The Traditional Remote vs. The Second Screen

The Traditional Remote Shall Rise Again

6.18.2012—VideoNet put out an article explaining why the tablet will not replace the traditional remote control. The features that manufacturers like Ruwido are bringing to the regular remote control, which will make it not so regular (features like voice-recognition and fingerprint scanner to match TV user profiles).

Another point brought up in the article is the importance the traditional remote plays in network branding. 

While there are valid points brought up in the article, the traditional remote has more of an uphill battle against the tablet than this story lets on. While the remote is centrally reliant on the TV and what it can offer, a tablet straddles the crossroads of nearly every media outlet. The internet, ebooks, TV, music, gaming, etc. are all at your fingertips, while the traditional remote is at the mercy of how far along the TV to which it’s tethered has advanced.

Likewise, the tablet can work with televisions of different makes and models, the traditional control is stuck with its brand.

Still, remote controls seem to be moving along with the times and this article highlights what they could mean for the future of TV.