There is a trend developing in the technology world: everything is getting [surprise!] smarter. Your phone is smart, your car is smart, your TV is smart, and now the remote control is smart. Several TV manufacturers make remote controls that utilize voice and motion detection to allow the user change channels, volume, access web browsers and other applications. Dan Thompson visited WBIR-TV to chime in on the smart remote trend. Watch the video here or skip below for the wordsmithed version.
Do you have to buy the TV to get a smart remote or do they come separate?
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Right now, the new remotes are unique to the televisions they are sold with. If this catches on though, a universal remote technology may be implemented, similar to the one we use now.
Can you use your iPhone as a TV remote?
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Sure, there are lots of users apps out there that a person can use to control their TV. It depends on the specs of your devices. I have an application on my smartphone that allows me to remotely turn on my DVR at home, to turn my TV on and off, etc. More of these TVs are coming with this technology built in. LG, for instance, is launching a model with the revamped Google TV built in. More and more, manufacturers are hearing the outcry for app-implementation in their home devices and we should expect more of this technology integration in the future of remotes.
How long until these technologies come down in price?
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We can expect the prices to drop considerably by Christmas this year.