It seems that just about every month or so we see a new software based remote app for your HTPC — some good, some with limited functionality. Well, here’s another one to add to your list. However, judging by the functionality of Remotely Possible, this may be the iPhone / iPod touch HTPC remote app to have [$2.99 - iTunes Link]. As you’ll see in the video, Remotely Possible can detect all networked Windows PCs with its accompanying installed software via Wi-Fi and control selected computers. Once a PC is selected, one can then launch any application (i.e. Windows Media Center, Hulu Desktop, SlingPlayer, etc.) and control it via touchpad gestures or virtual buttons (editable: look, layout). What’s more, users can download control button profiles to match product remotes and even use the iPhone’s hardware volume controls to adjust sound. MORE »

Feeling experimental or just bored with the current crop of HTPC remotes? Have a look at the $149 GlideTV Navigator — a wireless, touchpad remote with media and smart navigation buttons that’s compatible with Windows Media Center, iTunes, Apple Front Row, Boxee, Hulu Desktop, and others applications. The remote is designed to be held in the palm of your hand and operated by just your thumb. GlideTV Navigator is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 3, as well as any set-top device that supports “standard [USB] mouse and keyboard HID devices.” And, if you plan on using the GlideTV Navigator with Windows, you can install custom GlideTV software that will provide your HTPC with an on-screen keyboard and a media search portal to your favorite sites on the Net. MORE »

Brother, this looks like something that we’d like to see released worldwide! Fujitsu at IFA unveiled their latest Mini PC addition called Esprimo Q1500 running Windows 7. This little bugger packs an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of RAM, a slot loading Blu-ray drive, HDMI, and a 320GB hard drive. What’s more, it only uses 19 watts of power when in idle mode. Now that’s lean and mean! Pricing: 699€ and comes packaged with a Windows Media Center remote. [via / via]

Niveus Media today is announcing the addition of the Niveus ZONE PRO to the ZONE family of multi-room, small form factor Blu-ray HTPC products. The new ZONE PRO ($1,999) is now three times faster than the original ZONE ($1,499) and includes a solid state drive to make the player even quieter than it was before [spec sheet - PDF]. Like the original ZONE, the ZONE PRO functions as a multi-room and multi-zone PC that’s capable of receiving content from a central server, sharing media content with other ZONEs, and discovering content from networked PCs and storage devices. Also new and noteworthy… ZONEs will be able to “support sharing of HD cable content amongst other ZONEs on the home network.” MORE »

It seems like it’s the rise of the machines with all the new mini and small form factor HTPCs coming to market. This week Lenovo has unveiled what it hopes will be the top dog in the sub-$500 small form factor HTPC space and nudge some of the spotlight away from the mini Intel Atom N330 + NVIDIA ION products that everyone has been oh-ing and ah-ing as of late. MORE »

GeeXboX 1.2 has been released on the world! This is the final release of the free Linux Home Theatre PC distribution before GeexXbox gets a visually stunning overhaul in 2.0. This long awaited update includes several new features the community has been clamoring for. MORE »

Terrific news for our Linux HTPC enthusiasts. ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) version 1.0.19 has added 1000 new features including support for HDMI audio pass through via kernel 2.67.27-x. Previously getting audio through HDMI had been a bit of a chore. Now, hopefully, we’ll see a new surge in custom Linux HTPC builds and OEM set-top devices designed to serve HDTVs. [via]

It’s started…. S1Digital has seen an opportunity (and I’m sure others will soon too) to entice buyers into picking up one of their high-end HTPC systems. It’s actually a smart move that will possibly give potential buyers waiting for Windows 7 to come out a reason to pull the trigger a bit earlier. The offer basically states that if you buy a new Media Center PC or Server from S1Digital anytime between January 19 – March 31, 2009, customers will be eligible for a free upgrade – get this – installed by the technicians at S1Digital at no charge. MORE »

It’s now clear that Dropbox is one of the easiest ways to sync media between a group of computers – including those of your friends and colleges. However, another nice side effect that’s coming to light is that Dropbox can also be used as a vehicle to add media (like music and videos) that you or your friends stumble across or want share to your HTPC or NAS. Boxee recently suggested as much in a recent blog post and GeekTonic has expanded on the idea a bit in a simple process guide. Overall it sounds like a pretty sweet setup, but it’s worth noting that Dropbox only gives users 2GB of free storage for syncing and users might run into some potential copyright infringement issues.

Still looking for that perfect media center case that performs with the power you want and looks natural on you’re A/V rack? Well perhaps a TiVo that’s been modified like this would work. The mod doesn’t seem that difficult, adding a few screw holes here and there to mount all the PC components. The real challenge for this, and all HTPCs for that matter, is heat control. Holes had to be cut in the top of the case to keep the processor cooled to a balmy 120F. Marshmallows anyone? The box runs Ubuntu Linux on a 4GB flash drive mounted in the case. XBMC Media Center was used as the media server but for a fun twist, users could use Beyond TV and its TiVo look alike skin and sound alike files to “recreate” the TiVo experience with complete control. Never underestimate the power of American ingenuity. [via]