iOS remote week continues here at ZNF… As the very fine Roku DVPRemote ($3) was updated early this morning to version 2.1. I’ve been using the app for a few days via my Verizon iPhone (seeya, AT&T), and the two most notable new features are the full fledged gesture area and graphical channel icons.
While DVPRemote has always provided a virtual representation of Roku’s physical remote, the update provides a toggle-able gesture area (above, right) designed “to support heads-up, TV screen-facing operation.” I’m not quite sure if I’ll be putting this feature to use on a regular basis, but there’s a pretty comprehensive list of smooth interactions to choose from:
One of my favorite features of DVPRemote is direct channel navigation. Meaning, instead of scrolling through a list of Roku channels on the television one by one, simply tap a visual representation from the iPhone to bring that content up. The first cut was textual. But DVPRemote 2.1 makes it much more visually rich by using channel banner graphics. Which also happens to be more efficient. However, for better use of space, I’d like to see a 2.2 update move to grid view of channels over the current vertical listing.
Also worth mentioning is the introduction of URL Schemes within the 2.1 release of DVPRemote. The idea is that third party software, like home theater automation, can tap into the app as a means of relaying commands to Roku devices. I’m not sure how large a demand there is for such functionality, but it’s now available to those who need it.
Of course, the most compelling reason to pay the three bucks required for DVPRemote is to gain access to QWERTY keyboard functionality. Punching in usernames, email addresses, and passwords using the default physical remote is a painfully tedious process. And why DVPRemote is a must-have for all Roku owners who possess an iPhone or iPod Touch.