Does the phone have an IR port? Is there any benefit from an infrared port in modern smartphones and tablets?

In one of the articles we looked at the question of how to unlock an Android phone if you forgot your graphic password.

The possibilities of a modern smartphone are limitless. Almost any technical problem, are we doing complicated computational work, or we just want to “teach” the gadget new capabilities, we can solve it in a few taps on the screen. Let's talk about how to use mobile gadget On Android you can control your TV. This may be necessary if the original remote control has failed and there is no way to quickly replace it.

Not so long ago, in order to turn on the TV from a smartphone, you had to have special technical knowledge, but now it is enough to install a special Android application. The TV must have certain functions that can be used to establish a connection between the TV and the smartphone:

• Smart TV. Allows you to connect to your TV via Wi-Fi
• IR port
• Bluetooth module

The corresponding modules must be installed in the phone.

Large manufacturers such as LG, Panasonic or Samsung develop applications specifically for their models. We will consider universal programs for Android, which turns your smartphone into a remote control for various TV models.

TV Remote Control

OS version: Android 2.2 or later
Download
Cost: Free

A universal application that allows you to control your TV from your phone. The program does not support the Russian language, but you can figure it out simple menu even a novice user can do it. All you need to do is set the connection mode (IR or Wi-Fi), enter the IP address of the TV and install the desired model.

The application supports a huge number of TV models, including:

• Samsung
• Panasonic
• Vizio
• Sharp
• Funai
• JVC and many others

The application has a basic set of commands for a TV: a power button, a numeric keypad, buttons for switching channels and sound settings. The application does not have a paid advanced version, so advertisements will appear on the control panel from time to time.

Remote control

OS version: Android 4.0.3 or later
Download
Cost: Free

A convenient application that turns your smartphone into a TV remote control. In the settings, just select the connection mode: via infrared or Wi-Fi. In the second case, the program itself can determine the IP address of the TV and connect to it. The phone program allows you to manage models from seven manufacturers:

• Samsung
• Toshiba
• Panasonic
• Phillips
• Sharp

The application developers claim that new TV models are added with each update.

The TV is controlled from a smartphone through a simple menu in which you can select the signal source (TV or AV), enter the TV menu, switch channels using numeric keypad or individual software buttons and adjust the sound.

The application does not have paid version, so you won’t be able to disable pop-up ads.

Other Fly smartphones
On our website you can find a catalog with other Fly smartphones on Android.

Easy Universal TV Remote

OS version: Android 2.3 or later
Download
Cost: Free

A smartphone application that turns your Android device into a TV remote control. It differs from previous programs only in its interface: with its help you can control the sound, change channels and turn off the TV.

To get started, you need to select one of three connection modes and your TV model.

Majority free applications They have one main drawback: they cannot disable advertising. You can get rid of annoying banners and significantly expand the functionality of your smartphone as a TV remote control by installing paid applications.

Galaxy universal remote control

Download
Cost: 219 rubles

A universal application for a smartphone that allows you to make your gadget a remote control not only for your TV, but also for any household appliances with built-in IR port.

If there are several TVs in the house, the application user can make bookmarks for each model for quick access at any time. If connected to the TV additional devices, such as amplifiers or game consoles, the universal remote can be configured for each device from one menu.

The application has extensive functionality:

• Unique control panel. The user can add his own command buttons, set their shape, size and color, and set his own icon on each button.
• Creating macros. Ability to customize a list of actions for one click. This could be turning on the TV, switching to a certain channel, or increasing the volume.
• Create and save custom IR command codes
• Scanning device models to configure phone alignment
• Backup. All settings and commands can be transferred to another phone.
• Widget for the home screen of an Android smartphone. You can control the TV without even going into the application.

If the application is found to be incompatible with specific model TV, the developers have provided a system for returning money paid for the program.

OneZap Remote

OS version: Android 4.0 or later
Download
Cost: 172 rubles

A convenient and inexpensive application that allows you to turn your smartphone into a TV remote control. The program database contains 250 integrated devices:

• Samsung
• Denon
• Pioneer
• Onkyo and so on

The application user can use either a preset menu or create his own by selecting color scheme interface, size and shape of buttons. If a DVD player is connected to the TV, you can create separate button or a set of buttons to control both devices.

