Review: Gear4 UnityRemote

With the UnityRemote, Gear4 has made it possible to control your myriad tecnological devices using only your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. UnityRemote is presented as the ultimate solution for the couch potato sick and tired of having to reach for the TV or Sky remote, while the iPhone already happens to be in their hands...

After downloading the UnityRemote app from iTunes, the UnityRemote pairs with your iOS device using Bluetooth, thus removing the need for an annoying dongle that similar products require.

The app handily features a demonstration mode that shows off all the possibilities and remote configurations. It includes the option of combining the controls to all of your devices (e.g. your television, Blu-ray player and Sky box), into one convenient control panel they have dubbed ‘Unity’.

Also available is the ‘Setup Assistant’ that guides you through the whole setup process. After placing the physical unit in front of each device, you have to choose the specific make of your device from a detailed list. After a setup process, the app then pairs with the device.

If you’re unhappy with the preset config-uration of command buttons, it’s possible for the UnityRemote to ‘learn’ from the original remote, although I found this quite tedious.

Another feature is the option to convert and combine different remotes into ‘actions’ such as ‘Watch TV’ and ‘Listen to Music’ that activate all the necessary devices to facilitate that activity.

I found the setup process quite labourious and complicated, even with this assistance, but that might just be me. More technical and patient punters might find the UnityRemote perfect for their needs.