The best replacement for remote is clicker.

The best alternatives to remote are rated as following:
★★★★★  clicker
★★★  local
★★  local ejb
★★  recent memory
★★  relay
★★  remotely
★  wii remote plus
★  telecommute
★  motion plus
★  rf remote
★  nunchuck
★  ir remote
★  2 way remote
  secure client
  cable release
  logmein
  channel changer
  harmony
  irule
  converter
  wii remote
  local port forwarding
  self contained
  tiller
  wii play
  distant
  remote plus
  wii remote motion plus
  wii motion plus

Your alternative for remote is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about remote, one probably shouldn't forget about code search.

Other search terms related to remote and their ratings are:
★★★★★ code search
★★★★ wii play
★★★★ motion plus
★★★★ ouya
★★★ apple tv
★★★ xbmc
★★★ bottle opener
★★★ beer opener
★★ laser pointer
★★ nunchuck
★★ mouse control
★ ip
★ rf
★ headphones
★ powerblaster transmitter
★ keyboard for samsung tv
★ speaker
★ dock
You have in mind a companion for remote and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of remote in all years. Click on graph for more.
remote
clicker
local