Introduced at the end of last month, Zero1.tv’s VooMote One has begun shipping in the US. Available at Amazon, among others, the device costs $100 and turns an iPhone 3GS or 4, as well as third- and fourth-generation iPod touch devices, into a universal remote control. It does require a corresponding free app.
The device doesn’t require a PC setup and will control TVs, DVD players, stereo systems and other consumer electronics that use infrared remotes. The app can be customized to control all of the devices in one room and command chains/macros can be programmed like many of the universal remote controls out there with a single click. This could involve powering up a DVD player, turn on the TV and switching to the right TV source, and turning on the AV receiver, for example.