The Griffin Beacon has been designed to turn your iOS or smartphone into a universal remote for your home media centre gadgets by converting Bluetooth signals from your device into infrared ones your media devices can understand.
The Beacon pairs your iOS device or smartphone and uses Dijit’s Universal Remote App, putting complete control of your home entertainment center in the palm of your hand.
How It Works
After a simple pairing setup system, your universal remote control panel will be displayed on the smartphone’s screen and allow you to change channels, adjust volume, switch inputs, and even program your DVR, along with a multitude of other features. The Griffin Beacon acts as a bridge between your smartphone and your home media devices, translating the Bluetooth signals from your phone into infrared signals that your TV, DVD player, or other media devices can understand.
One of the standout features of the Griffin Beacon is its ease of use. The setup process is straightforward, requiring only a few steps to pair your smartphone with the Beacon. Once paired, the Dijit Universal Remote App takes over, offering a user-friendly interface that mimics the layout of traditional remote controls. This makes it easy for users of all ages to navigate and control their home entertainment systems.
Future of Hardware-Connected Apps
Over the coming months, expect to see a lot more hardware-connected apps from a multitude of vendors as this system provides unlimited uses. The trend of integrating hardware with smartphone apps is growing rapidly, offering consumers more convenience and control over their home environments. For example, similar systems are being developed for home automation, allowing users to control lighting, heating, and security systems directly from their smartphones.
Another exciting development in this field is the integration of voice control. With the rise of smart assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, future versions of hardware-connected apps may include voice command capabilities, making it even easier to control your home media center. Imagine simply telling your phone to change the channel or adjust the volume without even lifting a finger.
Moreover, the Griffin Beacon and similar devices are paving the way for more advanced home entertainment systems. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more sophisticated features, such as personalized viewing recommendations based on your watching habits, integration with streaming services, and even augmented reality (AR) interfaces that provide an immersive control experience.
The Griffin Beacon Smartphone Universal Remote Control System will be available in May 2011 for $79.99. This price point makes it an affordable option for anyone looking to simplify their home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. Given its versatility and ease of use, the Griffin Beacon is poised to become a must-have gadget for tech-savvy consumers.
The Griffin Beacon represents a significant step forward in the integration of smartphones with home media systems. By converting Bluetooth signals into infrared ones, it offers a seamless and intuitive way to control a wide range of devices. As more hardware-connected apps enter the market, the possibilities for home automation and entertainment will continue to expand, making our lives more convenient and connected than ever before.
Via Chip Chick
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