Though the trend of watching movies and TV series in online video streaming platforms is reaching the peak, the practice of watching television is not yet dead. And, it is common in every family especially Indian households to lose the remote every other minute and create big chaos out of it. But, did you know that you can easily control your television with remote apps available on your smartphones?
Now, you might think that it is only possible to control modern-day television with a Wi-Fi connection. But, thanks to the features of IR blaster which helps to control any smart appliances with an IR receiver. But, with the advancement in technology, many companies have stopped incorporating the feature of IR blaster such as Apple. Does that mean iOS users can’t control a television or other smart appliances with remote?
No, that is just a misunderstanding. Many apps have been launched over time for both Android and iOS with different criteria. Without further ado, let’s dive into the details.
Best TV Remote Apps for Android
Google Home
The main function of the Google Home app is to control Google Home and Google Chromecast devices. While the app is free, the hardware isn’t pocket-friendly. If you don’t have either of the hardware, then just pick a movie or series to cast on your television. The first two TV brands to design inbuilt Google Home Compatibility are Sony & LG.
Peel
Peel is one of the most popular apps for both Android and iOS. The best feature of Peel is the app works both for your local network or IR-receiver. Many Android devices still have IR blaster and hence the app works best for them. So, if you are an Android user and installing Peel, you don’t need to worry about the configuration of your television.
Roku
Roku is a very versatile app controlling almost every activity that is performed using the television remote. The only feature that Roku cannot perform is changing the volume. The app of Roku is free and also there are no monthly fees for using any Roku devices or watching free channels.
Sure
The full name of Sure is Sure Universal Smart TV Remote. Apart from controlling the televisions, it can also be used for controlling other devices with an IR blaster. Sure also has the feature of DLNA and supports Wi-Fi connection which helps in sharing media like video and images. Sure is one of the best TV remote apps as it also supports Alexa.
Mi Remote
Since MI phones are one of the bestselling mobile phones in the current market, everyone should be aware of this feature. The app is best known for its simple user interface. Once you install the app, it automatically scans for devices it can connect and control. This is a bonus for all the Android users as Mi remote is available for all of them.
Best TV Remote Apps for iOS
Peel
The full name of Peel is Peel Universal Smart TV Remote Control. It can support a wide range of devices including TV, satellite box, DVD player, etc. The app supports Apple TV thus making it one of the best TV remote apps for iOS. Peel can also control many home appliances like air conditioning.
Apple TV Remote
Though there are many apps for controlling TV remote, this is the official app for iOS users. The app supports Siri as well. Apple TV Remote also a gaming mode thus making it more versatile and better than other apps.
Amazon Fire TV Remote
Since Apple devices don’t come with an IR blaster, the choices for iOS are limited but not too less. Amazon Fire TV Remote is available for both Android and iOS. The device can be controlled using the touchpad and voice instructions. If you have more than one Fire TV devices in your home, the app helps to switch instantly between them.
AnyMote
This is one of the most popular apps after Apple TV Remote. AnyMote can connect to all of your smart devices at the same time. The unique feature of AnyMote is that it can send a series of commands to multiple devices at the same time. This is available for Android as well.
Conclusion Most of the apps that are available for TV remote can be installed on both iOS and Android. Although the choices for Android are more as some of them still have an IR blaster. But, versatile apps like Amazon Fire TV Remote app are the best for serving both the OS.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more