ThinkFlood is no stranger to the remote control space. The company first hit the scene with its flagship product, RedEye. RedEye allows you to use your iPhone or iPod touch as a remote control for just about any device you can think of. The problem with the original RedEye is that it requires you to purchase a RedEye device, which is still currently selling for $188. Beyond that, the technology is very cool, letting you connect to the RedEye device via WiFi and then having the RedEye talk to your devices via infrared.
Well, the company has been busy creating new technology and its latest iteration of the remote control comes in the form of the RedEye mini. Instead of requiring a docking station, the mini simply plugs into the headphone jack of your iPhone or iPod touch. That coupled with RedEye’s iPhone app turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a remote control that lets you interact with your devices from over 30 feet away. In addition, not only is this some cool tech, but it’s affordable, with an expected sale price of under $50.
I think the RedEye mini is going to be the way to go for me. My iPhone is like an appendage so I’m already sitting watching TV with my iPhone in hand. Now I’ll be able to actually control my TV with it, too, by just plugging in a dongle into the headphone jack.
What’s also really interesting is how many companies are now building technology off of the headphone jack. The most publicized one is Square, but I can see the RedEye mini gaining even more awareness as it starts shipping. Imagine having an all-in-one customizable touch screen remote for just $50–provided you have an iPhone or iPod touch? That’s a great price point.
By the way, don’t discount the original RedEye just because of price. It’s got some amazing tech inside that lets you use your iPhone or iPod touch to control your gear via WiFi from anywhere your WiFi will go.
