Griffin's Beacon Universal Remote System for iPhone is Now Available

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Posted June 16, 2011 at 1:18pm by iClarified

Griffin's Beacon Universal Remote System for the iPhone is now available for purchase.

Griffin Technology partnered with software developer Dijit to create Beacon. The system turns an iOS or smartphone device into a handy, easy-to-use remote for home entertainment systems by converting Bluetooth signals from your device to the infrared commands your components are expecting. Beacon pairs your iOS device or smartphone with Dijit's Universal Remote App. There are no bulky cases or dongles, no messy wires or cables.

Setup and pairing is simple. Paired with Beacon via Bluetooth, your smartphone is just a few taps away from using Dijit's intuitive Programming Guide. Your Multi-Touch or touch screen display is the remote. You can change channels, volume, input, program your DVR, and lots, lots more.

The Dijit app uses a constantly updated device code library to make setting up controls for your TV, set-top box, sound system, media players and more simple and intuitive. For components not yet included in Dijit's library, the app also includes an integrated learning feature.

Key Features:
● Wireless universal audio/video controller for iOS and other smartphone platforms
● Low-profile component designed to blend unobtrusively with any decor on your coffee table
● Use your iOS or smartphone device as a powerful universal remote control, without dongles or cases
● Converts Bluetooth signals from your iOS or smartphone device to infrared signals required to control AV components
● For use with Dijit's Universal Remote app, a free download from the App Store
● No wires or power cables; runs up to two months on 4 AA batteries

Pricing and Availability
Beacon costs $79.99. Beacon is currently out of stock on Griffin's site but is available at Apple retail stores.

[via iSpazio]

Griffin's Beacon Universal Remote System for iPhone is Now Available

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MrEdofCourse - June 16, 2011 at 3:11pm

This is why I wish the iPhone had an infrared port. There are all kinds of things developers could do with this. @Coose, Ok, so you don't have a need for this. I do. It's not that hard to switch apps, and I usually have my iPhone on hand.

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ron2k_1 - June 16, 2011 at 2:08pm

I can see this has some practicality when addressing the issue that remotes are way too easy to misplace. But the price is kinda steep. I still have my PalmCentro and on it I have installed a IR Remote app. It's fun when you are at the electronics store and the salesman trying to explain to you the feature of the TV and you constantly changing channels and messing around with the volume. It freaks out the salesman believing that he is trying to sell you a broken TV :). This thing kills the portability issue. The price is a killer too... I'd probably pay for a small and flat IR terminal that you plug into the recharging port and you can take it with you anywhere.

Dodgter - June 16, 2011 at 1:22pm

Why in the hell would anyone pay $80 for a remote control APP when they can pay less for an actual remote? Plus, many providers provide a free remote control smartphone feature with their own APP

JC - June 16, 2011 at 1:53pm

Your elevator doesn't go that high, huh? 1-The iPhone does not have infrared, which means you need something more than just an app to control equipment. 2-You're not buying an app; you're buying a system that receives blutooth signals from the iPhone and blasts them as infrared. 2-Countless of normal human beings (especially those who have children) misplace their remote controls all the time. I can't count how many times my daughter has hidden the remote. My iPhone is with me at all times.

ron2k_1 - June 16, 2011 at 2:12pm

TVs that have an ethernet or WiFi port and are connected to the same network your iphone is connected too can be controlled with apps like Bobby remote (or something like that), using the home network as the means of communicating with all devices on the same net.

Dodgter - June 16, 2011 at 3:53pm

JC, It must go a little higher than yours. 1-Most entertainment devices are not BT capable, including most TV provider receivers/DVRs, which means one must use their own network in order to use remote control APPS, which providers often give you for free. 2-One can buy a Harmony or other universal remote, which is much more practical, a lot easier to use, takes fewer steps when using, and does not tie up your phone, all for less money.

Dodgter - June 16, 2011 at 4:05pm

1-The phone as a remote is not a functional or practical as an actual universal remote. The phone works slower, requires more steps, and it ties up your phone 2-An actual universal remote can do just as much and cost less money 3-The phone remote APPs working through your network are probably a little more functional and although they require everything to be on the same network, they are free