Comments on: 10 UMPC Predictions: Prediction #2 (The uber-remote)

by: back_ache

Tue, 10 Oct 2006 09:23:26 +0000

You can use an UMPC as a sophisticated control already you just need software called stardraw control and an ethernet connected ir sender.

by: John

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 14:33:28 +0000

Great comments Steve!

To answer your first question, yes I believe that the UMPC = Origami because the UMPC has a definite spec. There is very little leeway in that spec to make radically different devices than we`ve seen thus far or in prototypes and future concept models.

To address your other comments, I was being more metaphorical than literal with my “next to the TV remote” commentary. I was generalizing and making an analogy to the UMPC’s potential to help control and manage our digital life. However. just the market for AV remotes is huge (just check the remote aisle at Best Buy) and there are more thand a handful of “traditional” remotes that are about the same size as the UMPC and cost about the same. And plenty of folks and projects are out there to add traditional remote capabilities to the PDA class device.

So. literally and metaphorically the UMPC has a future as a “remote control.”

by: Steve Paine

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 08:14:31 +0000

Hi. I’m enjoying your predictions!

You said
“While the UMPC will make good use of its ability to leverage many traditional Windows applications.”
Do you beleive that UMPC=Origami. I think ‘UMPC’ covers a wider space than Origami.

Its certainly possible that it could sit next to the remote. Its going to find a permenant place around the home for sure. Its also possible, however, that a smaller screened device with simpler software could do those functions. This is something that the pocket PC could be re-adapted to do. It certainly wouldn’t be up to Origami spec but if you think about the pocket PC being the equivalent of a ‘picture in picture’ device with program guide data, RSS feeds, notifications, back-channel feedback (for voting, purchasing etc) and of course, changing channels. A 7″ screen is only reqiured for better web browsing, using existing apps and also for watching video. When you’re sitting in front of the TV, you’re not going to need that. I believe that the pocket pc or pda devices will be better suited and therefore will be redeveloped and marketed in that direction as one of the strategies to save the device segment. I also beleive that PDA’s will be redeveloped towards traditional UMPC devices too but thats another story.

Ooh that was a long comment. Sorry.

Steve