I definitely want the Sonic to stay independent and not *require* an external device like a Smartphone- but *optional* communication as a means for quickly configuring the Sonic by downloading Universal Remote Profiles would be a fantastic option! But I strongly feel the Sonic should always remain independent and offer a method for configuring on the device itself.
Since we're dream designing, how about:
1- More on board memory for more memory banks/registers ("..Memory Bank G.", to store controlsmore devices, that's a given and a logical step for a "Deluxe" model that shouldn't increase cost/complexity much - but then again only TWC knows what this cost would be. Is such a thing even possible if any WC reps can venture a maybe/no/yes!
2- I love the idea of BT comms, but if that would add too much cost or not be feasible. then heres a cheap alternative: the USB charging port becomes a full fledged USB data accessory connector port. The Sonic would show up on a Mac/PC as a drive or other device (the ability to store files like a thumb drive adds to the geek chic utility!).
Also, if a significant amount of added memory becomes available, would being able to custom name registers be too much? A microphone to record voice seems a bit much, but perhaps via the PC interface app? Some predefined voice labels in the sexy Brit voice ("FX Mode, Practice Mode, Memory Bank Stereo, Memory Bank: DVD, Memory Bank C, Memory Bank Stereo, etc..."). Oh, how about being able to make Practice Mode accessible only via special button press? Or could you even use the gyro to input the bank desired by gestures? I.e. "What device do you wish to control?" (Trace a circle in the air for DVD player, draw a rectangle for Stereo, etc. I know, that's a little wild, but it totally bet it's possible and would make an awesomely unique method of entering data! Or even the WC equivalent of the Android visual unlock code!
3- Okay, so either via BT or via USB port & cable: While connected to a computer, you could use a simple comm program to upload standard Universal Remote codes to control devices, just like Univ remotes you buy at the store without all the tedious individual learning of functions. This also becomes VERY useful if you've lost or damaged the original device remote - and would potentially increase sales significantly as people could factor in the savings - and time - of buying/ordering a new remote for their particular device and order the Wand Co gadget instead!
4- Now, a big question would be: how can I automatically control a device with gestures? To answer this- there would need to be a *default* gesture <-> control map for the most common controls (and even standard Univ remotes don't always cover unusual feature functions, and some simple devices may not even use all 13). Thus, when you downloaded code 5984 for Sony DVDs, the built in 12 or 13 gestures would always map to the same thing (volume down/up always anti/clockwise, select always Push, power on always pull, etc).
5- Now, if you so desired, you could STILL enter programming mode and re-program or learn the original remotes individual functions to map to whatever you wanted and keep whatever default mappings untouched as desired. This allows easy use, but full customization as well (say if you like most of the default settings but really want Push to be power on and Tap in the Top to be select, then it is!).
6- want to enter a Device Code to automatically program your Sonic like standard Univ remotes work? Just use the main button to key in the individual code digits - exactly the same way you enter the Lock/Unlock code now! (This capability sans computer necessarily implies an inboard stored catalog of Universal remote codes...but since cheapy Wal Mart Universals can do this, I'm sure the Deluxe Editions of TWC 11th, 10th and 4th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver Universal Remotes can too!).
I do think of the above features additional memory banks and automatic device setup via coded entry should be fairly easy to implement provided we are willing to pay the price - which would hopefully not be too drastic an increase as it essentially is more storage.
As I said, I LOVE the idea of having BT communication capability in the Sonic, and the above suggestions don't even begin to cover the enhanced capabilities such a device would have,if fully exploited. IR *and* BT Control options? WOW, you could remote control your PC or iPad! You could control presentations for work! You could do <insert function here followed by maniacal mad scientist laughter>. That might be too pricey but dang, I'd go for it in a heartbeat if less than $300. And probably more after a few seconds consideration.
Throw in all the above: BT control, USB Data comm and increased storage, on board codes for various devices, as well as a Geiger Counter and blue laser pointer option and I'd pay close to half a Grand easy! ;-)
