Clear up coffee table clutter by consolidating your TV remote and smartphone.
Are you ready to binge on your favorite television shows? Awesome. Now think of all the remotes living on your coffee table: one for the TV, DVD player, cable, gaming console. That’s quite a collection you’ve got going there. Pare it down a bit by learning how to turn your smartphone or tablet into a TV remote.
1. IR blaster.
If your phone has an IR blaster, download a TV-remote app like AnyMote Smart IR Remote. Not only can it control your TV, but also any device that receives an IR signal—set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, stereo equipment and even some air-conditioning systems.
2. Manufacturer app.
Today’s Smart TVs have accompanying manufacturer apps. Samsung Smart TVs, for example, are compatible with the Samsung TV Remote App. The app allows your device and television to communicate over your Wi-Fi network. Chances are if you have a Smart TV, there’s an app that’ll turn your device into a remote.