GlideTV Navigator

By Chris Scott Barr

HTPCs have been around for a while now, but the way we control them hasn’t changed much. You’ll generally either use a standard remote, or some sort of in-air mouse and a keyboard. Neither of these is the ideal solution. GlideTV seems to think that they’ve built a device that will be exactly what HTPC users need.

The GlideTV Navigator is handheld device that is supposed to combine “the functionality of a keyboard, mouse and AV remote.” I don’t know that I’d agree with the keyboard part, but it is more or less a combination mouse/remote. You can however download an on-screen keyboard for input. The device works with Windows, OSX, PS3 and any other device that accepts mouse and keyboard HID devices. Some of the other noteable features include:

  • Clickable touchpad mapped to your TV screen — precise cursor control, one-thumb scrolling, single and double-click selection.
  • Backlit AV buttons to control volume and playback.
  • Directional buttons for easy two-axis navigation.
  • Dedicated Esc, Enter, Back, and Function keys to control applications.
  • On-screen keyboard — requires download, Windows only.
  • Integrated search menu with links to Google, Amazon Video on Demand, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube and more — requires download, Windows only.
  • Rechargeable battery.

Provided you aren’t doing much typing, this device really looks like it could be a useful alternative to a standard remote or mouse. $150 is a bit pricey, but the stylish little control unit might be worth it, provided it’s as easy to use as they boast.

[ GlideTV ] VIA [ Ecoustics ]

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Just to clarify my point. If your using a media device (xbox360/PS3/AppleTV) instead of plugging your PC into your TV. It'll make it a lot more easier to control…

  2. I like this thing. Not for what it can do but for aesthetic reasons.

    Clyde: Hey, what does that thing do?
    Scott: I don't know but it sure looks good doesn't it?
    Clyde: Why yes, yes it does.

  4. I like this thing. Not for what it can do but for aesthetic reasons.

    Clyde: Hey, what does that thing do?
    Scott: I don't know but it sure looks good doesn't it?
    Clyde: Why yes, yes it does.

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