A modern smartphone can be used not only for calls, SMS or communication on social media. networks and endless games. Did you know that any modern Android smartphone can be turned into a TV remote control?

You and I live in a time when we have a telephone in our hands much more often than a TV remote control, even among the adult generation. So why not turn your smartphone or tablet into a TV remote control, which will also allow you to put your main remote control away in the deepest drawer of your dresser. And the number of control panels located on the sofa will decrease by at least one.

Android smartphones that can be called a complete alternative to TV remote controls remote control(hereinafter referred to as remote control) are divided into two categories: those that use an infrared port (hereinafter referred to as IR), and those that use small device- Chromecast to control your TV.

Can also be installed on a smartphone special application to control your TV, if the latter has a LAN port or Wi-Fi.

Now we will look at both of these options.

Smartphone with built-in IR port

Unfortunately, the IR ports in Android devices are on the verge of extinction. In the last 12 months alone, a number of flagship models smartphones, but only a few are equipped with an infrared port.

For example, Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge still supported infrared, but the next flagships S7 and S7 Edge already No. IN HTC One M10 and Samsung Galaxy Note 5 IR ports were also consigned to the dustbin of history. But their Chinese counterparts do not disappoint with their devices. Xiaomi Mi5, Meizu Pro 6, Huawei P9 and others contain IR port.

Smartphones that come with an IR blaster usually have an add-on operating system or separate application, which comes with your smartphone to control the IR port. But the functionality of such solutions leaves much to be desired. Therefore, if your smartphone has an infrared port, then I advise you to pay attention to the third option - install a third-party application.

Here's a short review three best IR applications for Android.

Third party apps for infrared

1.Smart IR Remote

Smart IR Remote supports approximately 900,000 various devices, making it the most widely used IR control application among its peers.

In theory, the Smart IR Remote will work with any IR-compatible device in your home, so its usefulness goes beyond the limitations of just a TV remote. Using this application and a smartphone with an infrared port, you can also easily control domestic air conditioners, ceiling fans, Hi-Fi receivers and speaker systems, as well as digital SLR cameras.

Smart IR Remote

The application also works with a huge number Wi-Fi devices, For example, wireless speakers Sonos, Philips wireless lamps and Amazon Fire TV boxes.

The Logitech Harmony Smart Control universal remote comes with a hub that connects to any TV or TV receiver. There is also a smartphone application that interacts with the hub. Those. in fact, even if you don’t need a universal remote control, the application on your smartphone is very useful. From the application you can control channels, volume, modes and everything else.

Logitech Harmony Smart Control

According to Logitech device works with more than 270,000 devices, and the database is constantly growing. So you don't have to worry about wasted money. The remote control and hub will work for at least several years, or even more, without any problems with new gadgets and TVs equipped with IR.

3. Roku TV and Google Chromecast vs Apple TV: the agony of choice

Roku TV, Google Chromecast and Apple TV make up the lineup digital media players, focused primarily on viewing streaming content.

Each of these multimedia devices is popular for its audience. It is impossible to single out a clear leader; each player has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, Apple TV is not able to provide access Android users. And Roku TV and Google Chromecast will not be able to use the library on iTunes.

With each of these multimedia players you can watch TV shows on your TV in high quality. A bonus is the ability to control the set-top box from a smartphone with an infrared port to configure it and switch channels, control the volume and other functions of the remote control.

The cost of Apple TV is 99 $ or 6,500 rubles. on Yandex.Market.

Roku TV starts at $80 for the HD version on the official website.

The cost of Google Chromecast starts from 3890 rubles. for the version without hard drive on Yandex.Market.

These are not cunning ways available to every owner of a smartphone with an infrared port who wants to control a TV, air conditioner and others household appliances, equipped with an IR receiver. If you are really tired of having several remote controls in your house or apartment that you can’t find when you need them, then turn your Android smartphone into a universal remote control for all these devices.

