RedEye mini simplifies RedEye control system
updated 01:30 pm EST, Tue March 2, 2010
Eliminates need for separate dock
ThinkFlood has announced the RedEye mini, a different approach to the company's remote control system. In combination with an iPhone app, RedEye gear can be used to control a variety of AV hardware including TVs, receivers and disc players. The app supports customized layouts, and some multi-touch and accelerometer functions.
The Mini attempts to remedy a problem with the full-sized RedEye kit, which ties an Apple handheld to a Wi-Fi enabled dock. Onwers of the Mini must only plug the dongle into a device's 3.5mm headphone jack, which can then send IR signals to electronics. Power is taken from the handheld's battery. ThinkFlood expects the new add-on to ship this spring for $49.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2010
Not a replacement for RedEye
Thanks for writing about RedEye mini. To clarify, we don't see the mini as a "remedy" for the original RedEye product, but rather a way that we can offer some RedEye functionality at a lower price point. We still believe strongly in the benefits of the Wi-Fi approach, particularly when it comes to whole-house control and the ability to have multiple iPhone or iPod touch controllers for the same equipment. But $200 for a remote control system does not fit all budgets, and we like the mobile design of the mini. In short, we think there is room in the world for both products, and plan to continue to innovate around both fixed wireless and mobile (plug-in) remote controls.
Cheers,
Matt Eagar
President, ThinkFlood, Inc
http://thinkflood.com/