Rather than forcing customers into an expensive home automation set-up, Sony is delivering a touchscreen remote control system for home lighting, music, and audio that is connected to the company’s receivers. The remote control would make use of Apple’s iPad hardware, and would allow users to control various electronics equipment in their home. The concept of home remotes are starting to emerge with more Internet connected devices and faster broadband and mobile broadband connections; rival Samsung has demonstrated an appliances remote controlled by the company’s Galaxy Tab Android tablet.
The Sony-made iPad app itself is called the AV Receiver Remote and can stream and play music and photos as well as control the home by rooms or regions.