A user who wants to control equipment from a smartphone should first of all pay attention to gadgets Xiaomi. Almost everything mobile devices from this Chinese manufacturer are equipped with infrared sensors. The owner of a Xiaomi smartphone will not have to search third party software V Google Play and install it - you can turn the gadget into a remote control using pre-installed application MiRemote. Models from other manufacturers also have infrared sensors. Let's briefly talk about the most remarkable smartphones with IR ports on Android.

• 5 inches, Full HD
• Rear/Front Camera: 20 Mpix / 4 Mpix
• 3 GB / 32 GB (expandable up to 128 GB)
• Battery capacity: 2840 mAh

Price: from 21,590 rubles

On Galaxy background S8 samsung smartphone The 6th generation looks outdated, so now is the chance to purchase it at a fairly low cost.

Huawei Mate 9

• Display diagonal and resolution: 9 inches, Full HD
• Rear/Front Camera: 12 Mpix / 8 Mpix
• RAM / built-in memory: 4 GB / 64 GB (memory expandable up to 256 GB)
• Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

Price: from 31,048 rubles

Huawei, unlike the two previous models, at the time of writing this article is a new product on the mobile electronics market. The gadget was released only at the end of 2016. The main highlight of the Mate 9 is its performance. The smartphone operates on a processor Kirin 960. Huawei representatives proudly declare that this system is currently one of the most efficient, and flaunt impressive statistics: the GPU performance of the new model is 80% higher than that of the Mate 8, while power consumption is 15% lower. Add to this an almost 6-inch FullHD display and we get the ideal gadget for a gamer.

Behind all the outstanding performance achievements, another very important advantage of the smartphone often goes unnoticed - it has an infrared port. The sensor is located on the upper end on the right side. The IR app on the Mate 9 is factory installed. If you believe user reviews, the new gadget from Huawei handles remote control of TVs and air conditioners with a “5 plus.”

Ulefone Vienna

• Display diagonal and resolution: 5 inches, Full HD
• Rear/Front Camera: 13 Mpix / 5 Mpix
• RAM / built-in memory: 3 GB / 32 GB (memory expandable up to 64 GB)
• Battery capacity: 3250 mAh

Price: from 8,038 rubles

Chinese smartphone Ulefone – best choice for a music lover who is looking for a gadget with excellent sound and at a low price. It is not for nothing that the device is named after the music capital of Europe - “on board” the smartphone from Ulefone there is a Hi-Fi audio chip NXP Smart PA, which provides rich and clear sound from the speaker even at maximum volume. In addition, the Ulefone Vienna device is equipped with a built-in amplifier that can “boost” even the most budget headphones.

An additional advantage of the Android “music box” is the presence of an infrared sensor, which is located on the top end almost in the middle. There is no pre-installed software for remote control of equipment - the user will have to download one of the applications for the infrared port on Google Play. The Ulefone Vienna gadget is compatible with any of these programs - even with the Mi Remote application designed for Xiaomi smartphones, it interacts perfectly.

Ulefone Vienna is a budget device, and this is another of its advantages. For music smartphone With infrared port the buyer will not have to pay even 10 thousand rubles.

LeEco LE S3

• Display diagonal and resolution: 5 inches, Full HD
• Rear/Front Camera: 16 Mpix / 8 Mpix
• RAM / built-in memory: 3 GB / 32 GB (not expandable)
• Battery capacity: 3000 mAh

