Microsoft Corp. has announced a media remote for its Xbox One game console. The Xbox One media remote controls video playback for Blu-ray movies, streaming video on Xbox One as well as TV power and volume. The unit will be available this March.

The Xbox One media remote is a simplistic rectangular device with traditional buttons and a D-pad. The remote has silicone finish that fits comfortably in the palm of a hand. As soon as it is picked up, the motion-activated backlit buttons illuminate, allowing it to be used in the darkest of rooms while playing games, watching TV shows, movies and more.

The media remote allows to control video playback for Blu-ray movies and streaming video on Xbox One. Additionally, there are dedicated Back and OneGuide buttons. The OneGuide button provides one-touch, quick access to favorite TV shows and movies through the Xbox program guide. The remote is intended to help consumers to listen, watch and switch among experiences rapidly. The Media Remote can also control TV/Receiver power and volume through Kinect, which uses IR blasting to send signals to TV and/or receiver.

The Xbox One Media Remote will be available worldwide early in March and will retail for $24.99 in the U.S. Recommended prices for the UK and Europe were not available at press time.

KitGuru Says: Microsoft considers Xbox One as an ultimate entertainment device for the living room. Yet, for some reason it does not bundle a proper remote with the console and only starts to sell it separately for $25 around four months after the introduction of the console. Still, there is something for Microsoft to brag about: the Xbox One actually can work with infrared media remotes, unlike the PlayStation 4, which will require BT-based remotes.

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