- The first remote control patent was filed in the 1890s by Nikola Tesla, and the first remote control-type device was created in the 1903 by a French scientist using electromagnetic waves and a primitive robot. Remote control development during the early twentieth century focused almost exclusively on military uses for the new technology. Remote controlled F-boats were used extensively by the Germans in World War 1, and the Soviets used remote controlled tanks in the winter wars during the 1930s.
- After remote control technology went public, after World War 2, there was a large need for new technology. While old remote technology used electromagnetic waves, a new, more portable technology was needed for home use. Many different technologies have been attempted over the years, with varying success. The first home-use remote technology involved using light and corresponding photoelectric cells. However, this did not last as the photoelectric cells were not advanced enough to distinguish light from the remote from light from other sources. Another early remote control model emitted ultra-sonic pulses. However, these pulses were sometimes audible by young children. After much trial and error, an infrared system was developed and patented by ITT and became the basis of modern remote control technology.
- It is hard to imagine some common household devices without remote controls. Devices like TVs, DVD Players, video game consoles, and home stereo systems generally come packed-in with remote controls. However, remote controls for things like cell phones, computers, thermostats, and even the lights in your home are becoming increasingly more popular.
- For the last few decades, the idea of a universal remote, one that could control all of your remote-controlled devices has been attempted, but never fully realized. Most modern universal remotes work with a brand specific range of products, such as Sony or Panasonic. Recently, Bluetooth universal remotes have been introduced, which are closer to being a true universal remote, because the Bluetooth protocol does not vary by brand.
- As more and more Bluetooth-enabled devices show up in the common marketplace, remote controls will gain more and more functionality. High tech remote prototypes feature touch-screens, and preview windows. As remotes become more and more complicated, mobile operating systems like Android and Windows Mobile will be needed to manage the different functions. Remote controls will also use Wi-Fi capabilities to gather information from various devices.
