Intelligent Remote Review – we look at NYKO’s 360 Remote
If you bought your Xbox 360 during the launch, you already have a mini-remote to turn off and on the unit. There is also the Universal Remote from Microsoft for those who have a computer with Windows Media Center. While both remotes do a great job, there are a few issues with both. The first, while small and compact, can’t be used with your TV.
The Universal Remote has no AV or input buttons needed for some TV’s. NYKO has another option with their Intelligent Remote but it has one draw back which is it’s not for use with Windows Media Center. Yet at $19.99 this remote does have a few features the others don’t and a few more uses. Read the full review and see why this one may be the perfect remote for some gamers.
A Learning Remote
NYKO used the same split design as the Universal remote from Microsoft. Half the buttons can be used for the TV and the other half for the 360. It looks very similar and even uses 2 AAA batteries. There is a big difference though in the way the remotes are used. By looking at the screenshots, you can also see that NYKO decided to flatten out the remote and make use of the additional space to create larger buttons.
In addition the remote can learn up to 23 commands from your TV, VCR, Cable or any remote that uses infrared to control with. This means if you happen to have a TV with an AV or an input button, the intelligent remote will learn the command and then switch to that setting. Teaching the remote each command is very simple. Just keep the remotes end to end about 2 inches apart and set it in learning mode.
The red color will tell you it’s in learning mode. Then pick the button you want to use for say the AV switch. It will blink for 5 seconds and then be stored in the memory. It will take about 10-15 minutes depending on how many devices you want to teach the remote to use the first time.
An image of what the actual remote looks like.
What if the Batteries Die?
Granted the fact you can use the remote for other things is great but like any universal remote if the batteries die or you leave the unit without the batteries for too long, you will have to teach it all the commands again. Also keep in mind for those who own a PC with Windows Media Center, you will have to use the Universal remote for those features. I know a few people who are always saying the remotes out there are great but they did not think of the AV or input commands.
Here is the answer and you also have a well made remote that can control several other items in your entertainment center. The back light buttons and guide button all work great and give off the same look and features of the Universal remote. You will notice the green button is gone and a few added ones when comparing the two. The fact it can be used for other remotes makes this one worth the $19.99 if you have the right set-up and computer. For those who have a PC with Windows Media Center, it maybe hard to buy this one just for the added AV or input command buttons.
Overall Score
Overall Score: 9.4/10
Final Thoughts
NYKO is coming out with some great items for the Xbox 360 and also showing that they are making them to last. I like the design and easy learning of the unit. While it would have been great to have the added feature of control over a Windows Media PC, it still has a few features not found in the other remote. The wider design and brighter glow may be helpful for those with smaller hands as well as not having to grab three remotes or more is also another selling point. The instructions are simple to follow and switching it from the 360 to the TV or another unit is a breeze. Overall a great remote, simple yet cool design and the added option of controlling more than the Xbox 360 or your TV makes this one worth every penny.
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Review by: XBS Head Writer, Rich Reed.
Filed under: Hardware • Reviews
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Not a bad price at all, better than that one that costs more than a C note!
You mean this one Jim?
That would be the one!