Infrared port for smartphone. How to make an IR port for Android

How to enable IR port on Xiaomi phone: step by step instructions. Application for IR port Mi Remote and its alternatives. What to do if there is no IR port?

Our children will never know that once upon a time televisions were tube-based, and there was no way to control them remotely. To turn up the volume or change the channel, I had to get up from the couch every time. Today, there is no need for unnecessary movements; moreover, you can collect all the remote controls for consumer electronics in your smartphone, and put the plastic transmitters in a box and hide it in the closet (or take it out to the balcony).

At this point it would be possible to make a remark that to implement the function remote control household appliances your smartphone should have infrared port, but... in fact, this is not entirely true. If there is a 3.5 mm audio jack or at least microUSB, consider the remote control in your pocket. True, you will have to get an additional accessory, but this is not a problem - an external IR port for a TV can be bought for some 100-300 rubles.

In this publication we will talk about how to enable the IR port for a TV using Xiaomi phones as an example. The remote control of any household appliance in smartphones from other manufacturers can be configured in the same way. Especially for those who need detailed instructions We will prepare separate materials on setting up a port in Samsung or Huawei.

Smartphones with IR port

A built-in infrared port is found in almost all Xiaomi smartphones, not only in flagships, but also in budget and mid-segment models. You can find out whether your phone has an IR port or not in the specifications. By the way, in our database it is easy to select phones equipped with this function.

• Go to .
• In “Basic filters”, select the manufacturer you are interested in (in our example it is Xiaomi, but you can choose any brand).
• Open additional filters and check the "Yes" option in the "IrDA only" filter.
• Click the button New search" Ready!

Additionally, you can change the table settings by selecting the “Communications” block or the “IrDA” item separately, but this is not necessary. Searching the database will work fine in any case, and you will get a list of phones with an IR port. If you want to see more models, after the first issue, click the “Add” button. If you are only interested budget phones, enable the “Price class” filter or manually set the price range in additional filters (Price: min, Price: max).

How to enable Xiaomi IR port?

So, we made sure that the smartphone has infrared transmitter, all that remains is to figure out how to turn on the IR port and configure it correctly. To turn any Xiaomi phone into a remote control, all you need is one proprietary utility called Mi Remote. This IR app is developed and supported by programmers Chinese company, so you can be sure of its compatibility with your smartphone.

Typically, the IR port application in Xiaomi smartphone already installed. Even if you have one that was released on a “bare” Android, Mi Remote is in it. And, by the way, it works successfully even with very old TVs, tested from personal experience.

If for some reason unknown to us, applications for IR Xiaomi port your phone doesn't have it, you can download Mi Remote from Google Play. To do this, simply follow the link provided above. Log in to the page through your Google account and install the free application on your phone.

The Mi Remote IR app gives you the ability to control not only your TV, but any consumer electronics equipped with an IR port. This could be an air conditioner, audio system, projector, DVD player, robot vacuum cleaner or stereo system. The first step is to select the type of device for which you want to enable the remote control, then select the brand from the proposed list.

Go to the application for the infrared port, click the “+” icon in top corner screen, select the type of equipment and brand. There will be plenty of brands on the proposed list; it is extremely unlikely that your equipment will not be on it. There are LG, Samsung, Sony, Thompson, HiSense, Konka, Sharp, Haier, LeTV and even brands whose names we saw for the first time.

Example. Do you want to enable the remote control via IR port? Samsung TV. First, select the type of device (TV) for which you need a remote control, and then the manufacturer (Samsung, Sony, or whatever you have). In the same way, we turn on the remote control for a split system, air conditioner or music center via the IR port.

The next step is to turn on the TV, point the IR port at it and press the red button on the phone screen to read information about the configuration of the control system. You may have to repeat the procedure two or three times, this is normal.

Next, you will be asked to check the IR port for the TV. To do this, you need to press the on/off button on the smartphone screen. Click. If everything is configured correctly, the TV will turn off. The application will ask you to confirm the device's response. After setting, the display will display a full-fledged remote control with all buttons. We recommend adding it to your home screen for quick access.

