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A Voice-Controlled TV Remote

Posted by timothy on from the your-little-sister-doesn't-count dept.

Pankaj Arora writes "California-based Agile TV aims to 'change the way people watch TV' via the creation of its voice-controlled TV remote, Promptu. From the article: 'The Promptu remote is designed to replace a conventional remote control and includes a "Talk" button and a built-in microphone, together with an infra-red receiver used in conjunction with an existing cable box.' Personally, I'm waiting for the version that interfaces with your brain."

9 of 185 comments (clear)

  1. Best feature by bonch · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of course, the best feature of a voice-controlled remote would be to yell out, "Where the hell are you?" and have it respond, "Over here!"

    1. Re:Best feature by Infinityis · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Which, of course, becomes useless if you apply it to a number of devices. Might work better if it responds to "Where are you, remote control?"

  2. Worthless... by Dan+East · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Excuse my cynicism, but if I have to push a button in the first place, why shouldn't I just press the appropriate button to perform the desired command?

    Dan East

    --
    Better known as 318230.
  3. Old Technology by sparkhead · · Score: 5, Funny

    We had these when I was a kid.

    They were called "children".

  4. Re:voice control by imsabbel · · Score: 4, Funny

    I agree.
    Voice recoginition is fine if the result is supposed to be a text, but commands?

    Its like in star trek. Think about how many battles would have been won if they had a big red "fire phaser" and a green "modulate shield frequency" button an the captains chair (instead of wasting time speaking it out everytime) :)

    --
    HI O WISE PRINCE. WHT TOOK U SO DAM LONG?
  5. From the article by Infinityis · · Score: 5, Funny

    It comes with a handy reference card that helpfully explains "You can also find an actor in an Adult program by saying 'Find Adult Actor' and the actor's name".

    Aha! The true purpose is revealed! Naturally, one's hands will be occupied when searching for adult actors...

  6. Oh god no... by qyiet · · Score: 5, Funny

    Personally, I'm waiting for the version that interfaces with your brain.

    What, so it changes to the playboy channel every 3 min?

  7. Re:voice control by MBCook · · Score: 4, Interesting
    I can see that to a degree. "Volume up, volume up, volume up" or "next, next, next, next". But if the TV was smarter (or it integrated with your TiVo or something) then it could be very hany. If you use a TiVo, then you basically never use the channel up/down buttons (I don't). So the commands could be more like:
    • Play Friday's Law & Order
    • Play the oldest Cheers episode
    • Add a wishlist for "Stargate"
    • Record PBS at 5pm on Wendsday
    • Show me the to-do list
    • or... Play all episodes on the TiVo of shows directed by people who's last names start with the letter "R" that were NOT aired in the 80s in alphebetical order of guest stars' characters' first names. (OK, useless, but can you imagine how hard it would be to enter that in a UI with just a remote?).

    Give the box some intelligence and it could be useful. But one word for each remote button on a standard TV would be painful.

    --
    Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
  8. Better yet by bonch · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Let's make the remote control pointless and have the TV itself be voice-activated.