All in One Remote

Remote controls in the gaming space are no longer unheard of, as today's consoles do more than just boot up and play. With Xbox 360™ supporting DVD playback, Windows® Media Center, an online marketplace, audio playlists, and system settings, there are a lot of features to navigate.

While all this is certainly possible with the Xbox 360 controller, it's easier and more intuitive with the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.

That's a lot of functionality.

Look at all the cool features on this handy remote:

• A, B, X, Y: The menu systems for Xbox 360 are set up with the controller in mind, so the A, B, X, and Y buttons navigate through the menus. As such, the Universal Media Remote includes these buttons as they appear on the regular controller (color coordinated and all).
• On end: While not a function in the technical sense, the ability to stand the remote comfortably on end is clever. It saves space, it's easier to pick up in this position, and it just looks neat.

• Backlit: It's hardly news that many gamers play in the dark—image contrast is clearer and more defined in darkened rooms. Memorization of button layout or squinting is needed to operate most remotes, but not the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. All of its buttons are backlit for easy navigation.
• Eject: While you can turn your Xbox 360 on and off with the Xbox Guide button on the controller, you can also eject the disc tray using the Universal Media Remote.

Nice lines.

• Xbox Guide button: Familiarity is your friend, and just as the controller possesses the Xbox Guide button, so does the remote. Pause the DVD you're watching anytime.
• Windows Media Extender: The Universal Media Remote also controls the Windows Media Extender software in your Xbox 360, so pull up all the media (movies, pictures, songs) the Xbox 360 has at its disposal.
• DVD and TV: The remote also boasts standard controls for the DVD player within the Xbox 360, so you can control it just like you would any other DVD player. However, you can also use its huge code library to program it for controlling your TV.

The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote takes the adage "less is more" and runs with it. It distills nearly every function of the Xbox 360 (aside from actual gameplay) into one easy-to-use device. Toss out the half dozen remotes you have scattered around your living room—you won't need them anymore.

Article by Alex McLain

• Dev interview: Next-gen remotes.
• Xbox 360 Guide button.
• Windows Media Center.