Like the Boxee Box remote control showed us, a remote for a media center (or HTPC) only needs a few basic buttons. Unfortunately the Boxee remote is not sold separately but the GlideTV Navigator might be a good alternative. It's a small remote control that fits in your hand, connects through a wireless USB dongle and let's you control all the basis functions of a media center. GlideTV themselves call it a 'couch mouse' and that could actually be a pretty accurate description. It has (...) read more
When it comes to home automation X10 is pretty much the standard protocol. You can connect all kinds of modules to all kinds of control stations and even build your own modules. Hack a Day shows a DIY guide to build an engine to remotely (or automated) open and close your blinds. It looks like a lot of work and you probably could use some technical know-how but nothing beats a home brew X10 module. If do-it-yourself isn't your cup of tea you could browse Amazon for all kinds of modules and (...) read more
The remote control of the Nintendo Wii (Wiimote) uses Bluetooth technology to connect to the console. But with a Bluetooth USB Dongle for about $18,- you can just as easily make it interact with your PC. There are several free software solutions to put the Wiimote to action on your computer (which we will come back to in later posts) and BlueTunes is one of them. It lets you control Windows Media Player, iTunes, Winamp or Napster with the buttons and even the motion sense of the Wiimote. Downloads, (...) read more
From Google