As you can see, turning on the remote control for consumer electronics via the IR port is very simple. And if you don’t like the proprietary Mi Remote utility (for example, it may lack virtual buttons), you can install a universal application from third-party developers on your smartphone.

IR Port Apps: Alternatives

Enter in the search bar in Google Play the phrase “remote control”. A search will turn up dozens of applications for remote control of consumer electronics, most of them free.

It's hard to say which app will appeal to you because, despite sharing basic functionality, they often differ greatly in details. One of the best applications for the infrared port is ZaZa Remote. The program is absolutely free. Currently more than 300,000 models are supported household appliances, from TVs to light bulbs and fans, and over 8,000 brands. If your equipment is suddenly not on the list, write to the developers, they will add it. You already know how to turn on the IR port using this application. The algorithm of actions is the same as when setting up the IR port via mi Remote.

Another one of popular programs Sure Universal Remote, offers a built-in media player supporting all major formats and additional features in the form of direct transfer of media files (music, video) from a smartphone to SmartTV. If you have a regular TV at home, the function will not be useful, but if it is a “smart” one, it can be very useful.

The disadvantage of the application is its relatively large weight and abundance of advertising. On the other hand, developers update the program, add new features, and offer it all for free. Considering all this, they can be forgiven for advertising.

How to enable the infrared port if there is none?

The question of how to turn on the infrared port if there is none may seem a little strange, but this is only at first glance. If your phone does not have a built-in port, the situation is easy to fix. We will prepare detailed material describing different IR transmitters, but for now we will tell you in general terms what kind of animal this is and what it is eaten with.

An IR transmitter is a miniature accessory that looks like a keychain. The difference from a key fob is that it can emit infrared waves and connects to a smartphone. Connection is made via a 3.5mm audio jack or microUSB.

Using such a transmitter, you can turn on the remote control for your TV or air conditioner via the IR port, even on a phone that is not equipped with an infrared port. A very convenient thing, especially considering that such an accessory is inexpensive - you can buy it in Chinese online stores for a couple of hundred rubles, and some retailers will also offer you free shipping.

That's all. If you can’t turn on the IR port on your Xiaomi smartphone, write in the comments, we will help you!

Hi all! As I promised in one of the previous reviews, today I will write about another “smart” 3.5 mm mini-jack for a smartphone. When I saw this device in a Chinese store, I immediately wanted to touch it with my hands, test it, so to speak.

The purpose of this device is not immediately clear. It turned out that this is a mini-add-on for a smartphone for controlling various devices via infrared communication. Simply put, this is a replacement remote control for almost any device, where the keyword is “almost”, and more on that below. It works using an application that is available for free in the Android market. It also seems to work with apples.

Now everything is in order. This plug arrived along with a bunch of other products, the packaging was simple, a regular bag with a zipper, and a stylus was included as a gift. capacitive screens.

The stylus cord is also inserted into the headphone jack, by the way.

For a long time I could not find an application in the market that would suit in this case. Then I went to the product page in the store and found the name. Just write “zazaremote” in the market search, install, launch, and then just insert this device into your phone.

In the program interface, you immediately select the type of device (TV, DVD, air conditioner, camera, TV set-top box, etc.). Then a list of manufacturers appears, and then a list of models.

Everything seems simple. The first thing I tested the device on was my camera. I chose Nikon from the list, and what’s strange is that they only gave me one model - the D90. Although I have a D5100 - everything worked! Then there was TV. This is where things get more complicated. I have an old LG CRT, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t configure anything other than on/off and switching channels. I checked it at work on a plasma Samsung - everything is fine.

By the way, in the settings you can save all your remote controls, then simply move from one to another. And yet, the interface of the remote control itself is always different different devices. For example, here is a screenshot of how the DSLR control panel is displayed (the photo is not mine, I found it on Google).

The original remote looks the same.

