I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways of extending the use of my mobile device. In the case of Windows Mobile and Palm, you didn’t have to look too far since developers and accessory makers were always looking to push the functionality of the devices. However, when it comes to Apple and its proprietary dock connector, many developers have been left out in the cold when it comes to wanting to create the perfect add-on for the iPhone or iPod touch.

The largest consumer-facing mainstream extension to the iPhone came in the form of the Square, which unfortunately is battling its own issues right now. One thing that it did show us, though, is how you can extend the functionality of the iPhone hardware-wise, via its headphone jack. Well, the folks at RedEye have taken the concept and execution even further with the RedEye mini.

I originally covered the RedEye mini back in March, and am happy to say that it’s now a reality. If you’re not familiar with the device, it’s a dongle that plugs into your iDevice’s headphone jack, which when paired with the RedEye application, turns your iDevice into the ultimate universal remote control.

Hardware

The RedEye mini comes in a great little carrying case and the device itself is less than two inches in length. It also sports a RedEye logo, which serves as the receiver if you want to turn the RedEye mini into a learning remote.

As for how the hardware actually turns your iDevice into a remote control, according to the folks at ThinkFlood, the device itself houses a microprocessor, some large capacitors, and more, and then turns the headphone jack into a small modem. In their words:

“We can send signals up to the mini’s processor through the left and right channels, and the processor can respond over the microphone line. Thankfully iOS gives us fine grained control over audio playback and recording so we didn’t have to worry about keeping up on that side.”

They also use a technique called power harvesting to give the RedEye mini an extra boost when transmitting an infrared signal.

In addition to the internals, the hardware looks great, as you can see in the photo below. Traditionally dongles take away from the overall look of the device, but not in this case.

Software and Setup

You download a free App from the App Store and then plug in the RedEye mini to your headphone jack.

First Run

For my test I wanted to use the RedEye mini in my main viewing area. That setup includes a Vizio TV (it’s usually hard to find the remote codes), a Sony DVD player, and a Motorola DVR (DCT6416).

The first thing I did was click on the Setup tab. Then I tapped on the name of my room–in this case I used the default RedEye mini. From there I added my devices. This is a pretty straight forward process that involves selecting your device type, and then the manufacturer. You then give it a name and it automatically fetches a selection of IR codes (from an online database of more than 45,000). You then can test the codes to see if your device responds. Then you save the device and move on to the next one.

After you’ve selected all of your devices you then add an activity. In my case I created one called Watch TV. I added devices to my activity and then was able to customize the remote.

Adding devices

I customized the remote to put the channel up and down where the page up and down normally are

You can choose from different button styles, re-arrange the layout, and even combine the UP button from your TV with the DOWN button from your DVR–all on the same screen. If your device doesn’t respond to the built-in codes, you also have the option of learning the commands of your existing remote controls.

In general the process is pretty straight forward and in my tests I was able to control the TV and DVD, and had sporadic control of the DVR. I’m of the belief that it has more to do with the DVR than the remote, but will continue to chase down the issue. Also, since it’s an activity-based system, you can setup activities like Watch TV, except instead of just having a remote, you can have it turn on the TV, change the input, turn on the cable box, etc.. The possibilities are pretty endless.

Final Impressions

In my half day of testing I have removed the RedEye mini from my iPhone 4 a number of times, switched to different apps, resumed the RedEye mini app, and controlled my TV and associated media components without fail–it’s definitely living up to the everyday test scenarios.

I’ve been debating about upgrading to a high-end, customizable remote for sometime now, but with the RedEye mini selling for $49 and just needing an iPhone or iPod touch to work, it still comes in at substantially less than a comparable customizable remote.

One more thing: since its software comes free on the App Store, the ThinkFlood folks are already planning some nice updates, including an integrated channel guide. If you think about what functionality we’ve seen on apps, the possibilities are endless for what the RedEye mini will be able to do in the future.

For the above reasons I highly recommend you pick up a RedEye mini of your own. Once I resolve some of my underlying control issues, this will be a must-have for me every evening when I’m sitting down to watch TV.