Satechi BT Media Remote fills the iOS device iPhone, iPad remote control gap

If there’s one thing that could be said about Apple’s current product line, it’s that most of them play together pretty well. But there’s at least one notable exception - the Apple Remote. While the slimline remote lets users control a Mac or Apple TV at a distance, Apple’s iOS devices are a different matter. Mobile accessories manufacturer Satechi has provided a solution with its new BT Media Remote for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

 Because the Apple Remote relies on that old remote control standard, infrared, and iOS devices don’t pack an infrared sensor, Satechi has employed Bluetooth to allow its BT Media Remote to control multimedia playback on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Like the PlayStation 3 controllers and Wiimotes, the BT Media Remote relies on the Human Interface Device (HID) Bluetooth profile, which provides a low latency link with low power requirements. It’s two CR-2025 coin batteries should provide power for up to six months.

 The device allows for wireless control of an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad on those occasions when there might be a little distance between you and your iOS device, such as when it is connected to a TV, docking station or car stereo. From distances of up to 33 ft (10 m), users can play, pause, skip, rewind, mute or adjust the volume of music or video. The remote can also be used to remotely trigger the camera app to take a photo or to activate Siri on an iPhone 4S.

And being a Bluetooth device, the remote is also compatible with Macs, meaning it can also be used to control Keynote presentations on a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook, or Mac Mini.
The Satechi BT Media Remote is available now for US$39.99.
Here’s a video showing the device’s functionality.