Price: from 10,990 rubles

LeEcoL.E.S3– very fresh chinese smartphone, which began selling in Russia only in January 2017. The gadget has a thin all-metal body (only 7.5 mm) and is available in gray, gold and pink flowers. Design is the main advantage of the LE S3 model. The smartphone looks very presentable and impressive – especially for budget segment, to which he belongs. The IR port located on the top end of the smartphone is not the most notable design feature of the LeEco LE S3. The gadget boasts a fingerprint sensor, support for fast charging and the presence of a connector. There is no standard 3.5 mm headphone jack, but this is not a problem. The smartphone comes with excellent headphones with a Type-C plug, as well as an adapter with USB Type-C on 3.5-Jack. It is worth noting that LeEco LE S3 is one of the most available models with a new type USB connector on the world market.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, the IR port in modern smartphones- refinement Even expensive models may lack an infrared sensor. In particular, the most anticipated phone of spring, Samsung Galaxy S8, cannot be used as a remote control - at least without additional equipment. If you have a great desire to purchase a smartphone with an infrared port, you should pay attention to models from Chinese manufacturers. Xiaomi has mastered IR technology to perfection, LeTV, Ulefone, Huawei, Oukitel also regularly delight their fans with new devices with infrared sensors. Modern gadgets these companies are not inferior either in terms of quality or functionality Samsung flagships and HTC from two years ago.

An infrared photon walks into a bar and asks, “Is it hot in here for everyone or just me?” Do you understand the meaning? Here's a hint: infrared radiation is essentially temperature radiation... Okay, don't bother with the physics. Let's rather focus on smartphones with IR blaster.

No, radiating heat is not the purpose of those small IR LEDs built into many smartphones. Not even close. The IR port inside the phone allows it to perform the function universal remote control remote control of a range of home electronic devices. Using a specially downloaded app, your phone can remotely control your TV, set-top boxes, and maybe even your air conditioner.

Not all smartphones have an IR blaster, which is why we have compiled a list of flagships that are equipped with it. Below you can see their best representatives:

1. Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 Active

Starting with Galaxy S4 Samsung started include IR ports in your flagships. Its current leader, the Galaxy S6, and its derivatives, the Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 Active, are no exception. All three phones come with the Peel app Smart Remote, which works like an advanced TV guide with reminders and recommendations.

IR port on LG G4 allows you to control TV, DVD/player Blu Ray, air conditioner, almost any device that can be controlled using an IR remote control. You can set the universal controller profile manually by transmitting the existing radio remote control signal to the phone's IR port. The latter reads the signal and stores information about its purpose.

Yes, the LG Flex 2 also comes with an IR blaster built into its curved body. It works on the same principle as on the LG G4.

4. HTC One M9, HTC One M9+

One of the first HTC phones equipped with an IR port was the One M7. This option has been cleverly built into the Power button. The HTC One M9 and One M9+ take over the IR option from their predecessor, greatly enhancing its functionality with the pre-loaded Peel Smart Remote app.

If you live in Asia, you can purchase one of the HTC One ME. Apart from the IR port, the phone also features a Quad HD screen, a powerful MediaTek system and a 20MP camera inside a semi-polycarbonate body.

6. Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge

They may be last year's models, but they can still take a hit. Both the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge are capable of replacing your TV remote control with their IR ports. And it is possible that they will also be joined by Note model 5, which should be officially announced in the coming weeks.

The high-end ZTE Nubia Z9 has a lot of options to impress us with, including a powerful hardware configuration and a stylish design with an edge-to-edge screen. But it also boasts an IR port, with which you can remotely control home appliances.

8. Oppo Mirror 5, Mirror 5s

Oppo Mirror 5 and Mirror 5s are two promising budget Chinese devices. Their IR port will allow you to control devices remotely, and a special lens increases the range of the beam. Both phones are coming out in August.

IN lately It’s no secret that the modern technology manufacturer Xiaomi constantly surprises its consumers with unusual functions and capabilities of its device, which greatly simplify life and any everyday activities. One such feature is an infrared port or infrared port(IR port) – function of controlling equipment from the phone. That is, to switch channels, turn it louder/quieter, you don’t need to look for the remote control or get up from the couch. Because you can do everything from your gadget.

It would seem that such an option is most likely located only on the latest models and is not available on every phone. However, no. Now infrared radiation is present, if not in all, then in many Xiaomi phones.

Xiaomi smartphones with IR port:

• Xiaomi Redmi 5
• Xiaomi Redmi 4
• Xiaomi Redmi 4x
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 4
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
• Xiaomi Mi 5
• Xiaomi Mi 8, etc.

But on new flagship Unfortunately, they decided not to include an IR port.

