Hillcrest Goes Retail With PC-To-TV Remote
Company's 'Loop' Remote Control Lets Users Control On-Screen Cursor
Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 6/15/2009 10:49:14 AM
Remote-control developer Hillcrest Labs has launched its first retail product -- the Loop, a $99 wireless device aimed at consumers who have connected their computers to a TV set.
Hillcrest, based in Rockville, Md., has previously focused on licensing its Freespace motion-sensing technology to other manufacturers, including Kodak and Logitech.
The Loop pointer, originally developed as a concept product to showcase Hillcrest's technology, provides on-screen cursor control and keyboards for entering search terms or other text.
The Loop is available for $99 via Amazon.com or Hillcrest's Web site, at www.hillcrestlabs.com/loop.
However, Hillcrest founder and CEO Dan Simpkins noted, "Although today we are introducing our first product directly to the public, at our core, we remain a software and IP [intellectual property] licensing company."
According to a recent report from the Consumer Electronics Association, more than 7 million U.S. households have connected a personal computer to their home television sets.
To use the Loop pointer, consumers must plug in a USB 2.0 transceiver included with the device into a compatible PC or other device. The pointer uses radio-frequency technology with a range of up to 30 feet, so users do not need to point directly at the computer or TV screen. The Loop has a diameter of 4.8 inches, about the size of a DVD, and weighs 4.9 ounces.
Hillcrest, founded in 2001, is funded by AllianceBernstein, Columbia Capital, Grotech Ventures and NEA.
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The Hillcrest suit vs. Nintendo is pending.
Johnny B. - 6/18/2009 10:52:33 PM EDT -
Does anyone know what happened with the Hillcrest suit against the Nintendo Wii controller?
Marlena Gilbert - 6/18/2009 9:35:39 PM EDT
