Gadgetory

voice control is cool and all but the future of toggling complex systems of devices like your home theater setup and your smart home system is with gestures at least that's what the hundred $50 single cue would have you believe if this device sounds familiar it's because we looked at it a few years back but this is generation two with a greater focus on overall smart home control here's how it works you set it up by your TV then integrate it using the app with devices around your house I set it up with Alexa this vizio tv our Apple TV streaming device and Philips you then it tracks your gestures with this camera and shows you its menu via this screen I was skeptical of the gesture control at first but it works relatively well with only occasional hiccups and controlling your devices with gestures actually feels pretty damn cool as a practical remote though the single cue is lackluster here's what I mean the first issue is you have to be seated in the same spot while using the single cue that means you don't have the same control if you're on the other side of the couch or just lounging second the single cue only tracks a select few gestures which can't be customized that means if you want to move your selector on the Apple TV for instance you don't actually swipe left or right you have to find the left or right button on the single cue menu and click it single cue does have a couple direct control motions like putting your finger over your lips to mute the TV or holding up your hand deposit but otherwise it feels pretty inefficient when compared to better universal remotes like say harmonies I was surprised that the biggest problem with single cue wasn't its innovative gesture tracking but rather a convoluted menu system in an age of tablets and touchscreens I expected these gestures to feel way more natural if you want a solid universal remote the second gen single cue won't be your best bet but maybe by generation three or four it will be