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[dhouston]

Initially, I posted this to the Entertainment section but then realized it might generate wider interest.

http://www.techtimes.com/articles/33567/20150218/will-ray-super-remote-be-the-last-remote-control-you-will-ever-need.htm

Here's a better link - to the manufacturer's home page...
http://www.ray.co/features/tech
It can learn IR codes so it might be able to control X10 that way if the long promised X10 WiFi link never materializes. It has WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee. Hopefully, it will have an API that allows others to create apps for it. It would be nice if it had wireless USB and 310MHz RF but I guess one can't have everything.

I doubt its $200 price will be much of an issue for HA/HTPC devotees.  

I have one on preorder and will post updates here as things progress.

[dhouston]

I'm informed an API is planned so developers can create custom apps. They have no plans to include wireless USB support. It would be nice were it able to utilize the huge libraries of CCF files at locations like Remote Central...
     http://files.remotecentral.com/library/3-1/index.html
which is easier than learning the codes.

Nearly 15 years ago I added a 310MHz RF transmitter to a Philips Pronto TS1000.
     http://davehouston.org/pronto.htm
That enabled me to control my TV, cable box, VCR, stereo AM/FM tuner and lights from a single programmable, learning remote. This new Ray Super Remote looks like it will be able to do much the same as soon as I can figure out how to control X10 with it. If the X10 WiFi thingy never materializes I may have to dig my IR543AH or Ocelot out of my junk box. Or I maybe can use my TIP10RF with a 433.92MHz modified TM751.

[dhouston]

I'm also communicating with the company that makes the IPCE-800BTC Bluetooth Smart Controller.
     http://pj88global.com/product_detail.php?catid=2&id=5&no=2&order=1
It may be an alternative way to control X10 with the Super Remote.

[HA Dave]

I'm also communicating with the company that makes the IPCE-800BTC Bluetooth Smart Controller.
     http://pj88global.com/product_detail.php?catid=2&id=5&no=2&order=1
It may be an alternative way to control X10 with the Super Remote.

I certainly hope that works out!!! That would be awesome. Currently I am using the Melloware app (and MS sever software on a laptop) to control my X10 over the home network. BT would work just as well with less risk to my network.

I also use a battery operated BT IR device (UnityRemote) to control the TV & Cable box (and an app for the Blue Ray player). Making the upstairs setup completely phone controlled. And the device is pretty discrete sitting on the fireplace mantel across the room. An itouch or ipad could do the same thing.... and could also BT music to a device.

[dhouston]

My preference would be for a device that could connect via Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. letting the user decide which to use, and which could receive X10 RF and receive/transmit PLC.

All RF devices (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, RFID, etc.) are vulnerable to long range sniffing and, thus, present security issues
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4599106
so I like to limit the options by sticking with WiFi only (as it's pretty much a necessity). Then, one can concentrate on protecting a single technology rather than have to worry about myriad technologies.

I'm told one can order the IPCE-800BTC Bluetooth Smart Controller directly but am still awaiting details (e.g. price, S&H). I have requested a User Manual.

And, I think the newest slice of Pi, which will can run a stripped down version of Windows 10 is likely to be easier to use for the non-geeky among us. It is very low power and has an Ethernet connector so it could run 24/7 handling scheduled events, macros, etc., communicating via Ethernet to something like the TIP10RF or fill in the blank.
http://www.element14.com/community/community/raspberry-pi/raspberrypi2?CMP=TRC-RPi2-RPiPage

EDIT: I've just learned the Ray Super Remote runs Android so creating apps to extend its native capabilities should be possible.

EDIT II: Here's the IPCE-800BTC Bluetooth Smart Controller User Manual...
http://we.tl/S79MDIf73f
I don't have an iPhone nor anything that runs iOS so I doubt I'll be ordering one. It is also limited to controlling only 8 addresses which is far to restrictive.

[HA Dave]

.........................
I don't have an iPhone nor anything that runs iOS so I doubt I'll be ordering one.

I don't blame anyone that chooses android (I have an android tablet myself). Most devices seem to have apps for both android and apple. Microsoft seems to be the only tablet and phone OS that is scant with apps. There are a very few devices that only likes one flavor or the other. But (other than MS) I don't know of any mobile device that has huge advantages over the other.

Interestingly.... (maybe?) I started out using HA to better control/communicate with my home. But the nature of the hobby-within-the-hobby evolved into me better controlling a computer/computing device. Although... I now spread the controlling processing power over a various computers, tablets, and phones... the concept holds true. HA is leaning towards mobile control of everything. From Internet radio and TV, to turning lights on and off, monitoring security cameras, and/or being notified of a water leak, or a garage door opening. 

I had thought... as X10 once advertised... that HA was heading towards making the home smarter instead of expanding my own control over the home. I still really like the "smart home" idea.

[dhouston]

I just came across another approach that, while it's likely to cost more overall, may well prove more applicable to both HTPC and HA enthusiasts. See...http://www.iruleathome.com/devices/irule-compatible-devices#view1

It's an iOS/Android app that talks to a lot of gear but may need gateways to reach some.

[HA Dave]

I just came across another approach that, while it's likely to cost more overall............

Yeah... I followed the links and the "builder software" costs $50-$100? I don't really follow how this works. It looks more like a software creation project than and automation product.

I've been using the UnityRemote IR device with an app on my iPhone for... at least a few months. I really like having control of everything via a phone and/or a tablet of some flavor/brand (I like Apple... but I am not fanatical about the brand).

I have found as my automation evolves I use remotes less and less for lighting... as that becomes more automated. But I use remote control MORE for entertainment as that has become less passive and more a decision-based activity.