Brain Storming: PSP Universal Media Remote

[Gradthrawn]

Brainstorming: PSP Universal Media Remote

There was quite a bit of commotion when SCE announced that the PS3's remote would be Bluetooth, as there is no IR port. All joking aside (TWO REMOTES!!1!!), those individuals with extensive (and expensive) universal remote systems would, in a sense, be shafted. There aren't many options for those that have already invested heavily into a universal system. However, there are plenty of those who haven't, and already have a PSP. A thought occurred to me when I was updating my PSP's firmware (very late, I know). It has Wi-Fi, an IR port, a manageable size, and a beautiful screen. With wireless, it could communicate, ad-hoc, with the Premium PS3 out of the box and with the IR port it could work with every other home entertainment device. My thought was that with a firmware update, a "Universal Remote" functionality could be added to the PSP that utilizes Sony's XMB for a nice, simple interface.

There are some obvious limitations to this approach, first and foremost being limited face buttons. The d-pad could be used for standard channel and volume adjustments (where appropriate), L1/R1 for video playback (FF, chapter skip, etc), and the face buttons for Menu/Info, Exit, Setup, and Enter/Select. Everything else would have to be done via the GUI with the thumbstick. That includes changing the selected device, setting up macros, customizing the face button's use for each device, and so on. That's just not as intuitive (especially to users not familiar with your system) as having face buttons that are labeled with their functionality. Here are some of the caveats and concerns as I see it:

• Battery Life: The PSP isn't the most frugal system when it comes to power consumption. If the program runs from memory via the firmware then UMD access wouldn't be a concern, which should help battery life. WiFi, however, could sap the battery with heavy use, as could constant use of that bright, beautiful screen I mentioned earlier. An advanced power saving scheme, made specifically for this particular functionality, would be a must. Even then, I could see a scenario where charging your PSP at night before you go to bed would become a must.
• No Labels: Without labels on the face buttons, a simple user would probably be clueless as to what does what. Which could make for some interesting situations. Although I do think this problem could be nicely addressed, and I share my thoughts on that below.
• Heavy Use: Using the PSP as a remote could put a lot of additional wear and tear on the handheld. Having seen a PSP in the hands of "active" young ones for over a year, I'm, quite frankly, amazed at how well it has handled the abuse. Nonetheless, it would probably be a concern for many of us, as $200+ is a heck of a lot to replace a "remote." And if that happens to be what it was primarily used for, then $200 would likely buy you a much better universal remote solution. Not to mention the more its handled, the better chance it has of being dropped.

However, with its screen and other capabilities, certain functionality becomes possible that could assist with ease of use and add a few nice features. In the case of no face button labels, a digital representation of the PSP itself could be displayed on the screen, outlining what each button does for the selected device. With the use of contrasting colors, a very low backlight setting could be used and still keep things visible at night. I could also see the possibility of Media Center interoperability, so that, via Wi-Fi, it could control a Media Center PC and show song information on the screen (much the same as it does with the PS3). With the USB port right above the screen, a touch panel could be added that could make things a lot more intuitive. This could greatly help alleviate the issue of limited face buttons, and help make things simpler for users.

Those are my thoughts on the subject. I created this thread to get a brainstorming session of sorts going in regards to this. Point out/discuss concerns listed here or new concerns. Share if you would even be interested in something like this along with what your current setup is. Discuss any other ideas you have like add-on's, software functionality, and so on. The poll is going on the assumption that you already have a PSP.

 

[London Geezer]

Wrong forum maybe?

 

[Gradthrawn]

Wrong forum maybe?

Very, very true. I thought I was posting this to Console Talk.

 

[rounin]

I think a DS would be better because the touch screen offers potential for a much more convenient interface.

 

[London Geezer]

I think a DS would be better because the touch screen offers potential for a much more convenient interface.

I'll make the introductions...
PSP thread, rounin. Rounin, PSP thread.

 

[Arwin]

The PSP could definitely do it, at any rate, because simple versions of this application already exist - although it doesn't do learning yet (you just download the pre-existing sets for your remotes):

http://www.dcemu.co.uk/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=18182

I haven't seen anything on the DS yet that shows it can be done with that, but who knows?

For other types of devices you just need basic web-browsing functionality. There are already web-interfaces that work with PSP I think for Media Center PCs and even some 360 link-up stuff I think.

 

[cthellis42]

All joking aside (TWO REMOTES!!1!!), those individuals with extensive (and expensive) universal remote systems would, in a sense, be shafted.

Not to nitpick (as I like the ideas, and don't ever mind seeing devices' abilities expand), but wouldn't they simply spend $10-15 on a USB IrDA device?

 

[Gradthrawn]

Not to nitpick (as I like the ideas, and don't ever mind seeing devices' abilities expand), but wouldn't they simply spend $10-15 on a USB IrDA device?

Yeah, I believe someone brought that up later in that thread. The concern then would be native support in the PS3 for that device (that is if I understand you correctly, in that you're referring a USB IR receiver?). My idea of using the PSP wasn't really for those who have already invested so heavily into their setup, as it wouldn't offer then anything they don't already have. It was more for those of us who have a PSP and will have a PS3 along with other remote controlled devices.

 

[cthellis42]

Well, likely not "native," but then anyone with an expensive universal remote like that (I assume you mean like Logitech's Harmony series?) don't have "native" support to a whole passle of new devices; their expense comes in part from being very upgradable, adaptable, and programmable. For any major product, I assume PS3 support would soon follow. (Universals that only have programmability through the codes or direct IR programming would be out of luck, but I'm not actually sure how many of the really expensive ones are like that. There is always the possibility the PS3 will have an internal "IR code" assignment for basic control features anyway, of course.)

At any rate, like I said, I like the PSP playfulness and would like the new abilities, though I'm not sure how contantly I'd want to use it once the novelty wears off. I just thought the other part was worth comment.

 

[Gradthrawn]

Well, likely not "native," but then anyone with an expensive universal remote like that (I assume you mean like Logitech's Harmony series?) don't have "native" support to a whole passle of new devices; their expense comes in part from being very upgradable, adaptable, and programmable. For any major product, I assume PS3 support would soon follow. (Universals that only have programmability through the codes or direct IR programming would be out of luck, but I'm not actually sure how many of the really expensive ones are like that. There is always the possibility the PS3 will have an internal "IR code" assignment for basic control features anyway, of course.)

At any rate, like I said, I like the PSP playfulness and would like the new abilities, though I'm not sure how contantly I'd want to use it once the novelty wears off. I just thought the other part was worth comment.

All good points. Particularly the 'novelty factor', which I hadn't thought of until you mentioned it. For me, were something like this made available, I would be doing it because I can, not necessarily because I feel the need to. Which means I'm not likely to integrate into my routine like I would do with something that I felt was a necessity.

In regards to the expensive remotes, I do believe Harmony was brought up a few times in that thread.

 

[cthellis42]

Heck, it should even be able to function as a direct IrDA device for the PS3! Just plug it in or connect via Wi-Fi, point your universal remote at your PSP, and AWAY YOU GO!