Big, universal remotes are great because they can minimise the amount of junk laying around, but sometimes they have so many buttons that you can’t find what you’re looking for easily. Reddit user unamenotakken solved this problem by gluing a button to one of their remote’s buttons for easy access.
Multiple devices in the lounge room equates to multiple remote controls, which is never good for stress-free viewing. How do you ensure that your remote controls don’t multiply and then hide themselves under the couch?
The problem with remote controls is that you often can’t find them when you need them. This hack will truly let you control your devices from a distance, by whistling.
If you use your computer for playing music, chances are at least once you’ve wished you had a remote control for it. Hacker Owen Trueblood wanted the same thing, so he hacked a TV remote to work with an infrared sensor attached to his computer.
A footnote to our recent discussion about user friendly DVD players for older relatives: if you don’t like the remote that comes with the DVD or think it will be difficult to use, it’s pretty straightforward to swap it for a kid-friendly programmable remote control.
If the smooth backs of your remote controls lend themselves to your remotes sliding off the couch, into the cushions, and out of your reach, flip them over and use the rubber buttons as a non-slip “mat” to keep them stationary.
Android only: Gmote controls your desktop PC directly from your mobile phone, letting you control playback of music and movies, browse your file system, or even use your phone as a keyboard and mouse.
We’ve done a lot of work helping you perfect your media centre, but your friends may not think it’s as cool as you do once they actually try to use it. For their sake, consider a temporary remote control sleeve.
Ever written out detailed schematics so visiting friends or family members could operate your home theatre setup? It’s annoying, right? Web site Designing Interactions highlights an incredibly simple but surprisingly workable solution.
It’s a bit silly and, you know, ugly, but the simplicity and effectiveness is undoubtedly a win. Just grab a piece of paper, cut a few holes where necessary, label, and you’re done. No, this isn’t necessary for the remote wizards in the audience, but it’s a great idea for quickly dumbing down your remote for anyone to pick up and use.
Chapter 4 – Adopting Technology [Designing Interactions via Gizmodo]
