Has the eggnog season come early to Vulture towers?
Er..
"Thanks for making the effort to INFORM us early on it was for crapple only."
Er, look at the title of the article -
"Got an iPhone or iPod? You'll pay £100 for a remote"
Seems clear to me
Flawed on so many levels
Touch screen remotes seem like a good idea but in reality knowing the exact location of the buttons on the remote by feel is much more useful. I can navigate my basic logitech harmony purely by touch. I owned one of the one4all chameleon remotes and it was a pig to use.
You come home from work fancy watching a bit of TV but you can't because your partner is out and the remote is their phone/ipod (that's a good system isn't it)
Haven't charged your phone for a bit, no TV for you
when the iPhone is no longer the coolest phone around and you want an Android that £100 is down the pan.
The bottom end logitech harmony remotes are amazing, I think mine was £35. It controls everything I own that has an IR sensor even my dSLR.
Hm, the app-idea sounds nice...
But my Logitech harmony is in reality better suited for the living room, as my mother could pick it up and use our AV-setup without any troubles. A dedicated remote control is also better suited for sharing as I don't like to lend my phone to others...
Way cool!
until Jobs decides to block hardware interface apps from the AppStore.
Hope they come up with Symbian & Android editions of the software, but they do seem to be a Cupertino-only shop...
