Slashdot Mirror


Sony's $700 Linux-based Remote Control

SlashdotMeNow points out a remote control to consider if money is no object: "The NAVITUS from Sony has a 64k colour touch-screen with tactile response, 32MB of RAM and a 200MHz processor. Looking at the photos it looks like a sexy little beast! It uses Linux as an OS and you can customise just about everything about it by linking it up to your PC. Hell, this thing is more powerful than my iPAQ. Useful for replacing your TV, DVD, sound system and other home entertainment system remotes, it can also control your lights and air conditioner. ... Just be careful using the Memory Stick slot - you don't want to get a virus on a device that controls your whole house!" Of course, that would have to be a Linux virus ...

16 of 290 comments (clear)

  1. But... by Tuxedo+Jack · · Score: 3, Funny

    Can you restrict access to, say, changing the channel depending on priviliges?

    And just how the hell can you log in on a remote control anyways? What would the command prompt look like?

    --

    Striking fear in the authors of godawful fanfiction, I am here, appearing in darkness, Tuxedo Jack!
  2. ....a remote? by System.out.println() · · Score: 3, Funny

    The poster mentioned this was more powerful than his iPaq. Why the hell would Sony offer this (expecting it to be a success?) and not brand it as a PDA? Their Clie's offered remote-control functionality - in addition to being a PDA - and costed a whole lot less than this thing.

    So the gut reaction turns out to be right - $700 for a fucking remote?

  3. Re:wow by Doppler00 · · Score: 3, Funny

    yeah, but I can take that same $700 that would have bought this remote and buy Doom 3, a GeForce 6800 pro, and maybe some more RAM.

    Have fun changing channels :)

  4. Easy way to teach Linux... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    TV1$ Playboy Channel: Access denied
    TV1$ man chmod

  5. Obligatory SCO joke by Cyberax · · Score: 2, Funny

    Lets see: $599 for one license of Linux and $101 for a remote control. Good deal! Sorry, can't resist :)

  6. Can you watch TV on it? by Ark42 · · Score: 3, Funny


    Can you watch TV on it?
    On the remote itself?
    For $700 I hope so.

  7. But... by typobox43 · · Score: 1, Funny

    does it run Linux? Oh wait...

  8. Wanted: NAVITUS Configuration Engineer by anactofgod · · Score: 4, Funny

    Must have 5+ years experience in programming remote controls and configuring consumer electronics. Proficiency with all major manufacturers of mid-grade consumer electronics a must. In addition, familiarity with 2 or more high-end manufacturer's desired. Educational requirements: Must not be old enough to have a high-school diploma, though exceptionally talented older engineers may be considered. Strong references from parents, relatives and neighbors required. Competitive pay commensurate with experience.

    Please help, my VCR has been blinking "12:00" for three years now!

    ---anactofgod---

    --

    ---anactofgod---

    "Equal opportunity swindling - *that* is the true test of a sustainable democracy."
  9. Re:Jacking in from the "Big Fucking Deal" port by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Look, if you had bothered to click on the link in the article before firing off your little tirade, then you might have noticed one of it's features

    Fully customizable -- import color mages to personalize each screen and create "skins"

    Import color mages!

    Now that certainly IS something you don't see on most remotes. I mean warriors and paladins, maybe, but red mages, black mages and their like, takes a really high level remote control.

    Can your remote even import magic apprentices?

    I don't think so.

  10. Re:How far we've come.... by Sir_Real · · Score: 4, Funny

    I have a toaster with more computer power than the on-board computer of the Apollo space craft. And a watch. And a calculator. And if I get really lucky, I can buy a coke can that does too.

  11. Re:Way to pricey... by ruprechtjones · · Score: 3, Funny

    How is that different than any other touchscreen remote you pick up for $150 or less?

    um, this one goes to eleven....

    --
    Kip Hawley is an idiot.
  12. Re:If you want to know why it costs $700... by Bazman · · Score: 1, Funny

    "Imagine an LCD screen that actually presses back against your fingertip". Most LCD screens do this. Its called Newton's Third Law of Motion. And I dont mean Apple Newton. Although apples were allegedly involved...

    Baz

  13. Re:Here's a cheaper idea by commodoresloat · · Score: 4, Funny
    so I can be in the bathroom vomiting and queue up my favorite vomit music with ease.

    Yeah! Celine Dion!!

    Oh, you mean "music to vomit by," not "music to induce vomiting." My bad.

  14. Re:Way to pricey... by WormholeFiend · · Score: 4, Funny

    [flamesuit on]

    the cost of the remote is just a dollar, the rest is just the linux licencing fee... ;)

  15. Re:Way to pricey... by SoCalChris · · Score: 2, Funny

    The remote is only a dollar. The other $699 is for the Linux license.

  16. Even Sony is prejudiced by Xeger · · Score: 2, Funny

    From the linked page:

    • Fully customizable -- import color mages to personalize each screen and create "skins"

    Alas, the seething racial tension running through world of sorcery and magic leaves no corporation untouched ... I can't believe that Sony has stooped so low that they are now importing underpaid, immigrant mages to run our miracle gadgets.

    And the sheer gall of these people, calling their employees color mages! That kind of language may have been appropriate in the 1950s, but this is 21st century America where we believe a mage's color is a secondary characteristic and has nothing to do with his/her personality, skill, intelligence or hireability.

    I feel deeply for those poor color mages, forced to create skins. What's wrong with the skins they've already got? This kind of intolerance, from a major electronics manufacturer, makes me seething mad.

    FREE THE COLOR MAGES! BOYCOTT SONY!