Technology can get pretty complicated. A hundred settings, voice controls that understand less English than your goldfish, and touch screens absolutely everywhere. Yet, somehow, it all just seems to work. Most of the time. But here’s a novel idea: simple is best. That seems to be the creed behind the Turn Touch Kickstarter project, a programmable universal remote small enough to fit in the palm of your hand boasting a mere four buttons.
Turn Touch is a small, square-shaped, rounded wood remote that connects via Bluetooth to most other smart devices and apps around the home. It’s compatible with iOS apps, allowing easy access to music, news weather, even your wi-fi connected home appliances and utilities. One button has the potential to control several things at once, such as dimming the lights, adjusting the thermostat, and locking or unlocking the smart lock. Each button, if held down for half a second, accesses an alternate set of functions for each button. What this means, essentially, is that four buttons can do the work of 16 buttons.
The functionality is given aesthetic pleasantness with the rounded-corner mahogany wood design, with rosewood and padauk flavors also available. The mahogany model tags at $79, with the others being another $20 up from that. Eight unseen but strong magnets hold the two pieces of the remote together, making it fall-proof. The Turn Touch Kickstarter details possible functions and packages.
Samuel Clay created the Turn Touch himself and launched his Kickstarter project to fund it. Since its introduction, he’s gained $34,500, surpassing the goal requirement of $25,000 with nearly a whole month left to go. Backers are expected to receive their Turn Touch late this year, and there are still plenty of backing options for those who’ve yet to invest in the Kickstarter.
Not flashy enough for you? Put on some sunglasses and see what other crazy stuff you can find on The Nerd Stash. No remote needed.
