Hillcrest Technology To Be Used In LG Magic Wand, Sony Remotes

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 8/30/2010

Rockville, Md. — Hillcrest Labs said last week that LG and Sony are licensing its Freespace technology for next-generation remote controls used in products shipping this year.

The company’s Freespace in-air pointing and motion-control technology is used in Magic Wand remote controls in select Infinia TVs, including new 3D-ready, Internet- connected HDTVs that are currently shipping in the Korean market and will be available shortly here.

The sets add an enhanced Internet-connectivity package with NetCast Entertainment Access.

A “Magic” user interface in the remotes brings together Internet-based applications, television menus, embedded games and more using simple hand motions to control an onscreen cursor on the television.

Consumers using the Magic Wand remote with Netcast will be able to access and navigate Internet-based applications specifically designed for the TV, without the need of a computer.

“Decades ago, the mouse transformed the entire computer industry, and ushered in a new era of simplicity and interactivity for consumers around the world,” said Kwon IL Geun, LG LCD TV Lab VP. “Our new Infinia LED LCD HDTV sets are positioned to do the same for television. Thanks to the pioneering efforts of Hillcrest Labs, we have been able to create a first-of-its-kind, mouselike experience for television that was specifically designed for our new connected TVs.”

Freespace technology can be added to wide variety of products, including remote controls, game controllers, mobile handsets and PC peripherals, Hillcrest said.