The Xbox One's Media Remote could be the missing link in the living room

You can already control the Xbox One with your voice, gestures, or a game controller, but sometimes you just want an old-fashioned remote.

Microsoft announced yesterday that it will release the Xbox One Media Remote in early March for $25. The remote can control the Xbox One, but is also capable of controlling other devices, such as a TV or AV receiver, by firing out commands via the Kinect. (It's unclear exactly what wireless technology the remote itself uses.) It also features backlighting as well as motion-sensing, so the buttons illuminate when you pick it up -- crucial for a dark home theater.

While a traditional remote may seem superfluous given all the other ways you can control the Xbox One, it's exactly the kind of device I felt the Xbox One needed to better handle home entertainment duties. Here's what I wrote back when the console launched:

As much as it runs counter to the philosophy of the system, the Xbox One cries out for a dedicated Xbox One remote. Adjusting volume using your voice just doesn't work well, especially if you like to ride the volume control while watching TV. If you prefer using the Xbox controller to control TV, rather than your voice, you'll typically need to "wake up" the controller before making any commands, which takes a few seconds. A regular remote is always ready to go as soon as you pick it up.
At least at first glance, the Media Remote looks like it should provide the missing link I was looking for in the living room.