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Someone please test the Apple Remote with 2012 iMac

6

6ftunder

macrumors member
Original poster
A lot of people are wondering whether or not Apple removed the IR sensor from the new iMacs so could someone who has a pretty 2012 iMac sitting on their desk and owns an Apple remote test whether or not it works with this model?

Thank you.
 
6ftunder said:
A lot of people are wondering whether or not Apple removed the IR sensor from the new iMacs so could someone who has a pretty 2012 iMac sitting on their desk and owns an Apple remote test whether or not it works with this model?

Thank you.
Click to expand...
It won't work, as the new iMac doesn't have the IR receiver.
 
Ive been trying to determine if the remote works too! I havent recieved my 2012 model yet so... appreciate if anyone with the new model can test with an old remote.

actually test pls! Or show where apple stated that its been removed in the new model! THANKS!
 
ralphoi said:
Ive been trying to determine if the remote works too! I havent recieved my 2012 model yet so... appreciate if anyone with the new model can test with an old remote.

actually test pls! Or show where apple stated that its been removed in the new model! THANKS!
Click to expand...
There's no way to test something that isn't there. There is no IR receiver on the new iMacs, just like there isn't one on the newest MBPs.
 
ralphoi said:
Ive been trying to determine if the remote works too! I havent recieved my 2012 model yet so... appreciate if anyone with the new model can test with an old remote.

actually test pls! Or show where apple stated that its been removed in the new model! THANKS!
Click to expand...

Test all you want but the IR sensor was removed from previous iMac's after Apple did away with Front Row.
 
Just tested it out and it does not work. As GGJstudios said there is no IR receiver in the 2012 imac.
 
Please post if anyone finds a replacement remote

I just got my 2012 27 iMac and realized that, for a fact that there is no IR sensor.
I would be interested to know if anyone has found a physical replacement as in a bluetooth version. I'm not interested in an app for my iPad or iPhone. I need a physical remote and it doesn't have to have any features that the original IR remote didn't have. If anyone has found something like this , please post a reply.
 
chopperguy said:
I just got my 2012 27 iMac and realized that, for a fact that there is no IR sensor.
I would be interested to know if anyone has found a physical replacement as in a bluetooth version. I'm not interested in an app for my iPad or iPhone. I need a physical remote and it doesn't have to have any features that the original IR remote didn't have. If anyone has found something like this , please post a reply.
Click to expand...

The magic mouse works at some distance, no?
 
multicore said:
The magic mouse works at some distance, no?
Click to expand...
Yes I suppose it will, but not very practical for my needs.

I just happen to do a search for "USB IR receiver Mac" and found the site http://twistedmelon.com/mira/hardware.html
They sell a product called Manta TR1 which is a USB receiver and their software " Mira" which allows the original Mac IR remote to work with their IR receiver.
I bought the package deal (software and IR receiver for a total of $37.98 including shipping. You download the software from their site and the send you the key once you pay. The IR receiver will be shipped to me.

I have high hopes that this will restore all the functionality I enjoyed with my IR remote that came with my 24 inch iMac. The software "Mira" actually expands on the original functionality and add some user assignable customization. I will post my impression as soon as it arrives and I have time to test it.
 
chopperguy said:
Yes I suppose it will, but not very practical for my needs.

I just happen to do a search for "USB IR receiver Mac" and found the site http://twistedmelon.com/mira/hardware.html
They sell a product called Manta TR1 which is a USB receiver and their software " Mira" which allows the original Mac IR remote to work with their IR receiver.
I bought the package deal (software and IR receiver for a total of $37.98 including shipping. You download the software from their site and the send you the key once you pay. The IR receiver will be shipped to me.

I have high hopes that this will restore all the functionality I enjoyed with my IR remote that came with my 24 inch iMac. The software "Mira" actually expands on the original functionality and add some user assignable customization. I will post my impression as soon as it arrives and I have time to test it.
Click to expand...

but the usb ports are in the back, IR needs line of sight. No?
u may need a male/female usb cable or usb hub
 
gCloud said:
but the usb ports are in the back, IR needs line of sight. No?
u may need a male/female usb cable or usb hub
Click to expand...

I have the Mira Software and TR1 IR receiver. It comes with about a three-foot cable. It works pretty well. I say pretty well because something (iTunes Helper maybe) keeps taking control and when I press the menu button nothing happens. I have it configured to launch Plex when I press Menu, but I have to actually start Plex with my keyboard or mouse and then the remote works as configured.

It's a shame Apple has removed the IR receiver, but there are options out there. You don't even have to have an Apple remote to use the TR1 and Mira software. You can configure a universal remote to do what you need.
 
Use Apple Remote Witeh MCE 2005 IR Receiver & Mira

I was very bummed that Apple dropped the IR receiver. We use the Apple remote all the time. With Mira and an MCE receiver, I'm back in business. With the unregistered version, up to (6) programs can be controlled. Or buy for $15
and it's unlimited.

After you install Mira, it shows up in System Preferences, in the Other pane.

As an added bonus, this allows you control full screen Netflix also.
 
I just tested it with the remote for my Apple TV. It didn't work. The fact that there currently isn't a working battery in my remote did not impact the results of this test at all.
 
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