About two years ago, the folks at Business Insider reckoned that you could remotely control 25 categories of things with your iPhone. While I’m sure that we’ve surpassed that amazing number today, how you gain RC power with your iPhone or iPad remains largely unchanged — you buy a special accessory and then download its companion app, often for free.
The app-based remote control and monitoring accessories that make their way into iPad and iPhone gift guides and galleries revolve around home entertainment, security and automation. With these app-controlled gadgets and your iDevice, you can consolidate the remote controls of virtually all your home entertainment infrared or IR devices, from TVs to CD, DVD and Blu-ray players, to satellite boxes and game consoles. You can also keep a watchful eye over your loved ones and possessions, even from a vast distance. And, you can maximize the comfort of your home and the performance of your appliances, while minimizing the cost of their use and upkeep.
I trust you’ll agree that that’s a whole lot of functionality, efficiency and peace of mind to enjoy, courtesy of remote control and monitoring iPad and iPhone appcessories. Let’s now see which among them were most often showcased and acclaimed this year.
2011′s Most Recommended Remote Controller and Monitor Appcessory Gifts
As mentioned in Part 1 (Toys and Games), Part 2 (Health and Fitness) and Part 3 (Music and Entertainment), an appcessory is a special app-and-accessory combo that transforms an iPad or iPhone into something else you need or want — from a toy to a fitness monitor or musical instrument.
In this article, I shine the spotlight on the remote control and monitor appcessories that have repeatedly made it to gift guide lists in 2011, based on research enjoyably started elsewhere. Presumably, these app-based accessories are your top choices in the marketplace today. Each app accessory has a short video description and links to gift guides, reliable reviews and purchase options. Prices are MSRP only and subject to change through time– click on the purchase links to find out current prices.
May this guide help you make quick, well-informed gift-giving decisions this holiday season and beyond! Please share this post with anyone who might enjoy or benefit from it. If I’ve missed something, leave me a comment below to let me know.
Top iPad- & iPhone-Controlled Remotes and Monitors
Peel Universal Controller ($99.95)
- Recommended by AppAdvice, The Verge, Mommy Mandy, Time, Techlicious, TUAW, among many others.
- See reviews by iLounge, TUAW, Techlicious, ZDNet, CNET, Missing Remote, Engadget, Macworld, TechCrunch, Laptop Magazine and Maximum Tech.
- Purchase from AMAZON here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
Griffin Beacon Universal Remote Control ($69.95)
- Recommended by Apple, Time, PCWorld, Netbook News, TampaBay.com, Gizmodo, Entertainment Weekly, among others.
- See reviews by Tech Digest, Laptop Magazine, Appletell, TUAW, iLounge, My Reality Tech, Today’s iPhone, Missing Remote and Gizmodo.
- Purchase from AMAZON here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
Logitech Harmony Link ($99.99)
- Recommended by TechCrunch, Electronic House, MarketNews, HiDefDigest, TVGuide, Babble, among others.
- See reviews by Laptop Magazine, Macworld, ZDNet, CNET, Engadget, PCMag, iLounge, The Verge, Here’s The Thing, and PCWorld.
- Purchase from BEST BUY here, from AMAZON here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
L5 Universal Remote ($49.95)
- Recommended by Appletell, Techlicious, among others.
- See reviews by The Digital Lifestyle, iLounge, Macworld, Techolo, Wired and The Gadgeteer.
- Purchase from Amazon here or using any of the links provided by gift guide reviewers.
UnityRemote ($99.99)
- Recommended by Time, Esquire, Life Goes Strong, SAI Business Insider, Stuff, among others.
- See reviews by iLounge, Laptop Magazine, TUAW, Electronic House, PCMag, Gadget Review, Gadgetsteria, John Lewis, Geek.com, Revision3 SimonBlog, What HiFi, iPhoneZA, and Stuff.
- Purchase from AMAZON here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
iZON Remote Room Monitor ($129.99)
- Recommended by Electronic House, Digital Trends, ChipChick, CPA Practice Advisor, WishTV, Bullz-Eye, CBS-LA, among others.
- See reviews by iLounge, New York Times, TUAW, Digital Trends, ChipChick, ABC News, TampaBay.com, iCreate and GadgetMac.
- Purchase from BEST BUY here, from STEM here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
Nest Thermostat ($249.00)
- Recommended by TechRepublic, PCWorld, Electronic House, Yanko Design, among others.
- See reviews by USAToday, Time, Gear Live, Good Housekeeping, WSJ, CNET, Mashable, Wired, Tested, Digital Trends, The Verge, Gigaom, Gadgetbox and PCWorld.
- Purchase from NEST here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
iGrill Thermometer ($99.95)
- Recommended by Wired (Geek Dad), Digital Trends, MacLife, Bloomberg Businessweek, Epicurious, Techlicious, Huffington Post, among others.
- See reviews by Appletell, PadGadget, IntoMobile, Esquire, iLounge, Wired, Engadget, ISmashPhone, Padvance and Gizmodo.
- Purchase from AMAZON here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
Cyber-Rain XCI Controller ($499.00)
- Recommended by Tecca, PCWorld, Splash Magazine, Digital Trends, among others.
- See reviews by Gizmag, AppShopper, SmartPlanet, JetsonGreen, MHNonline, SmartHome, Electronic House and EcoHome.
- Purchase from CYBER-RAIN here or use any of the links provided in the gift guides above.
[...] mentioned in Part 1 (Toys and Games), Part 3 (Music and Entertainment) and Part 4 (Remote Controls and Monitors), an appcessory is a special app-and-accessory combo that transforms an iPad or iPhone into [...]