Universal Electronics (NASDAQ:UEIC) has been selected by WOW! to develop and manufacture a new remote control for WOW!'s ULTRA whole-home DVR services. The new remote is slated for availability in early 2017.
"UEI is helping us deliver exciting new user-friendly features in a remote control design that simplifies the way viewers interact with video content," said Cash Hagen, COO of WOW!. "We know our customers will love the look and feel, and find it's a powerful touchpoint for their video experience."
The new remote will feature a dedicated Netflix key to eliminate the need to change inputs on the TV set or change devices to access the streaming service. Other features include embedded RF4CE technology, laser-etched keys and backlighting, and a simplified three-key set up process.
"The way consumers navigate and consume video is shifting rapidly, so we've invested heavily to develop new features and design options to deliver an elegantly-designed remote that fits in with today's content-rich video services," said Steve Gutman, SVP of UEI's subscription broadcast business unit - Americas. "We're confident that WOW! subscribers will benefit tremendously from the enhanced features provided in their new remote control."
In other UEI news, the company's QuickSet solution has been integrated in the new Porsche-designed Huawei Mate 9 smartphone to transform the smartphone into a universal remote control for home entertainment devices. The phone utilizes several technologies from UEI, including infrared blaster firmware technology along with QuickSet and a database of entertainment device control codes for automated setup and universal control of nearly any home entertainment device, as well as control of air-conditioning systems throughout the home.