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AirRemote (and other remote possibilities) for the iPhone

by Mike Schramm Jun 14th 2008 at 7:00AM

Just the other day I was thinking about how it might be possible to do something like this app reader Jason kindly dropped us a tip about: AirRemote is an application, soon to be released on the App Store, that's supposed to turn your iPhone or iPod touch into a television remote control. The first catch is that the app costs $99, and the second catch is that you have to buy an extra box (for about $150) to actually the signals to the TV. That's the hardest part about this whole iPhone-as-remote thing -- it's super easy to program the iPhone to do what you want, but it's much harder to get the TV or entertainment center to understand it. Most televisions aren't equipped with Bluetooth or WiFi, and Apple neglected to include an IR transmitter even in the 3G.

But surely it's got to be possible at some point, right? Apps like telekinesis easily let you do a little remote computing, so the real trick here is just getting the TV in on the communications. It's too bad Apple's own little set-top box doesn't make it too easy (though maybe the wifi might let hackers do something with a little tweaking), but then again, maybe they don't want any competition for their own remote.

Of course, buying an iPhone or iPod touch just to control your TV is a waste of money -- there are much cheaper remotes that will work much better. But in the interests of combining functions into one device, it sure would be useful to be able to do everything from one screen.

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Just the other day I was thinking about how it might be possible to do something like this app reader Jason kindly dropped us a tip about:...
 

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Ross Ackland

There is an iPhone remote control app for MythTV called MythTVRemote. No need for IR or bluetooth as it uses the network control port of MythTV. Can be found at http://groups.google.com/group/jiggyapp-devel/files
Look for MythTVRemote.zip

June 16 2008 at 1:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oscart

It isnt just a TV remote though...read around some more..its basically a bargain touchscreen controller for proper home automation...it can operate lights, DVD servers, remote itunes libraries. Seems good value if you consider a Crestron panel is $3K and then some

June 15 2008 at 4:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
junkjewel

Where to buy in japan?

June 15 2008 at 2:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rudy

$250???? omg that has got to be joke. i would love to know who the hell in their right mid would buy that, i really would.

June 14 2008 at 11:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
koreyel

"The first catch is that the app costs $99, and the second catch is that you have to buy an extra box (for about $150) to actually the signals to the TV. "

Personally?

I'd much rather have a nose hair clipper that attaches to my iphone with video that shows where I need to do the most trimming.

But then again... I live in the real world.

June 14 2008 at 9:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Twist

There is already a mini-jack IR adapter thing that converts audio into IR signals available for the original iPod. Engadget covered it a long time ago and the way you had to do stuff was pretty complicated but someone could probably develop a better method now. Anyway here is the link http://features.engadget.com/2004/07/27/how-to-turn-your-ipod-in-to-a-universal-infrared-remote-control/

June 14 2008 at 3:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lanejasper69

Or You could buy a 250.00 Logitech Harmony and have it rule your entire world and look better and prob control more devices. I'm just Sayin'

Faslane

June 14 2008 at 2:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mark

$250 sure buys a lot of AA and AAA batteries. No thanks. This is strictly for those poor little rich kids who have to constantly rack their brains to figure out new ways to throw away their money.

June 14 2008 at 1:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
db

This looks like a much better app, haven't checked out the price or used it but they do actually make stereo equipment and speakers as well. http://speakercraft.com/

June 14 2008 at 1:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
JCH

Definitely not an elegant solution. More practical iPhone TV remote controls have been done be before. One of the better integrations was done by Sven-Goran Ljungholm (almost a year ago, too). He integrates home automation, security, TV (assume eyeTV), and Apple's Frontrow....all via WiFi. Here is video of his demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH6I9xPJ7OE

More detailed iPhone screenshots here:
http://ljungholm.dyndns.org:8080/groups/888macdoctor/wiki/fdc1a/iPhone_Home_Control.html

June 14 2008 at 11:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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