NEW YORK, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SofaBaton today introduced the SofaBaton U3, an Air Mouse universal remote designed for streaming-first living rooms. It will be available through SofaBaton's official website beginning May 18, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. ET.
The idea behind U3 is simple: the living room has changed, but the remote has not. Many households now move between Apple TV, Fire TV, Google TV, Xbox, soundbars, and TVs throughout the week. U3 brings those controls into one handheld remote, with a 2.4-inch LCD screen that lets users see and switch between configured devices.
"Modern living rooms now move between streaming, gaming, and smart TV interfaces every day, but many remotes still feel designed for a different era," said a SofaBaton spokesperson. "U3 is built to bring those controls into one handheld remote, with Air Mouse navigation and app-based customization that make everyday entertainment easier to manage."
The headline feature is Air Mouse navigation. On compatible Bluetooth-connected devices, users can move an on-screen cursor with natural hand movement, making app browsing and interface control feel more direct than traditional directional buttons.
U3 also supports customizable macros for everyday routines, such as switching from streaming to gaming or setting up a movie-night sequence. For compatible Bluetooth-connected devices with native Google Assistant support, U3 adds Google voice control for search and supported voice commands.
SofaBaton U3 lets users add compatible IR devices, pair supported BLE/BT devices, and use RF433/RF315 learning for compatible RF-controlled devices through the SofaBaton app. IR control requires line-of-sight unless used with SofaBaton's optional R1 Repeater, sold separately. Air Mouse and Google voice features depend on the connected device's Bluetooth support, and Google voice is not compatible with Apple TV Siri, Fire TV Alexa, or non-Bluetooth infrared devices.
U3 includes USB-C charging, a charging dock for everyday placement, a 1200mAh Li-Polymer battery, and up to three weeks of battery life depending on usage.
SofaBaton U3 will be available May 18, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET. Consumers can secure a limited $99.99 early bird price on the SofaBaton U3 Launch Page, before it moves to the regular $129.99 retail price.
About SofaBaton
SofaBaton creates universal remote control solutions for modern home entertainment. Its products help users manage TVs, streaming devices, soundbars, projectors, game consoles, and other compatible entertainment equipment through intuitive hardware and app-based customization.
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SofaBaton Introduces U3, an Air Mouse Universal Remote for Streaming-First Living Rooms
The initial focus is on expanding payment infrastructure to support international business and enhance inbound visitor experience in China, plus collaboration on applying AI and advanced technologies to commerce and fraud prevention tools.
BEIJING, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercard, a world leading technology company in payment, and JD.com, a Nasdaq-listed technology and service company with supply chain at its core, announced a strategic partnership to deliver innovations that build a more connected, secure and intelligent commerce ecosystem.
"This is the natural next phase in our long-standing relationship with JD.com," said Michael Miebach, CEO, Mastercard. "Our shared creativity, deep experience and cutting-edge technology will provide people and businesses with the seamless and secure solutions they're looking for, all while making everyday activities easier and more rewarding. Mastercard will continue to be a bridge between China and the world."
"Global commerce is becoming increasingly connected and technology-driven," said Sandy Xu, CEO of JD.com. "Our new partnership with Mastercard will support the development of JD.com's international business and strengthen our ability to serve consumers and businesses worldwide. By combining JD.com's capabilities in digital retail, logistics and supply chain infrastructure with Mastercard's payment expertise, we will jointly explore next-generation AI-powered commerce and payment experiences powered by advanced technologies, helping shape the future of digital commerce."
Constructing global payments infrastructure and enable SMB growth
JD.com and Mastercard will work together to further integrate and enhance global payment connectivity by developing a payment infrastructure to support JD.com's international business development and enable broader use cases in global commerce.
In addition, both parties will jointly explore a cross-border supply chain finance ecosystem designed to support global small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), improving access to financing and enabling more efficient participation in international trade.
Enhancing cross border consumption experience
JD.com and Mastercard will deepen collaboration to expand the payment choices for international travelers in China. This includes supporting the broader acceptance of international cards and delivering an enhanced checkout, shopping, and tax-refund experiences for overseas visitors across JD.com's e-commerce platforms and retail channels.
The two companies will also explore opportunities to support agentic AI-powered purchasing solutions for consumers and businesses through Mastercard Agent Pay, while also expanding co‑branded card initiatives.
Strengthening a resilient and secure commerce ecosystem
JD.com and Mastercard will deepen cooperation in risk management, identity authentication, and intelligent anti-fraud solutions. Through enhanced real-time risk monitoring and fraud prevention capabilities, the partnership aims to elevate transaction security and strengthen the stability and resilience of digital commerce.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Mastercard and JD.com announce strategic partnership to support business growth through payments innovation