Actually, it is not necessary to talk about which smartphones have this feature, you can check it yourself - look at the top edge of the phone, there is a black dot of the IR port.

Another way to check the presence of an IR port in advance is to visit the website “5nch.com/database/”, filter smartphones “Only with IrDA", select the device brand (Xiaomi) and start the search.

Benefits of Infrared

As you can already notice, the IR port is very useful option, with which you can control almost all household appliances, which is perhaps the main advantage.

IrDA Xiaomi also has the following advantages:

1. To control the equipment, no wires, special batteries, recharging, connections, etc. are needed;
2. You can exercise full control of the TV: turn on/off, scroll through channels, adjust the volume and several more functions;
3. You can control the air conditioner;
4. You can control kitchen appliances;
5. It is also possible to control players, speakers, set-top boxes, cameras, including action cameras, if such a company is supported by the program, as well as other types of equipment.

Mi Remote program: how to use and configure the IR port

Since it is impossible to activate the IR port through the “Settings” of the phone, there is a special program– Mi Remote (Mi Remote). As a rule, this application is installed on the phone along with the firmware and does not require separate downloading, but if you suddenly do not find it on your gadget, install the program via Play Market.

Mi Remote has a Chinese name in the Play Market, but most likely the utility you need will be located in the first place, and also look for the developer name “Xiaomi.Inc”. Despite this, during operation itself it is possible to configure the Russian language.

Main advantages of Mi Remote:

• Multi-language support;
• If you do not find the application on your phone, you can download it;
• User-friendly interface and simple design;
• Easy to use;
• Doesn't take up much space on the phone;
• Usually already installed on the Xiaomi device.

So, after downloading or discovering the program, you can begin to activate and configure it.

You will need an Internet connection, but only at the stage of connecting the IR port to the model.

Instructions:

• Open the “Mi Remote” application, you will see a blank screen and a button at the bottom prompting you to “Add a remote control”, in other words, select the device you want to control - click;

• Next, select the type of equipment you need;

• Then indicate the manufacturer of the device you have chosen, for example, a TV from Samsung, a set-top box from Xiaomi, and more. The list contains all models of companies available for management - from the most popular and new to less relevant and possibly outdated.

This is where you find out whether your technique can be controlled. This may not happen if the device is too old.

• The program will offer you the found device and ask you to tell whether it is on or off (for those who have not translated the application into Russian: the right button is off, the left button is on);

• Next, you can enter additional data and create a shortcut for your desktop;
• Having identified your device, Mi Remote will ask you to test all the buttons: on, off, volume, switches, etc., which you will need to do by directing IrDA to the device. Don't worry if the work is slow - the connection is just being established, so you will need to wait a little.

• If you did everything correctly, the procedure will be successful and the remote control will be ready for use;
• Ready! The configured remote looks like this:

If you are unable to recognize your device, try entering additional information in a special tab.

What else you need to know about Mi Remote:

• If your phone has this application, but when turned on it gives an error, try deleting it and downloading it again from the Play Market;
• If the program crashes and stops working, please contact service centers, if you are not one hundred percent sure that you can resume work yourself;
• If after downloading the application you cannot install the Russian language, check the name of the developer, it should be like this: “Xiaomi.Inc”;
• It is possible to control several devices at once via Mi Remote. To do this, you will just need to switch between devices.

Alternative applications

In addition to Mi Remote, there are other programs that allow you to control the infrared port.

To find something third-party, go to the Play Market and enter the phrase " remote control».

What applications can be used to remotely control equipment:

• “ZaZa Remote” is enough popular program, supporting about 8,000 brands and 300,000 various models. The software is free, and the setup and operation are the same as with Mi Remote.
• “Peel Smart Remote” is a program that allows you to control TVs. Helps you find interesting shows/programs and even schedules them for you.
• "SURE Universal Remote» – management of digital and household appliances. Connection via Wi-Fi or infrared. The ability to display photo and video files from your phone to the TV screen.

You can find more detailed lists of remote control applications on special sites, for example, on w3bsit3-dns.com.