Various embodiments are directed to one or more transcoder devices in communication with an input device such as a remote control device and multiple destination devices in which the transcoder device(s) facilitate communication between the remote control and the various destination devices in the vicinity. The transcoder device(s) can also provide the user with an environmental awareness of conditions and events surrounding the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

A method for controlling an electronic apparatus which uses voice recognition, and an electronic apparatus applying the same are provided. The method includes, in response to a voice start command being input through a first microphone included in the electronic apparatus, converting a mode of the electronic apparatus to a first voice task mode and displaying a first icon corresponding to the first voice task mode; in response to the voice start command being input through a second microphone included in a remote control device, converting the mode of the electronic apparatus to a second voice task mode and displaying a second icon corresponding to the second voice task mode; displaying voice guide information; and in response to a user voice being input while the voice guide information is displayed, displaying a list including a plurality of items related to the user voice.

A wireless communication device may wirelessly control an object, such as a physical device, directly or through interaction with a virtual representation (or placeholder) of the object situated at a predefined physical location. In particular, the wireless communication device may identify an intent gesture performed by a user that indicates intent to control the object. For example, the intent gesture may involve pointing or orienting the wireless communication device toward the object, with or without additional input. Then, the wireless communication device may determine the object associated with the intent gesture using wireless ranging and/or device orientation. Moreover, the wireless communication device may interpret sensor data from one or more sensors associated with the wireless communication device to determine an action gesture corresponding to a command or a command value. The wireless communication device may then transmit the command value to control the object.

A control device is provided. The control device includes a communication interface unit which requests and receives menu information from a broadcast receiver, a determination unit which determines a control mode of the control device, a user interface unit which displays the received menu information in a user interface window according to the determined control mode, and a control unit which, if a command to control the broadcast receiver is input through the user interface unit, controls the communication interface unit to transmit the input control command to the broadcast receiver.

An apparatus, method, and computer program product for: receiving an indication of presence of a wireless charging field, detecting a change of orientation of a device during the presence of the wireless charging field and controlling an application parameter based on the detected change.

A multi-dimensional remote control device which may be more effectively manipulated and a method of controlling an operation thereof are provided. The remote control device for controlling an electronic device may include a processor configured to activate an input interface provided on one surface from among input interfaces provided on at least one of multiple surfaces of the remote control device, to receive an input from the activated input interface, and to transmit the input to the electronic device via a communication interface.

Methods and apparatuses are provided for remote-controlling a target apparatus using a mobile communication terminal. A communication link is established with the target apparatus having a display screen adapted to visualize an object. An amount of movement of the mobile communication terminal is detected. Motion information for moving the object is generated using the amount of movement of the mobile communication terminal. The motion information is transmitted to the target apparatus. The amount of movement is detected based on at least one of current position information, acceleration information, and angular velocity information of the mobile communication terminal.

A forward pointing direction associated with a handheld device is estimated or determined by, for example, calculating a center of rotation of the device. A resultant combined or selected bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.

Methods, systems, and products disclose a remote control device that controls multiple consumer electronics devices based on orientation.

Handheld electronic devices are provided that have remote control functionality and gesture recognition features. The handheld electronic device may have remote control functionality in addition to cellular telephone, music player, or handheld computer functionality. The handheld electronic devices may have a touch sensitive display screen. The handheld electronic devices may recognize gestures performed by a user on the touch sensitive display screen. The handheld electronic devices may generate remote control signals from gestures that the handheld electronic device may recognize. A media system may receive the remote control signals and may take appropriate action. The touch sensitive display screen may be used to present the user with information about the media system such as the current volume.