October 13th, 1999

[11:00 AM] Keyspan Ships USB Remote Control Device Keyspan has released a new remote control device for the Mac OS and Windows called Digital Media Remote. Digital Media Remote allows users to control various multimedia aspects of their computer, such as MP3 players, QuickTime, and even PowerPoint. The new product attaches via an available USB port, and includes a separate wireless remote control. According to Keyspan: Keyspan announced it is now shipping its new Digital Media Remote (DMR), a "first-of-its-kind" accessory for the new generation of digital-media-ready Windows and Macintosh desktop and portable computers. Keyspan's DMR gives users remote control of their DVD, CD, MP3 and QuickTime Players, as well presentation programs such as PowerPoint. The Digital Media Remote consists of two components: a 15-key infrared remote and an infrared receiver unit that connects to the USB port on a Windows or Macintosh computer. The receiver unit features a versatile design that enables it to sit on a tabletop or hang conveniently on the edge of an open portable. On the Macintosh, the DMR ships with key maps for QuickTime, Apple DVD, CD and audio players, SoundJam*, RealPlayer, PowerPoint, and the Finder*. A default key map is available for both platforms for use with applications that do not have a specific map as yet defined. The Digital Media Remote has a suggested retail price of US$79. You can find more information at the Keyspan web site. The Mac Observer Spin: With the increase in high quality sound systems for home computer systems, more and more we find computers replacing stereo systems as the major tool for entertainment. The introduction of hardware such as this simply reinforces the notion that the computer is playing more of a widespread role in our daily lives, for work and entertainment. Keyspan