Handheld Remotes Show No Signs of Being Crowded Out by Tablets

Handheld Remotes Show No Signs of Being Crowded Out by Tablets

If tech news in the last three years were lumped together by product, one might guess that Apple’s iPad and its apps accounted for at least half of stories written. Tablets have the advantage of the zeitgeist, but our industry isn’t one to carelessly abandon proven, reliable technology.

The handheld, wand-style remote control shows no signs of being crowded out, despite the flashiness of tablets. Consumers still demand a dedicated remote, and a number of companies recently introduced innovative new products to meet their needs.

According to Pete Baker, RTI’s vice president of sales and marketing, his company views tablets and other mobile devices as added benefits to a dedicated controller–not replacements.

“There are a number of reasons why consumers still prefer a handheld remote control,” Baker said. “First, tablets are primarily used for games, reading, surfing the web, and other activities. So the device can easily wander off and not be fully charged or readily available for use as a controller when needed.

“These devices lack hard buttons for tactile control, which offer a more comfortable and convenient user experience. Handheld remotes also provide instantaneous control–no screen swiping and no dependence on the Wi-Fi network.”

Joe Lautner, manager of business development and project management at ELAN Home Systems, agreed that tablets, smartphones, and in-wall touch panels are good for many things and are “passable as media remotes.” But, he noted, they also require several clicks to get to a required function. “People are used to instantly changing the channel, turning down the volume, or pausing their movies with one click, not several,” he noted. “These on-demand functions are only possible with wand-style remotes that feature dedicated hard buttons. Instead of having to look up to your screen and back down at your touchscreen, you can perform all functions with one easy-to-use wand-style remote.”

Crestron’s technology manager for touchscreens and user interaces, Byron Wendling, said that in a handheld remote there are so many performance expectations that must be weighed. “You can have all the fancy features in the world, but the core simplicity and reliability must remain intact,” he said. “In other words, what’s cool must always be carefully balanced with what works so that the product can represent the best of both worlds.”

Crestron recently delivered the MLX- 3 handheld wireless remote, a long-range remote control with a 2-inch high-resolution LCD. The MLX-3 features the company’s “instant-waking” technology for eliminating lag time.

“Our wireless technology provides ultra-reliable two-way communications,” Wendling added. “Instant-waking has been engineered to power on the remote instantly, at the press of a button. Extended battery life and simplified programming make it an intuitive remote with great benefits. Our remote works like an IR remote with all the benefits of two-way RF.”

Hybrid Options

Rather than favoring one style of control over another, some manufacturers are finding ways to offer customers a hybrid style. For instance, by combining familiar hard buttons for media functions with a touchscreen for whole-home control, ELAN’s HR2 remote features a design that is familiar to anyone who has used a remote control, but offers far more functionality. “Some people have become so reliant on their smartphones and tablets that they want to use them for their media control,” Lautner said. “When we designed the ELAN HR2, we aimed to create a sleek, stylish remote control that can perform any and all functions of the g! home control system quickly and easily and show the users how much easier it really is.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ready When Your Are

Cat Toomey, director of marketing for URC, stressed that the readiness and speed of a dedicated remote remains a major advantage over other devices.

“Our MX-1200 is always ready to pause or play a movie at the touch of one button–no need to flick through pages of menus to find a command. It’s also dedicated to controlling the house, so it’s always where you need it when you need it,” Toomey said.

By combining functionality with flexibility, these products expand the capabilities of wandstyle remotes while dodging the shortcomings of touchscreen devices.

Baker warned that convincing some smartphoneobsessed clients not to rely only on a touchscreen may still be a challenge.

“Dealers should be careful not to hang their hat entirely on a smartphone or tablet interface,” Baker said. “To ensure the ultimate customer satisfaction, every system should include some form of a professional control device with the added benefit of access through a smartphone or tablet PC.”

The real challenge will lie in helping users to find the best solution for their needs. While we recognize that the availability of mobile control apps can be liberating and exciting, we want to be sure that customers are getting solutions–both dedicated and mobile–that provide lasting utility and long-term satisfaction with the user experience.

Combine all your remotes into one. Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page or send a tweet on Twitter.  Of course there is always traditional ways to contact us:

Office: 1-203-659-4734
Jared, Owner: 1-203-659-4734 [email protected]
Chris, System Designer: 1-203-659-4734

 

Smarthome & Theater Systems install LCD, LED, Plasma screens and full home theaters.  We also design and install home automation, lighting control and music throughout the home.  We install primarily in the state of Connecticut.  We cover the entire state from the Greenwich, Darien, Westport, Fairfield area up north to Farmington, West Hartford, Glastonbury area and up the shoreline to Branford, Guilford, Madison and Clinton.