While most of us have yet to get our hands on Nokia’s MeeGo phone, that doesn’t mean development can’t begin. A MeeGo developer (with his trusty N950) has managed to create a remote control that operates the XBMC Media Center (a popular alternative to Microsoft’s Windows Media Center and Apple’s Front Row for HTPC (Home Theater PC) use).
What’s impressive is that the app was created within half an hour, and instead of being an app filled with buttons, it makes use of swiping gestures to control the XBMC Media Center. Which makes a lot more sense than buttons since the surface of a touch screen is flat, and there’s no physical differentiation between keys – swiping gestures will allow users to easily operate the remote without having to look at the phone.
It also makes use of the proximity sensor – when a user is speaking on the phone, the app automatically pauses what’s happening on screen so you don’t have to fumble to hit pause or lower the volume when you answer a call. Talk about innovative. The app is still in its development stages right now but you can check out a video of it in action – the developer demonstrates the remote control with a Boxee TV set (Boxee is a commercial fork of the XBMC platform).
Filed in . Read more about Apps, Meego, Remote and Xbox 360.