I just learned that Eugene Polley passed away on Sunday at age 96.  Most of you are now saying, “Who?”  Eugene Polley is widely credited as the inventor of the television remote control.  In the 1950s, Polley was the Zenith engineer who developed the Flash-Matic television control unit, along with many other innovations.  In his nearly 50-year career, he earned 18 US patents and was influential in the development of many features and products we all take for granted.  And, he invented the remote… which in his day resembled a ray-gun and sounds infinitely cooler than the button-laden brick we all lose in our couches.  Thanks, Eugene, for all your great ideas and innovations.  Rest thee well.

Read more about Eugene Polley:  http://www.marinij.com/business/ci_20680677/eugene-polley-inventor-tv-remote-dies-at-96