It also makes the Apple TV Remote, which is widely regarded as the worst remote ever.
Or it could be as radical as a full-on gamepad for playing games on the Apple TV.
But why do people hate the Apple TV remote so much?
Nicolas J Leclercq / Unsplash
And why did Apple ever think it could get away with it?
“Its shape doesnt even fit in the fold of your hands, and thats already aggravating.
Also, one cant tell the difference between the top and bottom unless you are really looking at it.
Apple
User Interface Matters
Apple built its reputation, in large part, on its user interface design.
It brought the mouse to computers, along with a windowed interface.
It invented the clamshell-with-trackpad design that all laptops use today.
And, it created the touch-screen phone and the amazing iPod click-wheel.
But recently, Apple has gone off the rails.
The Siri Remote for the Apple TV is just one example.
Apple
Others are the touch-sensitive top for the HomePod and the infamous butterfly keyboard.
So, what is wrong with the Siri Remote?
“In fact, all the buttons are arranged in a non-intuitive layout.
Finally, the touchpad surface is far too sensitive.
If something even as light as a bedsheet brushes the surface, it will activate it.”
Most TV remotes are far too complicated.
Theyre full of buttons, and many people dont know how to use half of them.
On the other hand, the Siri Remote uses a touch surface to navigate and has one less button.
Everything is better.
Even Apples previous aluminum and plastic remotes are better designed.
Below that is a menu and a play/pause button.
The Siri Remote is so bad that Swiss mobile company Salt actuallyworked with Apple to developan alternative remote.
Saltuses Apple TVsfor its internet TV streaming service, and it created the alternative aftercustomer complaints about poor usability.
Maybe itll just be a revamp of the existing terrible design.
But perhaps version 2.0 will mix things up in classic Apple style.
How about making it into a gaming pad?
iOS is the ruler of casual games, and you could already play some games on Apple TV.
Many iOS games already support game controllers as an alternative to touchscreen play.
Imagine playing iOS games on the big screen with a proper gamepad controller.
Done right, this could seriously rival the Nintendo Switch for casual gaming needs.
A new remote also should include more buttons.
It also should be grippy.
“I wish it had some gripping material to prevent it from slipping.
This never happens with our other remotes.”
In some ways, Apple has it easy.
Pretty much anything at all would be better than the current Siri Remote.
So come on, Apple.
you could do it.
