An apparatus, system and method is described for controlling one or more consumer electronic devices that is performed by a smart device. The smart device causes one or more graphical elements, each for performing a particular operation to be displayed. The smart device then causes an action to be performed when the user selects one of the graphical elements, for example by pressing one of the keys on the universal controlling device or by speaking a command.

A content access device and system may allow portable remote devices to be paired with a variety of different devices, allowing remote control through a network connection. Content access devices may expose application program interfaces, allowing incoming network traffic to control operation of the device much in the same way that a local infrared remote would. Routing content commands through an external application server may also yield other benefits, such as allowing more customized selection of information and advertising content to users based on their viewing history.

An electronic device that obtains a set of remote-control commands is described. During operation, the electronic device may receive an image associated with a second electronic device, where a brand and a model of the second electronic device are initially unknown to the electronic device. Then, the electronic device may perform image analysis on the image to determine at least the brand of the second electronic device. Moreover, the electronic device may access, based at least in part on the determined brand, the set of remote-control commands that are associated with the second electronic device. Next, the electronic device may store the set of remote-control commands in memory. Subsequently, when the electronic device receives user-interface activity information associated with a portable electronic device that specifies selection of the second electronic device, the electronic device may provide the set of remote-control commands to the second electronic device.

An electronic device that obtains a set of remote-control commands is described. During operation, the electronic device may receive an image associated with a second electronic device, where a brand and a model of the second electronic device are initially unknown to the electronic device. Then, the electronic device may perform image analysis on the image to determine at least the brand of the second electronic device. Moreover, the electronic device may access, based at least in part on the determined brand, the set of remote-control commands that are associated with the second electronic device. Next, the electronic device may store the set of remote-control commands in memory. Subsequently, when the electronic device receives user-interface activity information associated with a portable electronic device that specifies selection of the second electronic device, the electronic device may provide the set of remote-control commands to the second electronic device.

A controlling device has a configurable key. An insert is provided to the configurable key and includes an indicium representative of a media content provider. An image of the indicium or an image of a QR code associated with the indicium is used to assign one or more commands to the configurable key. The one or more commands are used to cause a controllable device to tune to a channel on which the media content provider is being broadcast, to invoke an app associated with the media content provider, to access a website associated with the media content provider, and the like.

A controlling device has a configurable key. An insert is provided to the configurable key and includes an indicium representative of a media content provider. An image of the indicium or an image of a QR code associated with the indicium is used to assign one or more commands to the configurable key. The one or more commands are used to cause a controllable device to tune to a channel on which the media content provider is being broadcast, to invoke an app associated with the media content provider, to access a website associated with the media content provider, and the like.

Techniques to customize a media processing system are described. A media processing system is described capable of integrating a large set of heterogeneous electronic devices into a single integrated system with enhanced navigation capabilities and automated configuration services. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Techniques to customize a media processing system are described. A media processing system is described capable of integrating a large set of heterogeneous electronic devices into a single integrated system with enhanced navigation capabilities and automated configuration services. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

An electric device in the shape of a machine tool or an energy storage module for the electric power supply of a machine tool, with the energy storage module having a module housing with a device interface for the detachable connection to the machine tool, with the machine tool having a drive motor to drive a tool holder on which a tool provided to process a workpiece is arranged or is arrangeable, with the drive motor being switchable using a switching element of the machine tool and/or the energy storage module, with the electric device having a wireless communication interface for wireless communication with an external communication apparatus, which forms part of a vacuum cleaner provided to suction dust generated by the machine tool and with the wireless communication interface being designed to send at least one control command to control, the vacuum cleaner as a function of a switching status of the switching element to the external communication apparatus via a wireless control connection.

A bicycle seatpost system comprises an electric actuator, a remote controller, and a seatpost controller. The seatpost controller is configured to control the electric actuator to change a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly to an adjustable state based on one of a first control signal and a second control signal. The remote controller includes a first operating part configured to receive a first user input and a second operating part configured to receive a second user input. The remote controller is configured to generate the first control signal having a constant signal length regardless of an operation period of the first user input. The remote controller is configured to generate the second control signal having a signal length corresponding to the operation period of the second user input.