IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), and eXtensible Markup Language (XML) are highlighted as researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) describe their Pebbles project. Pebbles was begun to find out if a handheld device can act as a straightforward, more effective remote control. Research into the concurrent use of multiple devices is part of the Pebbles project, which has developed more than 30 applications for exploring innovative ways in which users can employ handhelds as wireless remote controls in offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, homes, factories, and military command posts. For instance, the PDA is being studied for use as a customizable, intelligent personal universal controller (PUC) for appliances, and the researchers also want to know how personal digital assistants (PDAs) can help provide appliance and computer access for the disabled. For PC control applications, customized Pebbles project applications communicate with the PC through any available wireless or wired connection, whether 802.11, Bluetooth, serial cable, or Universal Serial Bus (USB). Topics covered include the business setting, projects researching the concept of a universal remote control device, military applications, education applications, general computer applications, appliance specification languages, appliance adaptors, and multi-machine user interfaces. The PUC specification language documentation is available via free download at pebbles.hcii.cmu.edu/puc.