Intel is serious about disrupting the broadcast television industry. The company is reportedly hard at work developing an inclusive, on-demand library of the past 30 days worth of programming.
But a managing or even browsing a month’s worth of shows (all of them, not just what you specifically record) can get out of hand really fast. That’s why Intel is teaming with Hillcrest Labs to develop motion-controlled, point-n-click remotes to speed your TV surfing.
According to a Hillcrest Labs press release, Intel’s newest reference design kit for IPTV set-top boxes, which will be available to developers in April, will utilise Hillcrest’s Freespace in-air pointing and motion control technology, which will allow users to scroll through content with a point and click rather than repeated button presses — not unlike LG’s Magic Motion remote (which is also powered by Hillcrest software).
“Computers and smartphones have used motion-based, point-and-click interfaces for years because they are the most efficient way to navigate large volumes of content,” said Chad Lucien, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hillcrest Labs. “Intel has seized onto this idea for TV, and is now driving innovation for serving TV service providers.”
Unlike conventional IR remotes, the Freespace MotionEngine uses radio frequency communication, which doesn’t require line of sight — you’ll be able to point your remote at the floor (or hold it upside-down) and still be able to accurately move the on-screen pointer. Plus, these remotes will feature motion control, including swipes and gestures, while ignoring unintentional movements like hand tremors or accidental button presses.
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