Hillcrest Labs replaces Loop remote with Scoop pointer; pitches to cable, satellite providers

Hillcrest Labs replaced the motion-sensing Loop remote control that it has been pitching pay TV providers and consumer electronics manufacturers with a smaller device it calls the Scoop Pointer.

Hillcrest Labs' new motion-sensing remote, the Scoop Pointer.

The Rockville, Md.-based company said Wednesday that it has deals with unnamed CE manufacturers that will market the Scoop--an in-air mouse with a 6-axis motion control--directly to consumers later this year. Hillcrest is also pitching Scoop to cable and satellite providers as replacement for traditional remote controls, but it hasn't reached any agreements with pay TV providers to deploy the remote.

Last week, Hillcrest said it had signed an agreement with Roku, which will use its motion-sensing technology in the remote controls for its new over-the-top video set-tops.

While Hillcrest hopes the Scoop Pointer will be more successful than the Loop remote, which it first introduced in 2007, the company is poised to gain wider distribution by licensing its FreeSpace motion-sensing technology to other CE manufacturers for use in their products. In addition to its agreement with Roku, it has licensing deals with Eastman Kodak, LG Electronics, Logitech, SMK, Sony Computer Entertainment and Universal Electronics.

For more:
- see the news release

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