![Atom 2. [Smart Remote.]](/assets/images/products/atom-2.png)
Comparison (Atom vs. other remotes)
Introduction
While the Atom remote control is not designed to directly compete with existing options, it aims to redefine how a remote can be used. The Atom is highly configurable and can function as a smart thumper, communication device, or application platform with its 12-button grid plus power button functionality. This comparison highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the Atom compared to other popular magic remotes.
Atom is not perfect by design, but it will definitely be the most powerful remote thanks to its advanced firmware capabilities.
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Atom Remote | Wilson Nexus Remote | Thoughtcast Versa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Button Layout | 3 rows ร 4 buttons + power button (13 total) | 10 front buttons + 2 side buttons + power button (13 total) | 3ร3 grid + directional pad (15 total) |
| Button Type | Silent, tactile buttons | Standard buttons | Solid metal buttons |
| Size | 29 ร 62 ร 20 mm | 66 ร 32 ร 10.2 mm | Finger-shaped design |
| Design | Rectangular remote | Thin rectangular design | Flesh-tone, finger-shaped design |
| Concealment | Pocket use or palming | Pocket or palming | Palm concealment, fingerprint texture |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth LE, programmable | Bluetooth HID protocol | Direct watch control, no phone required |
| Power | Rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery | Rechargeable battery |
| Programming | MagiScript language | Profile-based (Standard, Media Controller) | Configurable but not programmable |
| Custom Apps | Full app development | Custom firmware via DFU | No custom app support |
| Firmware Updates | Over-the-air updates | Over-the-air updates | Over-the-air updates |
| Price Point | $247 | Unclear | $299 |
Key Differences
Atom vs. Wilson Nexus Remote
Both the Atom Remote and Wilson Nexus Remote have 13 buttons including the power button, but arranged differently. The Atom features a 3ร4 grid layout (12 buttons plus a power button with additional functionality like launching mini-apps and settings), while the Wilson Nexus Remote has 10 front buttons plus 2 side buttons, plus a dedicated power button.
The Atomโs buttons are designed to be silent and tactile with larger surfaces, making them easier to locate and press, especially the edge buttons.
While both devices feature rechargeable batteries, the Atom (29 ร 62 ร 20 mm) is slightly larger than the Wilson Nexus Remote (66 ร 32 ร 10.2 mm) to accommodate its battery and advanced electronics. The Wilson Nexus Remote is notably thinner at just 10.2 mm depth compared to the Atomโs 20 mm. Both devices support over-the-air firmware updates.
In terms of programming, the Atom offers full app development capabilities through its MagiScript language, while the Wilson Nexus Remote uses profile-based programming with options like Standard and Media Controller profiles.
Atom vs. Thoughtcast Versa
The Thoughtcast Versa features a unique finger-shaped design made of flesh-tone plastic with a fingerprint texture, allowing it to be easily concealed in the palm of your hand in plain sight. It has 15 solid metal buttons arranged in a 3ร3 grid with directional pad, providing tactile feedback on every press. The buttons are raised so they can easily be felt through clothing.
The Versa can be controlled directly without a phone and works with multiple watch brands including SB Watch, Turner Watch, Kronaby, and Fossil. Itโs the only remote that features a book test mode, allowing revelations on borrowed phones without any special apps required. Additionally, the Versa also supports unlocking a spectatorโs phone, expanding its versatility for mentalism performances.
While the Versa is priced at $299, the Atom offers different value through its full programming capabilities with MagiScript. All three remotes support over-the-air firmware updates and feature rechargeable batteries, ensuring they stay current with new features and improvements.
The Versa uses replaceable batteries, while the Atom features a built-in rechargeable battery system.
Device Compatibility and Connectivity
Direct Device Control
Thoughtcast Versa
Can directly control SB Watches, Turner Watches, Kronaby Watches, and Fossil Watches.
Atom Remote
Works directly with PeekSmith 3, Bond, SB Watches, IARVEL Watches, PeriPage and Cosmos wallet printers, and Teleport reveal device. Will also work with Spirit boards.
Wilson Nexus Remote
Can work directly with PeekSmith 3, SB Watch, and Fossil.
Background Operation
Both Atom and Nexus remotes can work with apps in the background through Bluetooth mode. All three remotes can function as Bluetooth keyboards.
Unique Features and Capabilities
Atom Remote - Unmatched Extensibility
The key differentiator for the Atom remote is its extensibility through MagiScript and mini-apps - possibilities are endless. This sets it apart from other remotes:
- Includes dozens of built-in mini-apps covering time setting (printing, revealing), card-related functions, Pi Revelations support, Magic Square, phone unlock, and more
- New mini-apps and features are added frequently
- Full programming capabilities through MagiScript language
- Magicians can create their own custom routines with MagiScript
This unparalleled programmability makes the Atom remote the most flexible option for tech-savvy performers who want to customize their routines or develop entirely new effects. Neither the Nexus nor Versa support custom app development.
Thoughtcast Versa
Features a dedicated book test mode for literary force effects. Configurable but not programmable, and does not support custom app development.
Wilson Nexus Remote
Offers multiple profiles including Celebrity Cards, Word List, and Pi Revelations support. Uses profile-based programming with options like Standard and Media Controller profiles. Like the Versa, the Nexus does not support custom app development.
Usability and Handling
Each remote offers different handling characteristics suited to various performance styles:
Atom Remote
The Atom remote is designed to work well through trouser pockets, allowing you to press buttons from the outside without removing the device. It can also be palmed for close-up work, offering versatility in handling for different performance scenarios.
Thoughtcast Versa
The Versa can be finger palmed, making it suitable for close-up work where you need to maintain direct contact with the device while keeping it concealed in your hand.
Wilson Nexus Remote
The Nexus offers versatility in handling - it can be palmed for close-up work or used inside a pocket, providing options for different performance scenarios.