# Universal Gadgets Smartphones and controllers made for lazy living. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jul 27, 2011, updated Sep 20, 2011 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/universal-gadgets-smartphones-and-controllers-made-for-lazy-living ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Universal Gadgets trend? **Universal Gadgets:** In the movie “Click” Adam Sandler’s character finds a special universal remote that controls everything and anything; as outrageous as the idea may seem, we may be closer to this reality than we think. Some smartphones are being equipped with the ability to control TVs and stereos, while remotes are becoming steadily more “universal”—some concepts are even designed to control your air conditioner and light fixtures. Convenience is an important consideration for today’s consumers and these universal gadgets definitely serve this need. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 4 to Jul 27, 2011 - Published: Jul 27, 2011 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Themes within the Universal Gadgets trend ### Smartphone-controlled devices More devices are being designed to be controlled through smartphones, which presents opportunities for designing apps and devices that can control various systems from a single device. ### Transparent and wearable controls Innovations in conductive thread, circuit boards and other technology are allowing designers to develop new wearable interfaces, which can be incorporated into clothing or accessories and revolutionize the way we control our environments. ### Activity-based control systems New technologies are being developed that can provide activity-based control, customizable button layouts and multi-touch and motion gestures for remote controls, which could lead to opportunities for developing and designing more intuitive control interfaces. ## What the Universal Gadgets trend means for industry ### For Consumer Electronics The consumer electronics industry is leading the demand for universal remote and control systems, which can provide convenience and simplicity for consumers. ### For Fashion The fashion industry is experimenting with conductive accessories and smart clothing that can incorporate transparent and wearable controls, which could lead to a new generation of integrated devices that seamlessly fit into our daily routines without being noticed. ### For Mobile App Development As smartphone-controlled devices become more mainstream, there will be a need for developers to design apps that can integrate multiple systems into a single interface, adding value to the user experience and simplifying control. ## Trend signals for Universal Gadgets Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 40%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 40% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Universal Gadgets trend 4 featured examples from Mar 4 to Jul 27, 2011. - [Clear Universal Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paramote-by-mac-funamizu): Paramote by Mac Funamizu Brings Clarity to Synthesized Systems (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can leverage the transparent controllers trend by incorporating clear display touchscreens and innovative trackpad designs into their remote cont… - [Universal Remote Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universal-remote-for-the-iphone): The RedEye Mini Lets You Use Your iPhone as a Remote for Multimedia (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can capitalize on the universal remote trend by creating innovative products that integrate seamlessly with smartphones and enhance the overall u… - [T-Shirt TV Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tshirt-remote-control-concept): The Rebecca Albrand Remote Control T-Shirt (Category: Unique) Implication: The fashion industry can explore new avenues by incorporating technology into clothing designs, offering both style and functionality. - [Smartphone Channel Changers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voomote-one): The Voomote One Turns Your iPhone into a Universal Remote (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunities for existing and new players in the consumer electronics industry to innovate and develop new products and services that leverage the capabilities of smartphones and… ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)