The fight over who holds the remote may take on a new form if a Kickstarter campaign is successful enough to make the standard cable and satellite TV remote an obsolete relic.
Sideclick, a universal remote that attaches to existing popular streaming box remotes, like that of the Apple TV, Roku, Nexus Player and Fire TV, is designed to make those work with standard set-top boxes. Using infrared and sporting no more than eight buttons, the device snaps onto the streaming box remote, rendering your TV remote non-essential.
Since streaming remotes were never designed to interface with TVs, Sideclick fills a gap that simplifies control over both devices. With only eight buttons, however, the snap-on device can’t cover all the extra features usually included on cable and satellite remotes, but the basics of power on/off, volume, channel and essential navigation would be.
In effect, Sideclick makes a better TV remote replacement than the cable or satellite one, so it’s an interesting option for cord-cutters who don’t have cable to begin with. With a universal design that’s easily removable, it also wouldn’t matter if a user had a few streaming devices in use at home — including in different rooms.
Adapter clips will be made available to accommodate new streaming devices and their newly-designed remotes. Pairing Sideclick with a TV remote is reportedly as easy as pointing their respective IR blasters at each other “and pressing a few buttons.” Any of the eight buttons can also be programmed to perform different tasks, like the channel up button acting as a guide or back button, depending on the TV it’s connected with.
The initial batch of units appear to be sold out, with a single model selling for as low as $21, though regular retail pricing may be closer to $30. Delivery is slated for December for early backers, and no word on general availability beyond that.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.