Tesla’s remote controlled boat. (Image source: Wikipedia)
Remote controls, in their earliest forms, were used to control boats. Nikola Tesla invented this form of remote control by radio, not knowing that his initial innovation would later be built upon and used for people’s day to day lives. From the very first wired “Lazy Bones” remote invented by Eugene Polley to the first-ever wireless television remote invented by Robert Adler, Nikola Tesla’s was the catalyst for future remote control innovations.
Remote controls have faced many advancements over the years. They have advanced from wires, to radio, to ultrasound, to IR and now even to Bluetooth. It’s not just TVs either- in the modern home, almost anything can be controlled. With a simple push of a button a home owner can control lighting, motorized shades, audio/video, security, HVAC systems and more. The possibilities for home control are limitless.
Many people have fallen in love with the idea of controlling their home from mobile devices and touchscreens that they have forgotten about the practicality of a dedicated handheld remote control.
As home automation professionals and designers, we still recommend our clients to include dedicated handheld remote controls in addition to utilizing iPads, iPhones and touchscreens for home control.
Dedicated Crestron Handheld Remote
Here’s why:
- Dedicated remotes are meant for s single room – making for quick control access. There is no need to fumble thru other settings that are not relevant.
- Tactile feedback (from physical buttons) There is something to be said for pushing an actual button instead of various taps and swipes on glossy glass screens.
- Hardware buttons mean you can instantly grab the remote and press whatever you please for your desired functions.
- Phones can be distracting. Everyone has opened their phone to do one thing, then recieved a notification to do something else- with a dedicated remote, you can immediately access the proper function and then return to your leisure.
- Remotes are made for durability. They can handle drops, squeezes and being lost in the couch cushions.