The mini-jack sticks out from the body by only 10-12 mm, but, unlike the cover button, this device is still visible and can break off if handled carelessly. Be careful.

Let's summarize. It's worth ordering just for fun. I wouldn't say that the thing is completely useless. You can, for example, scare your colleagues at work by turning on/off the air conditioner (I have a Tadiran air conditioner at work, it wasn’t on the list), or change channels in a sports bar on a plasma hanging on the wall). Using it as a full-fledged TV remote control is somehow not very convenient.

This device was really useful to me only for a DSLR. Considering that the original Nikon remote control for the shutter release costs about $20, then this purchase for a dollar is very good investment! In general, I advise you to buy it, it’s an interesting thing. Product link. Thank you all for your attention! If so, ask below.

Making a universal remote control from a smartphone

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We decided to devote this review to making our own remote control.

We will need:

Heat shrink; - smartphone; - 3.5 mm mini-jack; - 2 infrared diodes; - sandpaper; - flux; - solder; - soldering iron.
The first step is to grind off the sides of the infrared diodes using sandpaper.

Now using superglue we glue the diodes together.


Next, we bend the legs of the LEDs, cut off the excess and solder them so that the anode from one LED is soldered to the cathode from the second and in reverse order.

Next, we solder infrared diodes to the left and right channels. According to the author of the idea, polarity in this case does not matter, since we have already soldered the anodes and cathodes to each other.

Finally, we put heat shrink on the mini-jack, insulating the soldered areas.

Our device is ready. To operate, you need to insert it into the headphone jack on your smartphone and download the remote control application from the official store.

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Rate this homemade product:

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How to make a universal remote control from a smartphone

The sensor is an audio jack to which diodes are soldered that emit waves in the infrared range. It can be purchased ready-made on AliExpress for 50-60 rubles or made from several components. The sensor is sold from different sellers (for example, this one), and for self-assembly The following parts will be required:

Two IR diodes - Audio cable with jack or separate 3.5mm jack - Electrical tape or hot glue - Heat shrink tubing - Tools (knife, wire cutters, soldering iron with solder and lighter or hair dryer) Connect the anode (long arm) of one diode to the cathode ( short leg) of the second diode and vice versa - cathode to anode. Solder one connection to the left channel (red wire), and the second to the right channel (wire insulated in white or another color). General contact(“ground”) is not involved. Insulate the contacts with electrical tape or hot glue so that there is no short circuit. Heat the heat shrink tube with a hairdryer or lighter and use it to secure the diodes so that they do not fall off.

Download and install the ZaZaRemote application. Insert the IR sensor you assembled into the audio jack of your smartphone and launch ZaZaRemote. This application uses sound output and will apply to him electrical signals, which are converted into IR waves of the desired frequency. Configure the application so that through it you can control devices in your home (TV, stereo system, fan, DVD player, air conditioner, etc.)

Keep in mind that this sensor will not work on all smartphones. Some devices use their own feeding technologies sound signal, due to which the diodes cannot operate at the desired frequency.

www.iguides.ru

Smartphone on iOS and Android as a universal control panel

Today, almost every home has a wide variety of equipment: a smart TV, a stereo system, a router, a home computer (desktop) or laptop, as well as external storage or a NAS server for storing photos, movies and music. All of these devices can be conveniently controlled from a distance, and for complete comfort it would be convenient to use a single remote control for all components at the same time. Such a universal control panel can be a smartphone running on operating system Android, iOS or Windows Phone, which, as a rule, is always with you. Using appropriate applications smart phone becomes a universal tool for controlling computers and other devices, capable of replacing classic TV remote controls, optimizing your home wireless network, and monitoring heating and alarm systems.

In this article, I will tell you what programs you will need to install on your smartphone in order to turn your smartphone into a universal remote control. Considering the fact that not every application is available for the three main platforms: Android, iOS and Windows Phone, you can find a corresponding alternative for each of the options described in the article. Only a few programs require the use of an unlocked smartphone, namely root access (Android) or jailbreak (iPhone).

