Using your iDevice as a universal remote sounds like a great idea, right? The only problem is that solutions thus far have been expensive. Not anymore. Ryz Media has an app and hardware combo that totals $9.99. Yeah, less than ten bucks. That’s so crazy it might just work. Check out the promo video after the break.

Maybe you didn’t think ThinkFlood’s original RedEye IR dock was the best solution for controlling your IR gear. That’s okay, because ThinkFlood listened and is preparing to release the RedEye mini; and like their original IR solution it’s just a bit different from the competition. Instead of using the dock connector and a dongle like everyone else, the RedEye mini uses your iDevice’s headphone jack. Anyone else feeling a little deja vu?

Overall, the RedEye iPhone universal remote system works very well. As long as all of your gear works with IR, then you’re set. The app is pretty slick looking and has enough functionality to shake a stick at. But there are two huge problems here. First, the dock isn’t intended to move, so either you’ll want to have all of your IR gear in one room, or, to ThinkFlood’s delight, you could buy more than one RedEye dock. But now we’re to problem two; it costs way too much.

You might feel like you’re pulling at the strings of the world with an iPhone in your hand, but there’s one thing you’ll have some difficulty with: controlling your TV. Well, I suppose that’s always been the case, even with universal remotes of the past. This year, you’ll have plenty of accessory options to control your TV or other IR gear from your iPhone.