Touch remote controller adapts to any smart device

For smart home control, there is still nothing simpler than a remote or panel with physical buttons. Smartphones are convenient for remote access to a smart home, but app-based solutions can be complicated for other users. That's why some companies are trying to make the remote a central gateway to the smart home.

Some makers choose to emphasize simplicity and style like crowdfunded Turn touch that was designed as a wooden controller with just four square buttons on the top. Other companies, though, have a different approach. An example is Sevenhugs’ Smart Remote that uses a touchscreen that adapts its controls to whatever device it's being pointed at. This is achieved using wall-mounted sensors that are programmed to know what is where in a room. Then when the remote is pointed at a smart TV, it can pull up standard TV remote buttons. When pointed at a smart light, it might have a slider to control colors and brightness.

Sevenhugs has come up with a clever design that gives people more control than just a blank four-button remote. It's a little more complicated to set up, though. It also requires more power and has a USB-C dock to keep it charged up, although a single charge could keep the remote working for up to two days.

The Sevenhugs Smart Remote is also more expensive for obvious reasons. It will retail for $299 when it comes out in the fall.