I plead temporary insanity. I’ve become crazy for this little device! I always have the remote control, no matter where I am. My television at home, my receiver at home, my receiver in my office… those were just the start. I actually took control of the television at a local restaurant. When it’s so easy, why wouldn’t you?
VooMote is an adaptor that fits into the iPhone’s bottom plug. The interface requires you to hold the phone upside down but it appears right side up when you use the app. The hardware adds something to the iPhone that Apple neglected, infrared capability. With this infrared adaptor you can make the VooMote software work it’s magic from your phone, and magical it most certainly is.
The Software
The VooMote software is very easy to use. If you’ve ever programmed a universal remote you’ll appreciate the simplicity of the setup process. Each time you add a room or device (yes, you can manage multiple rooms.) you just select the brand and, if you have it, the model of your device. VooMote walks you through testing and setup with a few trial and error “yes” or “no” questions. In less than a minute you’ll have total control over most of your devices.
If your device isn’t listed, you can also teach your VooMote commands from the original remote. So handy!
I mentioned having multiple rooms. This is really handy because you will very likely start using VooMote places you didn’t expect. I was controlling my in-law’s television, restaurant televisions, the projector at my church… lots of things in just a few days. Keeping my menu clean I was able to group all these devices differently.
Customization
Beyond a setting for different rooms, you can completely customize your remote how you like it. Gone are the days where there are buttons on your remote that never get used (or buttons associated with functions you don’t even know how to work.) Plus, with OneView, you have the ability to associate multiple functions from multiple devices on one screen. That means receiver volume, television channel changing and BluRay pause can all live together on one screen. SYNERGY MAN!
You can even choose various button layouts with custom icons and colors. In Edit Mode you can copy, paste or delete buttons. You have total control over your interface. I can’t tell you how much I love this.
OneTouch
If OneView isn’t exciting enough, OneTouch will blow your mind. You can program a series of commands (a macro) to execute with one button push. I have mine programmed to turn on my AppleTV, turn on my TV, and switch to the appropriate input on my TV with one button push. With another button push I can switch right to my PS3 and it will switch the HDMI input for me. You can even set your VooMote to respond to a gesture so you don’t have to look at the interface as you use it (replacing the need for a familiar button layout and tactile feedback of a physical button on a traditional remote.) I feel like Zeus zapping innocent and puny humans with lightening bolts. This little widget is powerful!
The Final Verdict
I couldn’t imagine how they could improve this device. Competitively priced, sleek design, great interface, super customizable, easy to use… this device gets something I rarely offer: a perfect 10. Go get one!