I wonder if the proposed iPhone apps being developed by both Lionel and MTH will result in a single remote capable of operating both command systems with a single remote?
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I hope not. I don't want to run my trains with an app.
Both DCS and Legacy remotes give me the ability to watch the trains while using feel to access the basic features. That's why the apps don't excite me. I can run trains and pay attention to the layout and not have to use visual verification to actually operate my trains.
On both the DCS and Lionel apps, more the DCS model because it is more geared to engine control, your eyes are on the remote quite a bit. Just my observation.
I do think the technology is cool and there are applications for it on my RR but running trains won't be it. Accessing accessories and switchers and the like probably would.
I know I'm a minority in this but I can hit all the major features of my MTH and Lionel engines without ever looking at the remote.
I'm pretty much in agreement with what Marty said.
When the apps are complete, they would in theory allow your phone to emulate 2 remotes (presuming they can be run at the same time - I know pretty much nothing about smart phone apps) for the 2 different systems.
So for those in favor, they will be able to control both systems with one phone. If that works for people, I am not going to complain about it, but it's not something I'm interested in (I'm also on the fence about even the iPad apps that Lionel showed a preview of in October for Legacy)
I think there's a distinction there with the difference of having "one remote". That idea I think implies using one of the existing remotes to control multiple manufacturer's trains. For full functionality, that one is seemingly never going to happen.
-Dave
I don't see the App as much of an advantage either. What I think they would be nice for is guests able to run an engine when there aren't enough remotes to go around. Although Adams family train crashes do come to mind.
Ron
