remote

LAS VEGAS--Now that OnStar is courting app developers, it's going to be needing a bigger data pipe to feed the new mobile apps it's expecting for the next generation of OnStar-equipped vehicles.

This is where Verizon comes in with its broadband wireless network. OnStar and Big Red have jointly unveiled what they call a "second-generation connected research vehicle" at CES 2012. Based on a Chevrolet Volt, the research vehicle is connected to the cloud via Verizon's 4G LTE network and will be used to help test and develop new capabilities for OnStar's Advanced Telematics … Read more

The cool smartphone-controlled Parrot AR.Drone quadcopter, first shown at CES in 2010, is getting some good updates that are being announced at this year's conference.

The biggest changes for the AR.Drone 2.0 are hardware and software improvements to make the device easier to fly. Better location and orientation sensors should make the drone more stable in the air, and a new pressure sensor will help it hold its altitude more accurately when it's more than a few feet off the ground (when the ultrasonic ground proximity sensor is ineffective).

On the software side, a new &… Read more

Couch potato iPad users need some social love, too. Dijit is giving it to them. Dijit is an iPad TV guide app that's been taking social steroids.

Dijit hooks up with your Facebook account and spies on what shows your friends like. You can blame the Facebook peer pressure for making you watch "The Real Housewives of Orange County" rather than "NOVA" on PBS.… Read more

TeamViewer is an app that lets you connect to Macs and PCs via the Internet to share desktops, transfer files, walk through presentations, and control other computers remotely--all right from your iPhone. It's even free for noncommercial use, making it a great choice for your pro bono troubleshooting for friends and family, or just for accessing your own Mac from the road.

The interface is simple: you open TeamViewer and you're prompted to either create a session or wait for one. A unique ID and password are created for each session, and you need to have TeamViewer on … Read more

Here at CNET, we love Logitech Harmony remotes and have recommended them for years. But--like any product--there's always room for improvement. To that end, here are five changes we'd like to see made to the Harmony line--some via software upgrades, others in forthcoming models:

1. Allow multi-remote accounts for each user. Harmony remotes are programmed via online software wizards--answer a few questions on the screen, customize your buttons, and the codes are uploaded to the remote via a USB tether. In order to use the online software, of course, you need to create an account--nothing onerous, just an … Read more

Owners of the WD TV Live Hub and WD TV Live Streaming box just got an early Christmas present from Western Digital.

Editors' note: This post was updated at 3 p.m. December 22, 2011, to add information that the Android version of the WD Remote app is also available.

The company released the latest firmware for the two players that adds a slew of improvements and support for a number of other streaming services, including Vudu, SnagFilms, and Flixster.

However, the biggest addition is the fact that, together with the new firmware, WD also released the much-anticipated WD TV remote app for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices. This app allows you to control the WD TV Live Hub or the WD TV Live Streaming via Wi-Fi signal on the same network they are connected to. … Read more

You can soon talk to your LG Cinema 3D smart TV using a new Magic Remote announced by the Korean chaebol. Besides voice recognition, the controller has also been upgraded with a scroll wheel, gesture sensing, and a 2D-to-3D conversion button.

LG says the Magic Remote makes for a faster smart-TV browsing experience, and improved comfort and convenience. That said, the company did not provide any pricing and availability details in its press release. LG's current Magic Motion remote control is bundled with certain TV models such as the 47LW6500.

So what's your preferred smart TV controller? Is it a swanky smartphone, large-screen tablet, or funky Wiimote-like wand? Share your thoughts with us below.

(Source: Crave Asia via Engadget)… Read more

Roku boxes are all the rage right now, offering cheap and easy streaming of services like HBO Go, Hulu Plus, and Netflix.

Of course, another box means another remote, and Roku's clickers are so small they can easily vanish into the couch cushions, never to be seen again. (Well, unless you look.)

Here's a handy alternative: Roku for iOS, which brings a full-featured remote to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. (It's coming soon for Android.)

The app connects to your box via your home network. I quickly and easily linked my iPhone 4S to an older … Read more

AirDroid is an Android app that allows you to control your device remotely from your computer. If your device is charging in another room or otherwise out of reach, or you're really busy and can't be bothered to constantly pick up your device to respond to alerts, this is a great way to stay connected while not hurting your productivity (as much). Follow these three easy steps to set it up:

Begin by installing the AirDroid app from the Android Market.

Step 1: Open AirDroid and hit the Start button to launch the server.… Read more