Max,

Thanks for signing up!  We will be adding testers in phases--some in order, some "random" based on devices, skill level, etc.  Hopefully, we'll get you in one of the very first rounds.

We'll be adding people on an ongoing basis--so hopefully we can add you right away, but please be patient if it takes a bit to get you in...  We're also testing our backend servers as an optional part of the beta and are working with a large number of renderers, so we're having to phase things in...

Chris

Chris Walker:

If you have requests for any additional platforms, please let me know!

Not sure if it's possible or not, I just ordered the device so I've not even used it yet, but something on the Harmony 1000 tablet remote would be cool.. I thinking it's not possible since as far as I know there is no connectivity outside of IR/RF but thought I'd ask anyway. :)

Chris Walker:

Hi Chris,

When we saw the Zune XNA announcement the other day, we were so excited--and promptly started down the road to a Zune client.  Then we found out that the WiFi can only be used for Zune-to-Zune sharing.  So no Zune client for now...

BTW, we will be using some of the "expert" testers to give us feedback on the UI (both PC- and device-side) as well as refine the connectivity in the platform.  We're really trying to make every part of the system high-quality...

Chris

P.S. On a related note, I just picked up one of the Sony TP Media Center which I'll be using to run the software from my home--and using it on a half dozen various devices that I travel with...  I'm very excited.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I own a Zune and have the new firmware and I am quite certain (I've done it) that I can sync music to/from my Zune through WiFi, it isn't just Zune to Zune anymore. You may have looked at old specs when you said only Zune-to-Zune.

To third party developers using XNA, only Zune-to-Zune is allowed.    Your right though, there is nothing technically stopping it from going outside that but Microsoft clearly wants to limit the type of apps that are on the Zune at this point.  Both Zune v1 and v2 can sync over WiFi with non-Zune devices when the updated firmware is applied.

Chris Walker:

Just to pitch in really quick regarding ThinkRemote Community Edition (i.e. this thread)...

We've been working with Dan's team at Microsoft for a year or two on SideShow-related projects--and the new Community Edition of ThinkRemote is pretty exciting for us.  If you have requests for any additional platforms, please let me know!

Here's a quick list of announced platforms:

• Apple iPhone/iPod Touch
• Windows Mobile phones
• Java-enabled phones
• Nintendo DS
• Nintendo Wii
• Playstation Portable (PSP)
• Playstation 3 (PS3)
• Web browser

Also, I know that some of you are home control fans--so you'll be happy to know that we're working on a bit of a home control add-on in conjunction with ThinkRemote.  More on that later.

Chris
---
Chris Walker, VP/CTO
ControlThink

I can't believe I was the original poster and I've missed all these replies! I'd also love to see this work on the Zune. My PSP will have to do till then. Can I please please be a beta tester ???

Cheers.

Chris,

Thanks for participating in this forum, and for heading up a very promising and exciting project.  The unfulfilled promise of SideShow has been a thorn in my side for a while.  It's such a great idea, and appears to be a powerful platform, but no one has found a way to efficiently exploit it.  If your team can manage to change my PSP from paperweight to useful device, I'm on board with this 100%!

Would it be possible to document the planned (and of course, all plans are subject to change.  A very smart man once told me "It's important to have a plan, so that you know from what you are deviating.") functionality of the ThinkRemote and if any deviecs have known limitations that would prevent them from exploiting certain functions?

On a device front, would it be possible for you to port this over to my 1987 GE Toaster Oven?

 

Signed up for the Beta.  It looks like this could be a very nice product, can't wait to test it out.

I would love to see this integrated in with the new version of the Origami software (http://origamiproject.com/blogs/team_blog/archive/2008/01/07/29519.aspx). 

 

ghostlobster:

On a device front, would it be possible for you to port this over to my 1987 GE Toaster Oven?

I know it's a little older, but will my '86 GE Toaster Oven work with this?

Does anyone know if Microsoft are actually creating a Vista Media Center SideShow Gadget? There was rumours of one in internal beta but if anyone has any inside information ? I hope they are developing this VMC gadget and a public beta is announced soon!

Has anyone actually got a reply back from your submission for the beta program ?
I've heard nothing.

Nope, i've not had any emails about the beta program as yet.

Nope, i've not had any emails about the beta program as yet.

Ghostlobster: we're trying to support all SideShow features on all ThinkRemote platforms.  Web-based touchscreen devices present some interesting navigation issues, but our design department is figuring out some creative ways to deal with that :)

tubula: we'll be adding people on an ongoing basis.  SideShow is a great product, so we got quite a few sign-ups, and we can't take everyone at once.  Hopefully we can get you in soon.  We sincerely appreciate your patience!

Chris
ControlThink

• Apple iPhone/iPod Touch
• Windows Mobile phones
• Java-enabled phones
• Nintendo DS
• Nintendo Wii
• Playstation Portable (PSP)
• Playstation 3 (PS3)
• Web browser

I am surprised no one mentioned this - but I would really really love to see this available for the palm devices like the TX more than any other device. I guess the web based option would work, but native support would be even cooler.

Why palm devices ? It seems that Palm devices are the last of the breed of devices that still support an infrared port which allow these devices to be used as a universal remote with other media appliances like the STB or TV or receiver - as well be a MCE IR remote using MCE receiver - and also be a MCE IR remote. This makes it an ideal and perhaps only ALL-IN-ONE media remote solution for an MCE based HT setup.

This Thread seems to have fizzled out! Any news Chris? Did anyone actually receive any Beta invites on TGB? I've read nothing about this project since the last post in this thread, pity really as this looked about as promissing as Sideshow device thread got!

Max

I haven't received anything ... looking forward to it.