On May 29 (today, for those of you living in a black hole), Microsoft has been granted the design patent for a Media Center remote design which has been previously showcased in the official Windows Vista Product Guide, but has not been confirmed as of yet.
Uncovered back in November 2006 as a plausible design for the generic Media Center remote which Microsoft hands to OEMs to distribute with Media Center PCs, the newer remote design showcases an update to the ‘now-clunky-looking’ original MCE remote which is at least 2 years old. However, that didn’t happen, and the older remotes are still distributed by many OEMs alongside Windows Vista. It’s a shame since its so ugly compared to the gorgeous Media Center experience in Vista. But hopefully with the patent now in Microsoft’s hands, they will start manufacturing these for OEMs.
Even still, nothing beats the SideShow-enabled Media Center remotes by Ricavision which probably costs as much as it looks. Just by looking at the number of buttons it has, you know it’s one hell of a remote.
5 Comments
Geroge
I don’t know about you, but the Apple Remote looks, feels, and in pratical use, much simpler than ALL version of MS Media Center Remotes.
Want proof? Check here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Remote
Granted, JUST how many buttons do you need to play, stop, and rewind? 40+ or just 6? You decide…
Matt
You can’t even change the channel with the Apple Remote. They’re aimed at completely different things and not comparable…
Orion
It would be awesome if Microsoft would acctually make this remote.
Hamp
You guys need to check out this remote! Do research and find out what’s out there!
http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/3893/ricavision_debuts_rica100
Bobby S.
Hamp that remote is pretty, but two gripes: first the obvious, it costs between 1/3-1/2 of what i build nice HTPC (HDCP) systems for ~($299). IDK about you but that’s something for “the rich.” I’d use a wireless keyboard or get up & change it on a wired keyboard b/c dropping that kind of cash…and second the button lay out would be tough for my nubby digits to hit by memory and one at a time.
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links for 2007-05-30 | ITsVISTA
[...] Microsoft granted patent for presumed Vista Media Center remote, may finally replace old remote? A nice looking remote. (tags: Media Center Remote) [...]
Where are the Vista Media Center Remote Controls? » Floppyhead - Digital Media and Home Theater Computers
[...] some images of Vista media center remotes, with the latest iteration actually looking quite nice. Long Zheng recently published this little tidbit in a post: On May 29 (today, for those of you living in a [...]