Power A today announced the release of the “Universal Remote Case”, designed specifically for the Apple iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 3G. The lightweight protective case features an integrated infrared (IR) transmitter. When paired with a POWER A free app available on the App Store, the case will enable consumers to use their iPhone as a fully functional universal remote to control most IR-capable devices. The protection case is available now with a price of $59.99.
The Universal Remote Case communicates with the iPhone via a free app (search the App Store for “POWER A Universal Remote”). The app enables consumers to record commands from any IR remote control. For example, to program a standard TV remote into the POWER A Universal Remote, simply point the TV remote at the iPhone, press a button on the POWER A Universal Remote App screen (i.e., “Volume Up”), and then press the corresponding “Volume Up” button on the TV remote. The app for the Universal Remote Case can also be customized to control multiple devices from a single screen (i.e., buttons from a TV, DVD, and stereo remote can be consolidated into one “virtual” remote).
[via slashgear]
I tested the PowerA and another soon to be available remote from http://www.newkinteix.com. The PowerA has a very limited user interface that only allows one fixed remote view, and you have to learn every button. No button editing or layout changes are allowed, so I was stuck learning functions onto buttons that had different names.
The Re is a complete universal remote with an IR code database for quick setup of all of your devices. It also has editable buttons and views as well as activity remotes, macros, favorites and learning. The Re works with the iPod touch as well as the iPhone and doesn’t force you to change cases.