Despite the name, it’s not an accessory that can turn your iPod touch into an iPhone. This thing’s totally different. The Peel (also known as “The Fruit”) is basically an accessory that works with the Peel app, and serves as the wireless middleman between an iPhone and your home entertainment system, with the ability to turn the phone into a universal remote that’s able to control anything from DVR’s Blu-ray players, Apple TV and Roku kits without needing line of sight.
The Peel is powered by a C battery, and requires the free Peel app and a quick setup process to get you going. After that, just position the oddly-shaped Peel in front of your entertainment setup, and you’ll be able to control it with your iPhone without needing line-of sight. Basically, that’ll let you channel surf or control your DVR even when you can’t see the TV. How cool is that? (Seriously, it’ll at least let you play or pause your DVR when you need to leave the room, which makes the no-line-of-sight feature pretty handy).
By the way, downloading the app alone will get you a free program guide with recommendations on your iPhone, without the remote control abilities. Still pretty good all in all if you’re just in it to see what’s showing in TV land, but nowhere near as awesome.
The Peel Universal Remote Control kit is available now for $99 at the Apple Store.
Tags: Digital Home, Home Entertainment, iPhone Accessories, Mobile Accessories, Peel