Wireless Tools

Managing devices on the network

It is often difficult to detect problems with home network, especially if many gadgets are connected to each other. With the Fing app, you can quickly test your home network and all the devices connected to it. This way, you can immediately see which computers, smartphones and servers are active, which IP addresses are assigned to the corresponding devices, which services are configured and which ports are open for them. There is also an attractive Wake-on-LAN (WoL) feature, through which gadgets connected to your home network are woken up from sleep mode at the touch of a button.

WoL feature is supported by almost everyone modern computers and laptops, some of them can even be “woke up” via a wireless network. All settings and changes can be saved in the application and, if necessary, restored from a backup copy. Free version Fing is aimed at home users. If desired, use larger number professional features (for example, rich tools for monitoring and backup to cloud storage) you can easily find a price list with access to Home, Pro and Enterprise licenses on overlooksoft.com.

Wake-on-LAN: remotely turn on your computer

The Wake on LAN feature wakes up your computer using a signal over the network. In practice, if you use your computer as a media center or want to quickly access multiple files, you don't necessarily need to go near the device. If the computer is in sleep mode, you can send it a so-called “ magic package" (magic packet). There are enough applications of this kind: for iOS I recommend WakeUp - The Wake on LAN tool (59 rubles), for Android - free Wake program On LAN. And for Windows Phone, developer Hassenbach offers the WakeOnLand tool.

Improving Wi-Fi Signal

The quality of a wireless network signal depends on many factors. Sometimes, to significantly increase the range and increase the data transfer speed, it is enough to simply move the router a little or change the data transmission channel. By the way, you can read more about optimizing your home network here. To optimize your wireless network parameters as quickly as possible, there is WiFi app Analyzer from the developer farproc.

The program allows you to measure and analyze power wireless signal. To achieve this, WiFi Analyzer offers various graphical tools, including an overview of all wireless networks, including distribution channels, signal strength of individual networks and a practical assessment of available channels.

To use this utility, go to the room with the most low level signal. Launch the program and check which channels are most actively used by other wireless networks. Pay attention to the channel numbers with the strongest signal and tune your network to another one with a difference of two or more channels. In this case, the receiving device will have fewer problems recognizing the information transmitted to it.

Intercepter-NG: network parameter analysis for professionals

Using conventional analysis tools, you can obtain a considerable amount of information, but for network specialists this amount of data is sometimes not enough. If you need accurate network traffic analysis, Intercepter-NG can help. This application has a network brute force mode for passwords. Convenient, given the lack of sensible software with the same functions for Windows. The tool works exclusively on rooted smartphones.

Multimedia Applications

Play media files on your home network

The BubbleUPnP Android app specializes in visually aggregating multimedia content from all the PCs and gadgets on your home network and sending it to your playback device: TV, AV receiver or video projector. The program uses the widely used UPnP/DLNA standard to transfer data. It can also work with Google Chromecast. The location of the files does not matter: in BubbleUPnP, tracks and videos from different home devices can be collected into single playlists. In addition, the application supports Internet services such as Google Music, as well as popular cloud storage services. The function of sorting by type of media files and bookmarks is conveniently implemented. On smartphones with superuser rights, using the additional Audio Cast module, you can receive and transmit audio content from other programs, for example, Audible, SoundCloud or Spotify. The free version of BubbleUPnP includes promotional materials and features limited functionality. In particular, the number of tracks in playlists is limited. Price full version- 140 rubles. With the optional BubbleUPnP server, you can use your PC to transcode files.

Plex Media Server: Consolidating Media Libraries

The Plex app works in conjunction with the Plex Media Server program, which you need to install on your PC or NAS. The utility organizes all your videos, music and photo collections and broadcasts them to the TV screen, and using a smartphone application you can manage the content remotely. There are programs to choose from for Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Windows 8 operating systems, as well as for home theaters, smart TVs And game consoles. But please note that almost all of them also offer paid content.

