Touchsquid TV Remote Control Android App for Keene IR Blaster

May 10, 2012 Vancouver, BC Canada. TouchSquid Technology, developer of hardware and software solutions for remote home theater control, and Keene Electronics, a UK leading provider of connectivity products, announced today they have entered into a technical partnership.

The agreement provides a platform for co-marketing and product compatibility. Using a combination of TouchSquid’s remote control app and a Keene KIRA infrared device, Android smartphones and tablets can be turned into powerful infrared remotes. KIRA stands for (Keene IR Anywhere) system enables IR commands to be sent via local network or internet!

Based in Derbyshire, UK, Keene Electronics have been selling AV accessories since 1988. Specializing in video, audio, home theater and home automation applications, Keene Electronics not only design and manufacture their own products, they also resell complimentary products and provide technical support and installation services. Keene's KIRA products connect almost any electrical device throughout a home and business to a WiFi and/or IP network so it can be controlled, automated, and maintained by network-based software. Keene Electronics offers other connectivity products and capabilities, including IR learning, IR receivers, and sensors, that can be connected to a network.

TouchSquid Technology is an emerging solution developer in the home theatre remote control industry. Their flagship product is an all-in-one remote control/tablet computer, but the generic TouchSquid App can turn virtually any Android tablet with a KIRA product from Keene Electronics into a fully featured, high end home theater TV remote control with large, easy to read virtual buttons, intuitive user interface, and customizable screens.

TouchSquid Universal TV Remote Control has an extensive library of over 200,000 supported devices (growing all the time), and an internet connected tablet can be used to browse TV listings and reviews. By having the ability to store multiple profiles, using activity based button layouts with automatic input switching, and providing a quick, easy way to get back on track when devices are out of sync (in the form of the Squid help button), the TouchSquid App eliminates a number of common “remote control headaches” and enhances a viewer’s home theater experience. Beyond simply adding remote control functionality to Android devices (tablets and full screen smart phones), a KIRA device from Keene Electronics can eliminate the need for line of sight visibility of devices being controlled by TouchSquid’s all-in-one device, allowing devices to be hidden in a cabinet or a separate room.

"We are excited about our alliance with Keene Electronics as this presents opportunities for our expansion in the UK and Europe." Grahame Shannon, president of Touchsquid also notes that Keene KIRA devices offer an alternative to North Americans.

Touchsquid TV remote control app supports several third party External IR Blasters including the Oregon based Global Cache Itach Products, UK's Keene KIRA, and the IRTrans from Germany.

UK Touchsquid Fan delighted with Bonus Features

Here is a letter we recently received from J. Moody in Surrey, U.K.

"I just want you to know that my Touchsquid is set up for watch tv and is working perfect, I have used the Icons that came in the remote and they look great!
All the new sky codes work well, only the power toggle was inconsistent but boosting it to "5 repeats" fixed that.

I never knew your icon database was so good, that's a real bonus, my only request is to have some more Sky Icons if possible like sky1 sky atlantic sky arts etc.
Once the new sky codes were downloaded setting everything up was remarkably easy, even for someone with very limited IT skills like me.

I never really thought about owning a pad before, I don't surf the web or check Facebook constantly like my nephews and nieces do, so I was shocked to find myself actually using it to browse while in my living room watching TV! An example was the movie 1911 revolution, I had seen this movie in a local store, when I went back I could not find it or remember its name but i did know Jackie Chan was in it, I googled Jackie then within seconds had its name and was watching the movie trailer, then on too amazon to order it, Brilliant!

I can't set up my watch big screen tv or watch movie activities yet as I'm waiting for my projector to be repaired, once I have it back I'll begin, my only concern will be the projector off command as I know it needs 2 commands with a space between them, I'll ask for advice with that once I get the projector back from repair.

Once again thanks for a great product with great customer service, I wish you all well and I am sure once your product becomes better known it will be a great success.

Please feel free to use all or any part of this e-mail in your promotion work and feel free to use my name as a satisfied customer, I'll tell every AV enthusiast I know about Touchsquid."

Editorial note:  Touchsquid is primarily a universal remote control tablet computer and bonus features like surfing the net, and checking email, and customizable icon database and library are always surprisingly delightful.

Icon Harmony creates TouchSquid channel icons

Randall C [aka squareeyes] is the author and graphics designer of the Icon Harmony website, where he posts his creation of over 14,700 television channel icons from over 50 countries.

The razor sharp images that he produce reflects foremost the passion and efforts that went into the creation of these beautiful icon graphics, colorful, juicy and bursting with colors.

All the icons are available for download free of charge. He accepts donations to cover web hosting and coffee. A true labor of love.

Due to the rising popularity of TouchSquid, Randall has started creating icons for TouchSquid users. These icons are three dimensional according to the size and specs that will work with TouchSquid apps. It is not yet completed, but for those who would like to take a peep, here is the link.

TouchSquid Station Icons

TouchSquid welcomes New Dealer in New York

TouchSquid is pleased to announce that Remote Shoppe in New York has been appointed dealer for its Universal Remote Control tablet. Remote Shoppe is family owned and operated and was started more than 4 years ago to share news and information on universal remote controls and home automation systems. Together, the Remote Shoppe team has countless hours programming consumer and professional remote controls. We are glad to add Remote Shoppe to our family of dealers.

Turn your TouchSquid to a Mini Netbook with a USB keyboard

While a virtual or a touchscreen keyboard is great for short messages, it can be tedious when typing a lengthy email.  So here is help.....This USB keyboard/carrying case makes it easy to type whether it is email or simply surfing the net.  It  doubles as a carrying case that protects your TouchSquid from scratches or dents. A flip stands support the TouchSquid Tablet in a slanting position.  Sleek ergonomic design makes the TouchSquid even more versatile, as a travel companion for your email, web browsing and much more.

TouchSquid tablets come with a Full USB port and a mini USB port.  This USB keyboard can be connected using its USB connector cable.  Very business and professional looking.

Just one of the many bonus features that comes with the TouchSquid Remote Control IR tablet.  This USB Keyboard has a MSRP of $39.95.

Touchsquid Display Stand

This TouchSquid display stand is custom made by Nor-Wes Signs for use at select TouchSquid dealers across the globe.  Made of aluminum, it ships flat and is easy to assemble.  The TouchSquid base or docking station is screwed on to the stand.  Details are still being worked out.  The objective is to allow shoppers to try out the TouchSquid universal remote control tablet.

TouchSquid Fan from Revelstoke is a Happy Man

The TouchSquid programming team has been hard at work for over a year on our TouchSquid remote control app.  Nothing makes them more happy than a compliment from a fan.  Here is one posted on the TouchSquid support forum under the TouchSquid Fans Club.  Click here to see the actual posting on the TouchSquid forum.

"After almost a month's usage, I have to say how much I appreciate the TouchSquid. The small table between two chairs in our living room used to be full of remotes....tv, dvd, cable box, sound system, Apple TV.....now there's just the tablet sitting in its stand. We now have room for our coffee cups. The system was a breeze to set up, and works like a charm. Originally here was a small problem getting the TV to switch HDMI inputs automatically, which was solved in the latest upgrade. Perfect! The new upgrade made the operation even more simple with a single button to perform an operation rather than a system selection and an on button. It's also nice to be able to check your email, or browse the net to get info on the movie you're watching all using the same unit. It's nice to find a product that does exactly what it says it will do, and to receive regular updates that make noticeable changes. Keep up the good work."

Editor's note: Revelstoke (population 7,500) is a city in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. It is located 641 kilometers (398 mi) east of Vancouver, and 415 kilometers (258 mi) west of Calgary, Alberta