New Potato Technologies, a developer of iPod and iPhone accessories, today introduced FLPR, a revolutionary new accessory and app that transforms iPhone and iPod touch into a universal remote control. FLPR lets users control multiple electronic devices, including televisions, cable and satellite boxes, stereo systems, lights, ceiling fans and just about anything else that uses an infrared remote control. Available this month from Best Buy stores nationwide, and online at http://www.newpotatotech.com, the revolutionary FLPR replaces a sea of remotes cluttering up the home.
After purchasing the FLPR infrared interface and popping it into the iPhone/iPod touch dock connector, users download the free FLPR app from Apples’ App Store. Once the app is launched, choose the device “type,” select “brand,” “name it” and “use it.” FLPR comes pre‐programmed with over 14,000 remote control codes, including all major electronics brands.
Unlike other universal remote solutions for iPhone and iPod touch, FLPR’s extensive database of over 14,000 pre‐programmed remote control codes means that you don’t have to spend time learning your existing remotes “button by button.” FLPR works with hundreds of brands of devices out of box with no programming necessary.
FLPR is also a learning remote. If the remote control code for that old television in the guest bedroom is not in the FLPR database, you can easily teach FLPR the code for that old relic, creating a brand new remote.
FLPR can be personalized with the included free background skins. The screen for each device you control can have a distinct look so you can instantly tell the remote for the television apart from the iPod docking sound system.
FLPR has a range of about 30 feet and is powered by the iPhone/iPod touch. The FLPR infrared interface will be available March 4, 2010 at NewPotatoTech.com and in‐store nationwide at Best Buy on March 28, 2010 for $79.99.
The free FLPR app is available now in Apple’s iTunes App Store here.
Source: New Potato Technologies
You need that IR transmitter in a separate unit with bluetooth or WiFi so you can control it without plugging something into your iPhone each time.
Also see:
https://thinkflood.com/
Nice idea, but if you have to plug something into your iPhone to use it . . .
I can loose that just as easily as my remote control. We need a solution where we can just pull our iPhone/Touch out of our pocket, launch the app, and just have it work.
A bluetooth or wifi base station to receive the signal and sent it to the TV/Cable Box.
THAT’S IT!
APPLE, BUILD THE BASE STATION INTO APPLE TV!!!
@The Other Steve
That’s what I said. The problem with TV is that it is normally positioned where it would not have a good line of site for IR beaming that remotes use. We need a little battery operated gizmo that can sit on the coffee table which would always be pointed at the entertainment center. Close enough for a bluetooth pairing with the iPhone. Make it look like a coffee table book that you stack other books or mags on top of to camouflage it.
why isnt there a ps3 control app for iphone yet ?
It’s good to finally see some developers taking advantage of the hardware API’s Apple opened up in the iPhone SDK last year.
IMO, the only kind of IR remote accessory that will do well in the longer run are ones like this one: http://gizmodo.com/5479977/power-a-iphone-case-transforms-into-universal-remote-control-via-app
…where the IR transmitter is integrated into a nice case or maybe a sled-style battery pack (i.e. like a Mophie pack) – meaning two functions in one.
otherwise it’s going to be a pain to have to a single-purpose little dongle hanging off your iPhone, that you either have to remember to plug in when you get home, or always worry about losing or knocking off. I mean, you’re not going to keep this FLPR thing plugging into your iPhone 100% of the time
So I can’t answer a phone call while changing the channels? If I drop my phone I break my phone and my ability to change channels on the tv. Sometimes converging things into one is a backwards step?
This might be a great use for my 1st gen iPhone! Some of the antennae don’t work (got wet), so I never sold it, and it’s just sitting in it’s box.
Flipper is back!!!
He was a nice dolphin
I use the iRed app with the IRTrans ethernet module. The benefit is you don’t need to plug anything into your iphone. The downside is it only works in the room you have an IRTrans unit installed. But you can also use it with your laptop and other devices. No need for you and your wife and your computer to have separate IR blasters.
It’s good to see these. I like the idea of a universal remote app. For me, current options are 1-2 generations from being useful… but like to see the effort.
Dongles have to go… need to use BT or WiFi. But still not sure about the responsiveness (unlock phone, open app, load, then use) and multitasking interrupts (phone calls, other apps).
@Spark,
Yes, us Southern Californians think alike.
@Chris
YES! I thought I had heard of such device. How far away from the transmitter can you take your iPhone? I’m using one those high end Harmony remotes. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty good. Touch the screen to choose the activity (eg Watch DVD) and it powers up the right equipment, sets all the inputs at the TV and Amps, and provides all control of disc player. Switch to gaming and it shuts off all the non-essential stuff before firing up the X-Box and resetting all the sound and video inputs. It knows when to control volume at the TV or at the receiver. Saves A LOT of futzing around with a half dozen remotes; or, God forbid, force me to get off my fat ass and manually do it.
Why would I want to turn my touch into a remote control?
Much as I like the idea of one remote, frankly I’ve always found it a pain to have to switch screens for different devices, plus I can use all my remotes by feel in the dark without having to look away from the screen or indeed move the remote into my eyeline, a touch screen doesn’t let me do that.
its too expensive, it should be $19.95
Great idea, surprised it has taken someone this long to do.
Wholly agree with comments, this would be best if transmitter was a separate device that is communicated with via bluetooth or wireless.
I would also like software that gives me the ability to completely customize/skin the interface.
I will probably get one to play with, but not sure I see it replacing my harmony one.
So you have to unplug the device every time you want to charge your iPod or iPhone?
I considered buying one of these with a new iPod to use exclusively as a universal remote (keeping my iPhone as an iPhone), however it appears you need to unplug the little IR transmitter to charge your iPod. big design flaw
Ah checked out this, is more expensive but what we are talking about:
https://thinkflood.com/products/redeye/what-is-redeye/
No plug-in or case required.
How is this better than the DA POWER A Universal Remote Case for iPhone 3GS?
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