The NevoSL WiFi-enabled universal remote
By Peter Rojas 
posted Dec 2nd 2004 5:34PM
posted Dec 2nd 2004 5:34PM
HP's x3715 Mobile Media Companion iPAQ Pocket PC already comes pre-installed with their Nevo univeral remote software, but Universal Electronics has decided to live up to the "electronics" part of their name and get into the hardware game with a Pocket PC-powered universal remote control of their own. The NevoSL sports a 3.5-inch LCD touchscreen, 17 dedicated control buttons, and perhaps most importantly, built-in 802.11b WiFi, which you can use to download stuff like new macros, IR codes, and program listings directly off of the Internet.
[Via eHomeUpgrade. Thanks, VoodooRay]
I have been looking for something like this. Looking at the brochure-site, this thing seems to lack one critical feature. The ability to control your component through wi-fi. What I mean is this: imagine you have to send 20 macro commands to your home theatre system, which includes dimming the light, etc. With IR, you have to be in the line of sight of all the IR sensor (or use an IR/RF-RF/IR bridge, but LoS is still needed). With wi-fi, you can have the "server" send the IR commands through an IR blaster to the components
I probably will spend a pretty penny for something like this, otherwise I'll save my money and put together something like this with my own time.
I personally can't understand why someone would buy this. We are in the age of digital convergence, and it no longer makes sense to make devices with only one purpose. Sure the hard buttons are handy, but I've used remote software on my Clie for years, and now am using remote software on my new x30. If this device costs as much as a device suited for multiple purposes, why get this?
Any idea how much this remote is going to cost? (<$100 I hope!)
$100? ummm... pronto pro tsu7000 - which is comparable to this costs around $600-$800 online. $999 in your local retail stores. Other models are more expensive.
Most folks don't want a pocketpc to be used as a remote control in their house. Making sure the correct program is running isn't exactly user friendly. As for comparing it to the Pronto - this is a wi-fi remote, the Pronto isn't, that is the key difference.
I am a custom installer, and as we hit equipment that is actually IP based (www.netstreams.com for example), we need a remote that can handle wi-fi and IR AND be allowed in a typical house.
Will it be different versions of it (like US, European, etc.)?
If so, what will be different?
I did some calling around at the company that makes this device. They say it is a new class of device, being that it allows for control of multimedia and traditional IR controlled equipment. The ability to send commands to components in another part of your house using WiFi is there using their product called NevoLink. It connects to the network and blasts IR commands sent by the handheld. It will cost $800 and will be on the market the end of May. I can't wait to get my hands on it!