Gear4 UnityRemote review

Simply to use and set up, this slick little accessory is perfect for those after form and function Tested at £100

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

We’d like a mains option, but it’s simple to set up and both intuitive and reliable in use

Pros

  • +

    Easy to set up

  • +

    intuitive in use

  • +

    not too pricey

  • +

    supports command chains and gestures

Cons

  • -

    Won’t charge your iPod or iPhone

  • -

    there are cheaper rivals

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

It isn’t just major hardware companies who have discovered the idea of using iThings as remote controls.

Now accessory makers are coming up with universal remotes, and the Gear4 UnityRemote is one of the simplest.

A battery-powered infrared flasher unit combines with a free app – available in iPhone/Touch and large-screen iPad versions – to create a flexible, programmable whole-system remote, with the two halves of the set-up communicating via Bluetooth.

It can control either single units or a whole range of components, enabling chains of commands to be set up: you could have one to watch movies, another for TV, and so on.

You can also program gestures, so that for example an up or down swipe
would increase or decrease the volume.

No frills – it just works

It’s all very simple to set up, program and use, and in operation does what it says on the tin reliably and efficiently.

And there’s really not much else to say: yes, you could buy a standalone universal remote for the same kind of money, or the ThinkFlood RedEye Mini remote dongle for less, and there’s at least one pricier rival with a mains-powered flasher unit also able to charge your iPod or iPhone.

But if you like what the UnityRemote offers, it’s a solid, sensible buy.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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