Mobile Technology

Satechi BT Media Remote fills the iOS device remote control gap

Satechi BT Media Remote fills the iOS device remote control gap
The BT Media Remote can be used to control multimedia playback on an iOS device or to remotely snap a photo
The BT Media Remote can be used to control multimedia playback on an iOS device or to remotely snap a photo
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The BT Media Remote can be used to control multimedia playback on an iOS device or to remotely snap a photo
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The BT Media Remote can be used to control multimedia playback on an iOS device or to remotely snap a photo
The BT Media Remote connects via Bluetooth to iOS devices
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The BT Media Remote connects via Bluetooth to iOS devices
The BT Media Remote includes a number pad for inputting the code to connect automatically with a device
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The BT Media Remote includes a number pad for inputting the code to connect automatically with a device
The BT Media Remote allows for wireless control of an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Mac
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The BT Media Remote allows for wireless control of an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Mac
The BT Media Remote can be used to remotely trigger the camera app
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The BT Media Remote can be used to remotely trigger the camera app
The BT Media Remote allows control of an iOS device when it is connected to a docking station or car stereo
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The BT Media Remote allows control of an iOS device when it is connected to a docking station or car stereo
The BT Media Remote allows control of an iOS device when it is connected to a car stereo
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The BT Media Remote allows control of an iOS device when it is connected to a car stereo
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If there’s one thing that could be said about Apple’s current product line, it’s that most of them play together pretty well. But there’s at least one notable exception - the Apple Remote. While the slimline remote lets users control a Mac or Apple TV at a distance, Apple’s iOS devices are a different matter. Mobile accessories manufacturer Satechi has provided a solution with its new BT Media Remote for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Because the Apple Remote relies on that old remote control standard, infrared, and iOS devices don’t pack an infrared sensor, Satechi has employed Bluetooth to allow its BT Media Remote to control multimedia playback on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Like the PlayStation 3 controllers and Wiimotes, the BT Media Remote relies on the Human Interface Device (HID) Bluetooth profile, which provides a low latency link with low power requirements. It’s two CR-2025 coin batteries should provide power for up to six months.

The device allows for wireless control of an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad on those occasions when there might be a little distance between you and your iOS device, such as when it is connected to a TV, docking station or car stereo. From distances of up to 33 ft (10 m), users can play, pause, skip, rewind, mute or adjust the volume of music or video. The remote can also be used to remotely trigger the camera app to take a photo or to activate Siri on an iPhone 4S.

The BT Media Remote allows control of an iOS device when it is connected to a docking station or car stereo
The BT Media Remote allows control of an iOS device when it is connected to a docking station or car stereo

And being a Bluetooth device, the remote is also compatible with Macs, meaning it can also be used to control Keynote presentations on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, or Mac Mini.

The Satechi BT Media Remote is available now for US$39.99.

Here’s a video showing the device’s functionality.

Satechi Bluetooth Multi-Media Remote Control for iPhone, iPad & All Bluetooth OS

Source: Satechi

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1 comment
1 comment
Jason Catterall
SOLD! The only thing I find more ridiculous than Apple's decision not to include IR on the MacBook Air (surely the quintisential presentation machine, sadly ruined by its absence) is Apple's refusal to make their remote Bluetooth. How archaic is Infra Red?? Finally, a solution to a problem I've been moaning about since I ditched my MacBook Pro in favour of the Air. No more hiding a mighty mouse in my hand as I present. And it's solved the issue of what to buy at least 3 friends for Xmas! Shame though, that its not a funky milled aluminium piece with an Apple logo on it... though I'm so looking forward to having something else to complain about, it's a small price to pay.