We first learned about the successor to Universal Electronic Inc.’s NevoSL last summer, even before CEDIA, however that was apparently a premature revelation. The new flagship NevoS70 has, in fact, just been officially announced today at CES 2008 in preparation for release later this year.

The NevoS70 will retail for $1199 USD and includes a host of advanced features. In addition to standard infrared, it also offers Z-Wave bidirectional RF for use with the optional NevoConnect NC-50 basestation (which adds non-line-of site IR control, serial communications and power sensing), plus 802.11g WiFi networking with HTML and Flash compatibility (for browsing internet-based information and services, or web-enabled home theater components). For ultimate convenience, the new NevoStudio Pro software even offers NevoXpress Wireless Download, which allows installers to update the remote over the Internet.

Check out the official press release below for full details.

Universal Electronics Brings Next Evolution in Home Control with Launch of NevoS70 Hand-Held Universal Controller

January 07, 2008 – CYPRESS, CA – Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI), (NASDAQ: UEIC) today announced the upcoming launch of the new NevoS70 universal controller, to be officially debuted at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on January 7th in Las Vegas, Nevada. The newest flagship product in the critically acclaimed Nevo line brings unmatched ease of use and intuitive simplicity in a beautiful industrial design.

NevoS70 is a universal controller that intuitively delivers total control of entertainment and digital media devices in today’s connected home as well as access to online information and web services. With an elegant one-handed design and a brilliant 3.5 inch color touch screen, it can be personalized for every user in the home. Combined with the industry’s largest professionally maintained infrared (IR) database, NevoS70 offers the widest array of features of any remote in its class. In addition to the rich array of features, everyone in the home will admire the sleek design of NevoS70 as it blends into both modern and traditional décor.

NevoS70 features include:

• Non-line of sight control using Z-Wave™ bidirectional wireless communications to ensure reliable command execution and to show the power status of entertainment equipment in the home
• Extended battery life and broad home coverage
• Connection to the home network for multimedia control with industry standard wireless technology (802.11g)
• Ability to view and control any device that has a compatible embedded web server, such as many web-based cameras and media servers
• Control for many home automation devices
• Access to web-based services to deliver real-time information such as news, sports and stock quotes

With NevoS70, consumers have a single control point to manage virtually all their home theater and stereo equipment while accessing digital content stored on the PC or media server. NevoS70 is capable of interacting with webservers via widely adopted technologies in order to provide a rich user experience. It can be programmed to interact with web sites to display content based on standard IP browsing technologies such as HTML, Flash and more, directly on the NevoS70 touch screen. By connecting NevoS70 to the home network via WiFi, users can check the latest sports scores from a preset website on the NevoS70 screen while enjoying their favorite game on the TV without interruption. NevoS70 can be set up to compliment the home theater experience with content optimized for CE devices. Content like financial information, online TV guides, sports updates, traffic and much more can be easily accessed on the NevoS70.

When paired with a NevoConnect NC-50 base station, NevoS70 provides non-line of site IR control, serial device control and power sensing for efficient macro programming and control. NevoS70 communication is based on industry standards -- WiFi, UPnP and Z-Wave -- to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices in home entertainment, control, and networking.

Since taking the controller market by storm, the Nevo line of products has quickly become a favorite of professional custom installers. NevoS70 is fully customizable using NevoStudio Pro, an easy-to-use software program for custom installers. Custom installers will also appreciate the ability to remotely program NevoS70 over the Internet with NevoXpress Wireless Download. Continuing the award-winning tradition of the Nevo line, NevoS70 and NevoConnect NC-50 base station have already received the status of 2008 CES Innovations Award Honorees.

“The timing couldn’t be better for the launch of NevoS70,” says Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer of UEI. “With the continuing digital convergence in the home, consumers need a product that is easy to operate and easy to use with their home digital entertainment networks. NevoS70 delivers a host of new features that are sure to make it a favorite of home enthusiasts and custom installers alike.”

NevoS70 is slated to begin shipping in 2008 with an MSRP of $1,199.

Learn more about the Nevo family of products at www.mynevo.com.