Caavo-- the startup founded by the developers of the Sling box-- is back with another stab at a universal remote-media hub combo. Dubbed the Control Center, it promises to manage all content across live TV, DVR, streaming services and the web.
Launched back in 2017, the first Caavo STB could control no less than 8 different devices at once, together with popular streaming services. The 2018 Control Center has similar, if somewhat stripped down, capabilities. For instance it lacks the IR-over-HDMI adapter for IR blasters, while the number of HDMI inputs is down from x8 to x4. Also gone is the wood paneling, replaced with a simple black facade.
However the Control Center does promise promise improvements through a combination of machine vision and the cloud. According to Caavo, the STB can "see" what all devices are doing, and issue appropriate commands. It also brings together all inputs (namely Bluetooth, HDMI-CEC, IR and network) with voice control and the cloud to bring about a unified control system.
Further enhancements come through Dolby Atmos audio and HDR10 visuals (with Dolby Vision to follow), smart TV app support, reduced video lag and a discovery feature allowing users to create and share playlists. Customers can also control the system through a companion iOS/Android app.
The Caavo system does come with a catch-- it requires a monthly subscription, as well as the hardware. It is available now, at least in the US.
