ThinkFlood have created a new product called the ThinkFlood RedEye mini that converts your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad (when available) in to a universal remote control and TV guide.
The RedEye mini costs $49 and connects up to the 3.5mm headphone jack of your iPod allowing you to control a variety of systems such as a TV, DVR, Stereo, Digi-Box etc… and lets you control them all from the single remote control software created as an application.
To get the system working it requires that you either enter a unique code for the device you own, or put the iPhone RedEye mini in to training mode which can detect signals from other remote controls. Once achieved you attach the IR transmitter, load up the app and use a variety of methods to control your TV and other devices. Gestures can be used such as sliding a couple of fingers down the screen to lower the volume or flicking the iPhone to jump up a channel.
RedEye mini Features
· It’s the most affordable ($49) and robust universal remote accessory for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.
· Instead of having one remote for every device – or even an oversized universal remote with too many buttons – RedEye mini customers only need to handle an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad (okay, well the iPad’s not that small…)
· Unlike other iPhone remote solutions, RedEye mini plugs into the headphone jack, which frees up the 30-pin dock connector for charging while while the remote is in use. RedEye mini users will never be without a remote when device battery is low. Also, iPhone users won’t have to flip their phones upside-down to use the remote.
· Robust database of manufacturer-supplied infrared codes for easy set up. Users can also use the learning module to quickly train their RedEye mini remote with commands from existing device remotes.
· Free integrated electronic program guide (AKA channel guide) that lets the user access program and channel information without interrupting what’s happening on the TV screen.
· Ability to control a virtually unlimited number of devices and can store a virtually unlimited number of commands.
· RedEye offers activity-based control, meaning users can program RedEye to execute a series of commands with only one touch (macros). Additionally, only the buttons appropriate to the activity in use (like watch TV, listen to music, watch DVD) appear on the screen.
· RedEye mini users can customize the way they control their equipment with touchscreen buttons, Apple’s Multi-Touch gestures, and accelerometer controls. For example swiping two fingers down the screen can reduce volume and flicking the iPhone forward can change the channel.
The RedEye mini is planning to be shipped in the Spring direct from the ThinkFlood website as well as from a number of dealers in 47 countries.
In the box you get the RedEye mini infrared adapter to attach to your iPhone. To run the software you need an iPhone 3G, 3G S, iPod Touch or iPad each running at least OS 3.2 from Apple [AAPL].
Another feature is that the RedEye Mini is that it disguises as an antenna making it look like early 90’s phone.
Potential thief will think it’s an old phone.
Interesting old idea. I wonder if they licensed the Griffin patent?
What is the learning module? Is it an extra piece of hardware to plug in to the phone’s 30pin jack?
Not sure WBB on the learning module. Part of it sounds like it’s an actual physical module although they do say you just get the 1 IR transmitter (I guess also a receiver) in the box that perhaps is the module they refer to.
I just went to the ThinkFlood website and the cost is not $49.00 but $188.00 (yes I checked that is US dollars).
Thank you, thats helpful to know.