SmartRemote 2 (Wish List)

I'm assuming that your current HW will be evolving.  I thought we could start a "Wish List" for the next generation. 

For me:

1.  Ergonomic buttons, look at the Unfolded Circle new remote for an example...  The ability to pick up the remote with your eyes closed and pick the right hard button would be nice.  Heck, offer both choices, Ergonomic and Flat and make everyone Happy!
2.  USB port for firmware updates.  This would reduce the need to send the remote back to the mothership.
3.  User-replaceable battery
4.  More grip on the back of the remote.  The current design slips off the leather armrest easily.  A silicone protector (like on Cell phones) would work, but it would interfere with the current charger.
5.  Wireless charging...forget mechanical contacts.
6.  Side button on the other side of the remote,  This would be great for pulling up a keypad (as an example)
7.  Less pressure needed for the Volume/Channel.  My wife has significant arthritis in her hands and finds it difficult to push the buttons.   

Thanks for listening.

I would ask not only to make the buttons more ergonomic, but the shape of the remote itself. It is difficult to pick up the remote when it is flat on the table. This could provide room for a larger battery as well.

Also, a pair of small hard buttons, directly under the display, separate from the ones that are programmable. These would be dedicated to navigating the pages, back and home.

I got used to the whole industrial slab aesthetic pretty quickly but I agree that the ergonomics of the remote could be tweaked just a bit. I love how solid the SmartRemote feels and I don't think the shape needs drastic changes...IMO making the bottom plastic half slightly thicker with just more a touch more bevelling on both the top and bottom of the sides would go quite a long ways. I'd be curious if the SR manufacturer even allows for that level of customization of the design.

I could definitely get on board with two more hard buttons just below the screen. I'd still want them to be programmable however.

I'm not sure how I feel about the the buttons of the Remote 3. I'm all about tactile feedback but I envision those dimples regularly getting caked with crud and being a bit of a pain to clean. The same goes for the depression in the middle of the AVA Cinema Remote...though I'm not gonna lie that thing is sexy as hell and I'd love to mess around with one!