Sony has made an innovative new e-paper universal remote control available for order in its native Japan.
Fresh from Sony’s First Flight crowdfunding initiative, the Huis Remote Controller is a universal remote control that’s designed to be used with a variety of consumer electronics devices. However, while most such universal remotes rely on a large number of generic physical buttons to get by, the Huis utilises a touchscreen display.
This means that you can customise the display for each device. The customisation process can take place on the remot itself or on a PC, courtesy of a special app.
Sony has opted to go with e-paper rather than LCD technology in order to conserve power. It also allows Sony to keep the display on at all times.
As The Verge points out, Japanese customers can order the Huis Remote Controller now at a cost of 27,950 yen, or around £170. Deliveries are set to take place in March.
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As mentioned at the outset, the Huis Remote Controller is the latest project to emerge from Sony’s First Flight crowdfunding initiative. This scheme was designed to maintain Sony’s innovative streak whilst limiting the associated risks as the company continues to look to cut costs. The scheme earlier spawned the FES e-paper watch.
As with that FES watch, there’s no indication as to when or if a wider international roll-out might come for the Huis Remote Controller.