ReQuest Offers 2-way WiFi “Freedom” Remote for iQ

September 07, 2007 (PRLEAP.COM) Technology News
Ballston Spa, New York—September 7 2007—At the 2007 CEDIA Expo in Denver, Colorado, ReQuest, the established leader in hard disk music servers and server-based whole-house media systems, will introduce Freedom for the iQ Intelligent Music System. The ReQuest Freedom application software instantly converts any Nokia N800 “Internet Tablet” to a handheld controller with full command over a multiroom iQ system, using the familiar commands, graphics, and icons of the ReQuest TS35 in-wall touch panel controller.

“An affordable, WiFi handheld controller puts the full power of iQ in the palm of your hand,” says ReQuest’s V.P. Sales & Marketing, Bill McKiegan. “Nokia’s slick N800 mini-tablet offers exactly the hardware we needed, with a good deal of fringe-benefit functionality—and it’s widely available at very accessible prices.”

The ReQuest Freedom solution transforms an N800, a handheld tablet roughly 6x3x0.5 inches and equipped with a full-color, 800x480-pixel touchscreen into a full WiFi controller for iQ. The user simply inserts the Freedom SD card into the N800’s slot, runs the included installer, and is immediately ready to enjoy a pocketable, portable, full-function iQ System touchscreen commander. The Freedom/N800 communicates via 802.11b/g WiFi in a home network, and then to the iQ Intelligent Music System, delivering full control in every way. And since Freedom utilizes precisely the same software and graphics underpinnings as ReQuest’s own TS.35 three-inch in-wall touchpanel controller, new owners will find themselves already familiar with its simple and intuitive user interface.

Freedom delivers full control of rooms, internal and external sources, volume, and media-selection, via the interface identical to the iQ.TS35 in-wall panel—no stylus required. Up to four Freedom/N800 clients can access an iQ System: for example, there might be a Freedom controller in the master bedroom, another in the family room, one by the pool, etc. (These four can coexist with up to 8 TS35 in-wall touchpanel controllers.).

The ReQuest Freedom software is automatically updated whenever it successfully connected to an iQ System, so users always have the latest software. What’s more, Freedom automatically re-connects to the iQ whenever users depart the local WiFi network: take the Nokia N800 to the local Starbucks to browse the web or read email, return home and Freedom auto-finds the iQ System and automatically re-connects, ready to control.

Availability: September 2007
Suggested Retail Price: $500.00 (Customers supply the Nokia N800—retail price is $399.00
The total solution is $899.00 for a high-resolution, widescreen-display touchpanel wireless remote that can also be used as a powerful, highly versatile, and fun pocket-sized tablet computer, wireless web-browser, email client, game console, Skype phone, and dozens of more possible uses.

About ReQuest
ReQuest, Inc.’s home-entertainment systems have set the standard for high-end digital media storage, management, playback, and system integration since 1998. The Company’s award-winning music servers and video-management systems are the accepted leaders in cutting-edge technology. The Company enjoys being regarded as having the best service in the industry, with an installed base of more than 20,000 units. Recently, ReQuest was ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the top 500 fastest-growing private businesses in America for the second year in a row. For more information, visit www.request.com