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Ricavision's Vave 100 melds Windows SideShow and universal remote control

Ricavision introduces the Vave 100 Windows SideShow Universal Remote Control.

Rich Brown Former Senior Editorial Director - Home and Wellness
Rich was the editorial lead for CNET's Home and Wellness sections, based in Louisville, Kentucky. Before moving to Louisville in 2013, Rich ran CNET's desktop computer review section for 10 years in New York City. He has worked as a tech journalist since 1994, covering everything from 3D printing to Z-Wave smart locks.
Expertise Smart home, Windows PCs, cooking (sometimes), woodworking tools (getting there...)
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Rich Brown

We checked in with Ricavision earlier today and got to see its new Vave 100 Windows SideShow Universal Remote Control in person. As the name suggests, this slick-looking device combines Windows SideShow capability with a universal remote control. Via both Bluetooth and infrared, the Vave 100 is suited to driving both home-theater PCs as well as standard home entertainment hardware. Ricavision speculates the price will come in around $350 (expensive, but cheaper than the Logitech Harmony 1000), and it targets early Q2 of this year for availability.

The Vave 100 nestled in its standard docking station CNET

The remote comes with a basic charging station/receiver, but Zune owners (all seven of you), might also consider upgrading to the SoundVave Dock, a charging station with a second Zune dock and a set of built-in speakers. If you don't have a Zune, you can still use the SoundVave Dock to play music, via the Vave remote, which can stream MP3s through SideShow.

The SoundVave Dock is a bit more involved. A Zune fits in front of the remote. CNET

We should also point out that the Vave 100 is not the Ricavision prototype we got to play with in March of last year. That model was supposed to become Microsoft's official Windows Media Center remote, which it would supply to various desktop vendors. We're told that project is still in development.