remote

Another way to celebrate our laziness

Sometimes we get the feeling that we missed our calling in life. Rather than writing about gadgets, or anything else for that matter, we could easily see ourselves working for an outfit called something like "The Lazy Store" or "Remotes R Us."

But as long as we have to rely on a day job, our passion will have to be confined to featuring such items as the "RemoteLinc," which can control a variety of household staples--electronics, kitchen appliances, the garage door, for example--from anywhere in the home. Ubergizmo says the remote can even be … Read more

An armchair chef's guide to grilling

After some of our last few posts, it occurs to us that we may have left the impression that we're anti-social couch potatoes here at Crave. Not so. We enjoy entertaining company as much as anyone--so long as it's under our conditions.

This summer, for example, we'll be the first in our neighborhood to throw a barbecue, and we're even willing to do the cooking. We just don't want to have to expend any energy doing it, which is precisely why we need the "Redi-Chek Remote Thermometer."

This gadget can be programmed to … Read more

How to mow the lawn, wirelessly

No, it's not a bike helmet. Quite the opposite in a way, because that implies way more activity than we're accustomed to. That's why this item is dedicated to the "LawnBott," a gadget close to our artery-hardened heart because it allows us to further our pursuit of laziness.

A kind of Roomba for grass, this gadget mows the lawn for up to four hours and conveniently returns itself to its recharging dock, never interrupting a single mint julep in the process. Have a big lawn, you say? Not a problem: The LawnBott covers 33,000 square feet … Read more

When you refuse to get 'The Clapper'

Here at Crave, we're unfailingly dedicated to conserving energy--especially our own. So to do our part in the fight against NBM (Needless Bodily Movement), we're always on the lookout for gadgets like the "Remote-Controlled Switch Socket."

This handy little thing facilitates our slothful ways with a remote that acts as a wireless toggle switch for whatever is plugged into its special socket on the wall within 100 feet, according to Uber-Review. Yes, "The Clapper" will do the same thing, but please--allow us some shred of what little dignity we have left.

Our only concern … Read more

Blinkx does TV shows with Blinkx Remote

Tired of searching YouTube for clips of TV shows, only to find it barren of your favorite show? Well, if it's a Viacom program you're out of luck anyway, but for most everything else, search tool maker Blinkx rolled out a new service yesterday called Blinkx Remote, a search engine for full-length TV shows. Blinkx sorts through clips and full-length programs, providing direct links to off-site sources where you can watch the entire episode.

In the case of CBS' Jericho, Blinkx sent me off to CBS' Innertube service, where I had to install a Real Player plug-in to … Read more

iPod remote fades to black

It's only been a few months since Keyspan debuted its "TuneView" remote for the iPod, and the company has already given it a serious makeover. Apparently, customers weren't too keen on the appearance of the original version, which had a gray case that made it look decidedly utilitarian.

The new model, according to iLounge, is jet black--which, as everyone knows, is Steve Jobs' color of choice in the turtleneck department. Fortunately, Keyspan kept the original $180 price and didn't tack on the cost of the new paint.

Blinkx offers search short-cut for TV shows

Video search site Blinkx is launching a new tool today called Blinkx Remote that will allow people to easily find full-length TV shows by season and episode. People can enter a search for a favorite TV show at www.blinkx.com, like Curb Your Enthusiasm or Lost, and the site will recognize the title and offer up links to sites where the show can be watched or downloaded. The system uses information from other online sources, like Wikipedia and IMDB.com, to provide the most accurate results and prioritizes the full-length versions over short clips.

"It's a short-cut … Read more

A remote that fights kids' online addiction

So you've gotten a "Weemote" to limit your kids' TV hours, but what happens when they get bored of Nick Jr. reruns and want to go online? Even if they've exceeded their allotted time, you know they'll try to find a way to sneak in a few games, especially if they're boys.

Those are situations that could call for the "Best Net Guard," a parental control device that comes in the form of a remote similar to one used to lock and unlock the car. If you're doing dishes in the … Read more

How to rule the high seas of your swimming pool

If you spent your days singing "Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me" way before Keira Knightley made it cool, this might be the ultimate pool toy for you. This $330 remote-control pirate ship, which comes with a fully watertight hull, is "faithfully detailed to resemble an 18th-century merchant vessel," according to the product page. Plus, it can be controlled from up to 500 feet away, which means that you can chart its course from the comfort of your pirate loft, or even from the kitchen while you're heating up some Jolly Roger toast. … Read more

Tilting security cams for the paranoid

One of the most vexing things about being chronically paranoid is the limitations of our equipment (technologically speaking). No matter how many security cameras you've installed, for example, there will always be blind spots--and we know that's exactly where our enemies are sure to be lying in wait.

We may be getting some much-needed help, however, from a new remote-controlled tilting camera on the market. This neat little device can pan the landscape at will, controlled from up to 330 feet away with a handheld monitor that includes at 2.5-inch LCD screen to watch your target's … Read more