Organize files using your smartphone

Using the ES Explorer file manager, you control not only those files that are stored on the smartphone itself. By connecting to the Internet and cloud storage, you will be able to manage files on all devices. This way, you can easily connect to network hard drives, computers and online storage, including on the road.

Free app supports FTP protocols, SFTP, Webdav, as well as cloud services such as Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive and others. To exchange data, you can connect a smartphone with the installed application to a PC via a wireless network or Bluetooth. This makes your smartphone the central interface and indispensable tool in your home network. Using the optional ES Chromecast Plugin, you can send all media content from the file manager to Google service Chromecast for playing movies on TV. In addition, the application also has all the classic features of a file manager. For iOS and Windows Phone file managers not available. Here you can only find offers from various cloud services and NAS manufacturers.

Kodi (HVMC): movie database for smartphones

Kodi (formerly HBMC) is one of the most famous and popular media centers for PCs and home servers. With the Android app, you get an entertainment package on your smartphone, including the features of the PC version. Because Kodi app is in development, it is not yet available in the official store Play Market. The ARK file can be found on the Internet at kodi.tv. The developer also offers an iOS version that can be installed on iPhone and iPad, but only after jailbreak. An alternative media center for all three mobile platforms is Plex. However, it requires an additional server on your computer or NAS.

Remote control of home appliances

Using your smartphone as a PC mouse

A home computer is ideal as a multimedia center: only controlling a mouse and keyboard from the sofa is not entirely comfortable for the user, and the functionality of classic remote PC control is in most cases very limited. It is much more comfortable to work with it using a smartphone. On Android and iOS devices, this is done through the Remote Mouse application, which combines the functions of a mouse, keyboard and special keys.

For Windows Phone, there is an equivalent alternative - the PC Remote utility. For it to work, you need to install a client program on your PC.

Remote control of Kodi media center

The Yatse Android app is more than just a remote control for Kodi media centers (KHMCs): along with classic features, the program offers a Wake-on-LAN option, creates playlists, downloads movies, music and photos to smartphones or vice versa, and also plays data from the phone in the media center. If you don't want to miss any news on TV while watching a movie, you can send a signal to Kodi and pause the movie. The basic options are free, but to get full functionality you need to buy the application (284 rubles).

Intelligent Home Control for Beginners

Home automation devices are ready to go in just a few minutes with convenient beginner packages. Not only setup, but also management is very simple, since most gadget manufacturers offer corresponding applications for smartphones. For inexperienced users, for example, RWE SmartHome (from 25,000 rubles) is suitable. In addition to radiator thermostats, the RWE system offers smoke detectors, adapters, motion sensors and IP cameras.

For home control, we recommend the Gigaset elements system (from 10,000 rubles), also aimed at beginners and captivating with its ease of use. The Gigaset system includes an IP camera, installation burglar alarm, motion sensors and sensors for closing doors and windows.

Remote controls for all home appliances

Many smartphones have a built-in infrared transmitter for using the device as a remote control for a TV, projector and receiver. With the Smart IR Remote app from developer Color Tiger, you can program the remote's functions with virtually no restrictions, for example using your own macros. With one press of a button you can simultaneously turn on the TV and receiver on a given channel and with a given volume. In addition, Smart IR Remote is compatible with the Tasker control automation application.

Remote access to a Windows PC

If you not only want to remotely control your computer, but would like to see the operating system interface on the smartphone screen, then Microsoft Remote Desktop is the best application for this purpose.

It is especially convenient if your PC has Windows 8 or 10 installed, which can be controlled via a smartphone much easier than, for example, Windows 7. If a particular gesture on a small display does not work as required, a menu is displayed in the upper corner of the application screen navigation with the necessary controls.

Smart add-on for TV or projector

If you want to further equip your TV and connect it to a PC and smartphone, Apple, Google and Microsoft offer the appropriate equipment.

With Apple TV (about 7,000 rubles), you can play media files from your iPhone on your TV or mirror the entire display. Android users will find a suitable replacement thanks to Chromecast (about 4,000 rubles).

