So you’ve built a fancy new HTPC, with a custom case that fits perfectly into your home theater setup, but without fail you’re still using a wireless keyboard and mouse created with desktop use in mind. (Or maybe you’re up on your gadget game and have a gyro mouse or use software like Boxee that only needs a remote.) There’s something wrong with that picture and GlideTV has recognized the need for a custom mouse for couch surfers. GlideTV just announced what they are claiming to be the first “couch mouse” and it is dubbed the Navigator.
The GlideTV Navigator is much smaller than it looks. I was hoping it would be movie popcorn bucket sized.
At an MSRP of $149 USD, the Navigator is priced well beyond even upper tier wireless keyboard and mouse combos. However, in the true nature of a compliant HID device, it is supported out of the box by Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3 as well as “any set-top box that supports standard mouse and keyboard HID devices.” Thankfully that also implies Linux boxes as well as I know quite a few people with Linux-based HTPC setups.
The device is essentially a clickable touchpad boasting handy features for couch surfers such as one-thumb scrolling as well as standalone application buttons like Enter, Esc and Back. The Navigator also has backlit buttons for volume and playback functions, which is definitely a must for what I can imagine typical use would be — a dark room. However, some of the more interesting features — integrated search menu and an on-screen keyboard — rely on Windows-only software at the moment.
GlideTV showcased the Navigator at CES 2009 where it won the Best of Innovations Award, so there’s definitely something to be said about this first “couch mouse.” That being said I truly think such a device needs to be larger instead of something prone to getting stuffed under couch cushions or being dropped easily while trying to hold a beer and nachos.
What do you think of the Navigator? Is this something you would be happy to add to your HTPC setup? What keyboard/mouse/remote combo do you have with your current HTPC setup? My current HTPC setup has a cheap tiny wired keyboard that I only use for administrative purposes, with everything else being controlled by a Logitech MX Revolution wireless mouse.
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They broke the embargo, and didn’t even go in depth with their article, which kind of misses the point.
Good job with your coverage.
Looks pretty cool to me, but I feel like using a mouse ruins the experience. I want my HTPC to be as much like any other entertainment device as possible, so I much prefer controlling it with a remote. I’m currently using the SnapStream Firefly on my HTPC, and I love it. It’s easy to customize and it works great.
I want something like this, but a keyboard is needed for the search function of some UI’s, not to mention if you are web browsing on your TV. So, this might not be a complete solution for everyone. The DiNovo Mini keyboard with it’s touchpad it probably the best overall “couch keyboard and mouse” I’ve seen, while this is probably the slickest “couch mouse”. I’m always grabbing at flat matte surfaces within arms reach to mouse on when I’m sitting on my couch, and a mouse pad just looks retarded sitting on a couch cushion. This Navigator would be a lot nicer, and actually looks pretty cool.
I have a Logitech remote, but haven’t bothered to get an IR receiver to be able to use it with my computer, preferring the flexibility that a wireless mouse / keyboard combo gives me, and also the fact that otherwise I don’t use a remote for anything. The problem with most of the remotes out there is that they are designed with traditional home theater equipment in mind, rather than specifically for HTPC’s. They have way too many buttons for things you don’t need, and you have to repurpose buttons to do the few things you do need. The only thing I use a “remote” for is my TV’s video settings, and for that I just use the TV’s original remote.
There have been some other devices like this Navigator with the goal to have compact touchpad control of an HTPC from your couch. One is the DiNovo Mini I already mentioned, but if you wanted to shed the keyboard, AFAIK you would be limited to cheap calculator-looking things like this and this from eBay. It’s great to see a fully realized product like this come to market, and I’m looking forward to more. I expect Logitech specifically will have a similar rendition of this thing down the road.
Apps that turn your touch phone into a wireless touchpad for your computer are another option. I just found this one for the Palm Pre today, and I know there is one for the iPhone also.
I actually don’t use any of those options. I use AirMouse Pro for the iPhone! It’s awesome, provides full mouse and keyboard control, and has specialized controls that automatically show up if you’re in a media app, a browser, etc.
If only I could get the server to work right (my router sucks, constantly resets and gives out new IP addresses, and won’t let a computer choose a static one)
breaking embargo by 20 minutes and posted about the first couch mouse http://bt.io/I7y .. gizmodo broke embargo by hours. tsk tsk
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GlideTV Introduces Navigator – first “Couch Mouse” http://bit.ly/1GR95
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GlideTV Introduces Navigator – first “Couch Mouse” http://j.mp/C6ZRy
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GlideTV Introduces Navigator – first “Couch Mouse” — PaulStamatiou.com http://bit.ly/127iGi
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GlideTV Introduces Navigator – first “Couch Mouse” http://ff.im/-9LBoC
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GlideTV Introduces Navigator “Couch Mouse” Remote http://ow.ly/vmFY #gadgets
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Reading @Stammy’s GlideTV Introduces Navigator – first “Couch Mouse” — PaulStamatiou.com http://bt.io/JRH
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