B&O patents new cube-shaped remote control

Every year the so-called Innovation Camp is being organized in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen. This year the students have developed a very unique remote control concept that B&O has chosen to patent. The remote control is described as a rounded dice without any buttons and without a touch screen. 

Dice remote from Bang & Olufsen
On Innovation Camp 2008 Bang & Olufsen and the students also unveiled a very interested and futuristic remote control concept. However, it is the first time that B&O has chosen to patent a certain concept from Innovation Camp. 


Touchless B&O from Innovation Camp 2008 – not the new dice remote control

The remote control has not yet been photographed (because of the pending patent), but has been described as a cube with smooth edges. The remote has no touchscreen and no buttons, but can control everything from flat screen TVs to sound systems as well as heat and light conditions in the home. 

- "The remote that the students has developed is like a cube with smooth surfaces, just slightly larger than an ordinary dice. When you see it you'll think that it is fun, and that you want to touch it and look at it," Bang & Olufsen’s Soren Bech, Research Manager says and continues. 

- "But you have to think of it more as a concept. It is a remote control without buttons. You can turn it around, tap it, move it and so on. If it becomes a product, it may not be in the shape of a cube"

The cube remote control also accepts"gestures", such as hand movements. If you want to change channel you can wave your hand to the right etc. This already exists in Apple's iPod/iPhone, but its stressed that the functionality is very different. 

The idea came from feelings
The idea for the cube-concept came from feeling according to one of the creators.

- "We tried to link our technical knowledge with feelings. We have spent much time trying to understand our audience. I think that by understanding the human being and the context which you plan to use a concept, good ideas emerge" Michal Kuplik, a Czech student who has been involved in the project, says.

The Cube remote control concept has not been revealed to the public yet, but we hope that Bang & Olufsen plans to release some pictures soon. We will keep you informed.