Although the HDMI adapter uses a different approach, it displays the contents of the display on the TV screen or transmits movies, music and photos. The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (about 5,000 rubles) relies on the Miracast data transfer standard and is therefore compatible with Windows, Windows Phone and Android.

mediapure.ru

How to control your TV using your Android phone

If we take as a basis the saying “brevity is the sister of talent,” and we at app4me are very talented, then answering the above question, we will write the following: “Yes, it can.” And in principle, we can put an end to this. But today we will go further and look at what applications are on at the moment, have the necessary functionality, are easy to use and really turn your Android smartphone into a remote control. Today we will not talk about “remote control” programs for iPhone and iPad; we will talk about them in another article.

Introduction

I would like to note that it is no longer necessary to dance with a tambourine as before. That is, in order for the TV remote control app for Android to work, you don’t need to do anything superhuman. Now everything has been simplified to the level of: downloaded the application, configured it, and flew. Naturally, provided that you use modern TV, and not an ancient, well-worn device that has a huge kinescope. Especially for you, we have selected several applications that, in the opinion of the app4me editors, best perform the function of a TV remote control. Let's go!

LG TV Remote App

An excellent application from a South Korean corporation. LG created great app with quite serious functionality. Everything here is implemented simply and clearly. During setup, the question does not appear at all: “what, how and where?” To connect to the TV, we launch a scan, thanks to which the application itself finds the device (naturally LG brand). After connecting, two screens open, which represent the TV remote control. Everything works stably, there were no lags, and the distance does not matter at all. By the way, this application for iPhone remote control for TV also works very stably. First screen. The main buttons are switching between channels and adjusting the volume. Next, there are small buttons - go to the home screen, quickly switch to unnecessary channels by dialing a number, a list of available applications, a list of all channels, on/off the 3D effect and determining the source input signal. In addition, you can also take a screenshot of the screen here.

The second screen is a list of all available applications. You can launch them here and also find them using search.

The developers have created an interface that allows you to move your finger across the smartphone screen, while the TV itself will perceive your finger as a mouse cursor. From this interface you can control the volume. Moreover, here you can switch to a game controller. Again, it’s convenient, here’s a usage scenario: you launch a game on your TV from your smartphone, switch to controller mode and play. In this application, everything is implemented to perfection, but there is one drawback - the absence of a button complete shutdown or turning on the TV.

TV Side View program

Branded application for TVs with the Sony nameplate. The first thing that catches your eye is the excellent design. Everything is done in dark colors. Every button and icon looks nice and the application is easy to use. In terms of its performance, the app also performed well, and there were no connection problems. After entering, it automatically finds the TV and connects to it, you don’t need to do anything, everything works in the same format as in poker - sit and go! (sat down and drove off!). In terms of functionality, the application does not differ from the above for LG TVs. The only thing that should be highlighted is that here you can type text, view the program guide, voice control, and also adjust the picture quality.

Platform: Android Price: Free Language: Russian Rating: 4.5Download: Google Play

Remote control in the Philips MyRemote app

Application for Philips TVs. The app can do everything mentioned above (except type and use voice control). The main difference is the SimplyShare function. The essence of this function is that you can wireless mode view and play files on the TV located on the smartphone. Moreover, an important note is that the delay between transmissions is less than one second. And believe me, it is very, very convenient. By the way, similar functionality is also found in the TV remote control program for iPhone.

Platform: Android Price: Free Language: Russian Rating: 4Download: Google Play

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 smartphone Can you turn it into a TV remote on Android?

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, which can be called a complete alternative to television remote controls (hereinafter referred to as remote controls), 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.

You can also install a special application on your smartphone 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 the infrared port, but the next flagships S7 and S7 Edge no longer supported it. 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 in the 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 quick look at three of the best IR apps 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 household 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 of 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 give Android access 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 programs 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.

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 little 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 are equipped with the application Peel Smart Remote that 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 app. Smart Remote.

If you live in Asia, you can purchase one of the HTC One ME. Apart from the IR port, the phone also comes with 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.