Gyration Gyroscopic Remote Revolutionizes Multimedia Center Installations

Posted by: Hans B. BjorgHack on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008

We see plenty of innovative, truly awesome products here at the CompUSA studio. Because of this above-average level of hot stuff, we don’t have too many moments where one of us comes in and starts raving about a product, attempting to sway fellow cubicle-riders to their own way of thinking. In fact, in a company full of PC people, openly declaring your affiliations and technology preferences (Blu-ray or HD DVD, Intel or AMD, etc.) can cause a downright uproar. But I trust Logan our Product Review host, and he’s got several very good arguments for the newest generation of Vista-ready Gyration Controllers. Your mouse is your remote is your input device: It’s a brave new world people.

Gyroscope Technology Inside the Remote Itself

Gyration developed gyroscope technology for the Wii console (yes, fanboys…Wii. You don’t think Nintendo did everything in the little white box themselves, did you?) and then improved upon it for their own devices. Sneaky-but-sound industrial principles, don’t you think? Anyway, what they came up with is a Universal remote control that follows your movements around the screen. With the push of a button, the cursor on your display moves just the same as if you were holding a mouse…but there’s no trackpad, scrolling surface or desktop required.

Gyration Remote Control This is an incredible device that will revolutionize the way you use your multimedia or media center PC. If you haven’t built one of these machines yet, that’s just fine: you can just tell your friends, family and pets that you’ve been waiting for the Gyration R-400 gyroscopic remote control. (Make sure you say it contemptuously, as if they were supposed to already know about and been eagerly awaiting the release of these great little technology bits.) These remotes are perfect for navigating all manner of functions, equipment, and configurations. It’s not just a gyroscopic remote, it works great as a universal remote as well.

The Gyration Keyboard and Remote both function off of the diminutive RF Dongle You can use it to control all manner of stuff: iTunes comes to mind. Mostly because our host Logan told us all that it works for iTunes. (I’d have never thought of that.) And since it communicates wirelessly via RF input (plugged into the back of your Multimedia center TV) you can use it from up to 100 feet away. This is good for when you’re perusing music and have to answer the door…or something. I don’t know. But Logan does, and the best way to see how well these things work is to watch his video reviews of both products.

The Gyration Motion PC kit comes with Wireless Gyroscopic mouse and multimedia keyboard One is just the remote itself; the other is a kit (I’d recommend this one to anybody who likes the Internet.) that comes with a miniature keyboard with a veritable plethora (spelling words make kids smarter. Look it up.) of hotkeys that let you do your regular browsing and media related stuff without typing it into the keyboard. Both of these devices (the remote and the keyboard) are wireless, so hanging out in the living room doesn’t tether you to your PC. Trust me, these things are going to change the way you watch TV, movies, and experience all your multimedia.