Most Japanese wristwatch gimmicks measure changes in the outside world: temperature, altitude, depth, pulse. This time, Casio has made a watch that makes a change. The Wrist Remote Controller combines a standard wristwatch with a full-function TV/VCR/cable infrared remote control. It is no larger (honestly) than an ordinary sports wristwatch, yet incorporates the following functions: power, TV/VCR, play, stop, forward, reverse, CH+, CH-, volume+, volume-. (The omission of a record function is probably to prevent you from accidentally erasing a tape when all you wanted to do was to turn up the volume.)
It is not at all ergonomically difficult to point your watch toward the TV set. The infrared beam transmits from the top of the watch where the wristband connects. You're probably saying, "Somebody's got to be spending way too much time in front of the ol' tube to need a wristwatch with a built-in remote." But it's nice having one of these strapped to your wrist - no more fumbling in the dark for the matte-black hand-held remote when you want to rewind a choice scene from a video.
- Arty Thompson
Casio Wrist Remote Controller: US$69.95. Casio: 800 634 1895
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