I came across this new hand held remote interface for computer based TVs this morning on engadget. It’s called GlideTV Navigator, and looks like it’s designed to be an aesthetically pleasing remote you’d want to leave on your coffee table.

Unfortunately, it looks like the aesthetics stopped with the industrial design of the device, because it’s my opinion that the software UI looks awful. It looks like a hodgepodge strangely aligned, inconsistently styled, and in some cases unlabeled buttons. Hopefully, all will be explained if I ever get an opportunity to sample the device.

The device itself also reeks a little bit of over design. For instance, there are eight buttons surrounding the trackpad, none of them labeled. Four are arrow buttons, and I think most could figure out which they are. But, the four other buttons are for Escape/Back/Function/and Enter. Your guess is as good as mine as to which is which. Also, the rounded bottom of the device may prove to be difficult. As you try to thumb around the device, I would imagine that it would “rock” in your hand as you attempt to hit the Glide/Power/Search/Playback/and Volume buttons. Those with smaller hands, or short thumbs might find this a two handed remote.

Of course, I haven’t used the device yet. These observations are all off the top of my head. It’ll be interesting to see how the market receives this.