Following the local launch of the new Plasma Pentouch TV, a television set that can double as a digital whiteboard since it enables users to draw and write on it, LG Electronics is now looking to build on the functionality offered by remote controls with its Magic Remote.

The company unveiled this new Magic Remote controller, which is to be used with its CINEMA 3D Smart TVs. According to the Korean company its Magic Remote differs from most conventional remotes in that its push-buttons only make out part of the user interface. If you’ve ever worked on a smart TV, you’ll know the annoyance associated with entering text via remote. LG’s new controller implements voice recognition technology allowing users to enter text such as search terms via voice commands.

There is a wheel located at the center of the Magic Remote that enables users to quickly scroll up and down various menus and lists of apps, in order to make speedier menu selections. A pointing function (also called point and click) allows users to point the Magic Remote towards the TV screen and make selections by dragging the on-screen cursor. By utilising this feature users can also navigate through LG’s Smart TV ecosystem, without having to use multiple buttons and arrow keys.

Just like the Kinect motion-based add-on allows Xbox 360 users to navigate the console’s OS using gestures, the Magic Remote enables users to employ physical gestures as commands to perform actions. Also onboard is a 3D button that is tasked with activating the CINEMA 3D Smart TV’s 2D to 3D conversion functionality. No local pricing or release info is available yet.

 

In related news LG Electronics South Africa also recently launched its new ARX9000 AV Receiver system at an event held at Hush in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The ARX9000 system has been specifically designed for the South African market and is capable of a foundation-shaking 1580 Watt of sound power.