L5 Technology today introduced a accessory and free app that turn any iPhone or iPod touch into a universal remote control. Launching at ShowStoppers @ CES, the L5 Remote provides consumers with a powerful alternative for replacing multiple and often-confusing remote control devices. The L5 Remote transforms the iPhone and iPod touch into a personal universal remote that controls televisions, DVDs, DVRs, cable boxes, audio equipment, and most other products that come with an infrared remote.
Developed by L5 Technology, the L5 Remote is comprised of a small hardware device that plugs into an iPhone or iPod touch dock connector and a free app to be available from the iTunes App Store. The L5 Remote offers a quick an easy set-up, using a drag and drop features so consumers can create their ideal, and personally customized remote control interface. The L5 Remote is priced at US$49.95 and will be available for purchase in February from the L5 Technology web site and retailers nationwide.
“With the fast pace of innovation in the smartphone market, handhelds are becoming the consumer electronics platform of choice, causing disruptions across many markets. We see peripherals that connect smartphones to the physical world as key components in the revolution,” said Wade McNary, founder and CEO of L5 Technology, in the press release. “Leveraging the power, versatility, and portability of handheld devices, and following Apple’s philosophy of design elegance and simplicity, we have solved a common problem. This one small device reverses a long trend toward complexity in remote controls.”
How does it work? Users simply purchase the L5 Remote hardware – an adaptor measuring 1.25 x .85 inches – and plug it into the iPhone or iPod touch docking port. They will then be prompted to download a free app from the iTunes App Store, which allows them to simply drag-and-drop to create their own customized remote control interface. The app will guide them through a short process of programming the app to control the infrared devices.
Using infrared technology, the L5 Remote can control any number of devices in any number of rooms. Consumers can easily set it up to control products in the living room, bedroom, office, or any other location. The L5 Remote will work to a distance of approximately 30 feet.
The L5 Remote is portable and does not require batteries, Wi-Fi or external power to work. The product can control thousands of devices, including TVs, cable boxes, stereos, DVD players, ceiling fans, air conditioners, and many other products.
Source: L5 Technology
MacDailyNews Take: For Apple iPhone and iPod touch only. Not for Palm. Not for Android. Not for Nokia. Not for Windows Mobile. Not for whatever cockamamie fake iPhone they cobble together next. For Apple iPhone and iPod touch only. Now extrapolate.
I can just see it now.
“Dang ! Honey, where’s the L5 ?”
I already have a Logitech Harmony remote, but if I didn’t and the price was right, I might get one of these.
Hmm. Thinking while I write this. Losing track of your remote is a problem for nearly everyone. What do you do with that tiny little dingle-dangle when you’re not using your iPhone as a remote?
——RM
Very cool. Too bad the phone doesn’t have the ir port built in….
Just kidding, Thought I was a whiner did ya?
@ LordRobin
Pocket? On top of TV?
I would buy one of those.
Mdn’s take sounded a bit defensive. Don’t underestimate. I’m an iPhone guy all the way, but A**droid is coming on strong. That’s good. Makes apple keep there game stay strong. Just don’t get cocky. That’s what M$ did.
@LordRobin
I just got a Logitech Harmony One Remote over the Christmas holidays. I do like the Harmony One’s “Activities” or work flows. If the L5 remote supports Activities, rather than just a remote replacement, then Logitech will have some keen competition.
Peace.
I like the RF to my devices stored behind a closet and out of sight. If somehow they make this thing talk RF then I’m in. Otherwise I’ll keep trying to get Harmony 900’s at a good price.
@Not a shill:
Android works on many different phones with varying hardware designs, so good luck having one L5 type product that works with all the different phone interfaces and internal electronics.
yes, is there a standard dock connector for Android at all? i don’t think so. so far just a USB port.
‘course there could be a USB infrared plug in “stick”. that should work the same (assuming Android has API’s for accessories to work – does it?). not as nice looking tho.
Okay I need this! Very cool and only on iPhone/Touch bit NOKIA POS. Nice.
I’m betting Apple will include an IR transmitter soon, so I’ll just wait. Also don’t like the fact this thing is too small, boxy (offends the iPhone Feng Shui), and makes you use your iPhone upside down. It should have been designed more like a Mophie Juice pack.
Could have made the design a little bit slicker to match the uber device it is connected too..
Maybe slick black plastique or silver to match…
It looks a bit nobby right now.
The way my wife steals our remote I should get one of these. What do you mean “no football?”
You mean I will FINALY have a remote that I can’t loose because it will beep (or ring) when I need to find it?!?!?!?
A “personally customized remote control interface” ?
Cool!!!!!
I’ll get this, but I also hope the iPhone 4G has infrared built in to it. There’s a market for this that Apple shouldn’t be passing up.
Can anyone recommend a universal remote in addition to the Logitech universal remote that a few people have mentioned?
@breeze
The L5 website says this is for iPhone OS 3.0 for the iPhone or iPod Touch, so any earlier iPhones / iPod Touches or the iPhones whose owner has not updated the OS will be out of luck! So having just the one phone produced by just the one company didn’t work so well if the OS is not the most recent.
Who knows, there may be a iPhone 3Gs owner that won’t upgrade their phone to the 4.0 OS and will be out of luck at the next CES show where a third party produces a add on and free app to enhance the phone’s capabilities and it would be like the phone was an original 2007 model with OS 1.1 or something. So this can happen with Apple’s products, just as well, as long as the OS keeps changing, and the phones internals (RAM, Processor, etc) keep getting more powerful where useful third party product add ons can be created but need the most current iPhone OS or latest iPhone specs in order to work…
Just saying, it’s not an Android thing, it’s a keeping up to date thing!
Rot’nApple:
Do you know the difference between software and hardware?
@MDN Marketind 101 – number one never mentions number 2
So what we have here are a couple of general purpose computers with a lot of built in functionality out of the box, and with the ability to connect external devices (sensors or displays, both audio and visual) and a completely flexible user interface. I’m convinced. My question is” Was Apple planning this all along, or were the iPhone/ Touch just so capable that they’re going to be able to do anything?”