gadgets and technology devices: Re transforms your iPhone into a universal remote (which seems like a step backwards, to be honest)

Re transforms your iPhone into a universal remote (which seems like a step backwards, to be honest)

OK, so we know a thing or two about the “convenience” of using your iPhone as a remote control. For instance, using it to control Boxee was alright — until we needed to make a call. Or we received a call. Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but the idea of re-purposing your phone to act as a universal remote seems a little silly. But what do we know? Maybe you hold all calls while Jersey Shore is on anyways. In that case, Re could be your next favorite gadget. This bad boy lets your handset communicate with all your AV equipment via infrared, contains an extensive database of devices, and can learn from any IR remote. If that weren’t enough, New Kinetix promises regular updates to the app — and your typical remote can’t do that! Compatible with the iPod Touch as well, there’s no word yet on a price or release date, but we’re expecting that we’ll be getting plenty more details come CES time.