Find that sensible, button-filled remote for your TV a little too boring? DIYer Frederick Vandenbosch shows off how to build a gesture-based remote control using a Raspberry Pi.

If your digital camera comes with a mini remote for recording and snapping photos, you can make cheap backup remotes in case it gets lost.

There are countless universal remote control apps for smartphones, but chances are you don't really need them. A bunch of apps, including the likes of Spotify and YouTube, have built-in remote functions tucked away in the menus. Here's how to find them.

It never fails: you put your remote down on the couch or coffee table and then it miraculously disappears. This DIY couch mod shows you how to "install" your remote into your couch so you never lose it again.

We've suggested reprogramming kid-friendly remotes as one solution for older TV users who don't like overcrowded remotes with tiny writing. ALDI is selling a similar "Big Button Remote" from tomorrow for $14.99. (We like the 60-day return warranty if it doesn't work with the target TV.)

For those annoying times when you've already walked away from the desk before realising you meant to put your Mac to sleep: Use your Apple remote to zap it to sleep from across the room by holding down the Play/Pause button. After about 2 seconds of holding it, you'll see your Mac display some sleepy Zs on the screen before getting comfy and passing out.

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.