14 DAY TRIAL // The range of applications for Apple's iPhone 4 or iPad seems to know no boundaries, one of the most popular trends in this field being the possibility to turn the devices from Apple into universal remote controls, one feat the new UnityRemote from GEAR4 can easily achieve.
While this is certainly not the first product of this type we've ever come across, we'll have to admit that the UnityRemote from GEAR4 does offer its fair share of interesting features.
Designed to make controlling multimedia devices simple, the universal UnityRemote from GEAR4 enables users to control everything from TVs to Hi-Fis, Blu-Ray players to digital TV boxes – anything that has an infrared receiver – using one single device.
UnityRemote works with two parts – an app, which is downloaded for free from the Apple App Store, and a small device that can be placed anywhere in the room.
The UnityRemote device receives a Bluetooth signal from the Apple device, and then sends an infrared command in 360 degrees via five infrared transmitters to the device to be controlled.
After launching the app, users simply select the device to be controlled from a long list of manufacturers, and they can even set up ‘actions’ for UnityRemote to control multiple devices simultaneously.
Thus, with one touch, users can turn on their TV, DVD player, digital TV box and their home cinema sound system.
The remote layout can also be adjusted so that one remote layout has the buttons for multiple devices on the same screen, like ‘play’ from the DVD player and volumes for the surround system.
“Excitement for UnityRemote has been building and we’re looking forward to having consumers start using it in their homes,” said Tom Dudderidge, CEO of GEAR4, adding that “people are already so comfortable and familiar with their iDevices, it will be a huge convenience to use it as a remote as well”.
The UnityRemote is compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod touch 2G, 3G and iPad, and is available now through Amazon.com for $99.