Everyone has seen films about the near future, where heroes control a house using their voices. Such technologies, unfortunately, are not yet available, although progress is already being made. In the meantime, home comfort can be improved with the help of special household appliances and... a smartphone.
Yes, today many manufacturers produce home appliances that can be controlled via a smartphone. Typically, this technology contains a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to issue commands without leaving the couch.
On the one hand, this seems like just another bells and whistles that allows you to sell equipment at a higher margin, but in reality, in everyday life, remote control is very helpful.
For example, remembering that the oven is not turned off while being a couple of kilometers from home, you can solve the problem without unnecessary worries by taking out your smartphone from your pocket. And those who are not forgetful can turn on the air conditioning in advance on hot days so that when they return, the apartment will be fresh and comfortable.
So, those who have just learned “what technology has come to” should know what can be controlled today using a pocket computer.
Android TV Remote Control
The Android TV Remote serves as a universal remote control for Android TVs, providing basic D-Pad, touchpad, and gamepad controls for navigating your Android TV's interface.
The app also includes support for voice control, as well as using your phone or tablet's virtual keyboard to enter text.
The app connects to your Android TV via local network or Bluetooth.
Android TV Remote Control
Price: Free
Universal programs for smartphones
There are applications that make it possible to control almost any brand of TV using your phone. You can read their list below.
TV remote control
A free application that requires at least Android version 4 to work.
A convenient program that turns your phone into a remote control. In the settings you can set the connection mode (via infrared port or Wi-Fi). In the 2nd case, the application itself will set the TV’s IP address and connect to it. This application provides control of models from 7 manufacturers:
- "Samsung";
- LG;
- "Sony";
- "Toshiba";
- "Panasonic";
- "Philips";
- "Sharpe."
The creators of the “TV remote control” claim that with each update they update the list of supported models. You can control TV from your phone through a simple menu, in which you can select the signal source (TV or AV), enter the TV menu, switch TV channels using the numeric keypad or special soft keys. You can also make audio settings. TV Remote does not have a paid version, so it is impossible to turn off pop-up advertising blocks.
Galaxy universal remote control
For the program to work, at least version 4 of Android is required.
Software price – 219 rub. This is a universal program for your phone that allows you to turn the device into a remote control not only for TV, but also for any household equipment that has an infrared port.
If there is more than 1 TV in the room, you can create bookmarks for each of them to make it easier to access the remote control. If other equipment is connected to the TV, for example, a repeater or game console, you can configure the application for each device from one menu.
The software has a large number of functions:
- Unique remote control. You can create your own command keys, change their shape, size, color, and put a special icon on each key.
- Creating macros. You can configure the list of actions for one click. This could be turning on the TV, changing the TV channel, increasing the volume.
- Set and save custom IR command codes.
- Scan your TV model to prevent compatibility issues.
- Creating backups. All settings and command keys can be moved to another gadget.
- Widget for the main phone screen. You can control your TV without even launching the Galaxy Universal Remote.
If the software is not suitable for your TV, its creators will refund your money.
Easy Universal TV Remote
Free software that requires version 2 of Android or better to work. The interface differs from other applications. There are options for controlling audio, switching TV channels, and turning off the TV. To start using the software, activate 1 of 3 connection modes and indicate your TV model.
Most of the programs distributed free of charge have one drawback - the inability to disable ad blocks. You can remove annoying banners and gain access to more features if you start using paid software.
SURE Universal Remote
The program is compatible with modern gadgets that have an infrared port. Using this software you can control the following equipment:
- TV;
- air conditioning equipment;
- media player;
- digital set-top box;
- projector.
TV Remote Control
Free software, compatible even with Android version 2. There is no support for the Russian language.
However, even an inexperienced user can understand the simple interface. You just need to configure the connection mode (infrared port or Wi-Fi), specify the TV’s IP address and select the appropriate model. Support for a large number of TVs is provided, including:
- LG;
- "Samsung";
- "Panasonic";
- "Visio";
- "Sharp";
- "Funai";
- "Akai";
- J.V.C.
The software includes a basic set of commands for TV (power key, numeric keypad, keys for changing TV channels and adjusting audio). There is no paid version, so advertising blocks will sometimes pop up on the control panel.
Mi Remote
Using Mi Remote, you can control almost all household devices (TV, air conditioning equipment, media player). A Russian-language interface is provided. The software developer is .
ZaZa Remote
ZaZa Remote can be used in smartphones equipped with an infrared port to control equipment of the following brands:
- "Samsung";
- "Xiaomi";
- "HUAWEI";
- "OPPO";
- "Lenovo";
- HTC;
- TCL.
The software provides remote control of a TV, air conditioning equipment, receiver, projector, player, fan, camera, lamp, and other devices.
Amazon Fire TV remote
The Amazon Fire TV box is a pretty convenient device for streaming video, especially if you have a Prime account.
While the Fire TV box already comes with a Wi-Fi-enabled remote, you can take it to the next level with the Amazon Fire TV Remote app, which replicates the functionality of a handheld remote, turning your touchscreen into a navigation bar with playback capabilities. controls, virtual keyboard and voice command support.
Amazon Fire TV
Price: Free
Unified Remote
This application connects your smartphone with your computer. In addition to standard functions (turn on, turn off, reboot), it allows you to take full control of your PC. And this means:
- free navigation through folders;
- use of browsers;
- viewing photos, videos;
- listening to tracks.
By setting up the application correctly, you will get both a keyboard and a mouse on the screen of your smartphone. The only condition is the presence of a Wi-Fi network and relative proximity to the device. It is worth considering that it will not be possible to work at a computer in this way if you leave the house.
Yonomi
The Yonomi app works as a universal automation hub app for smart homes and appliances, using a system of runnable routines to automate and control over 100 different devices from multiple manufacturers.
As an independent platform that can work with different systems, auto-discovery of devices over Wi-Fi gives Yonomi a robust appeal, and the addition of device-specific recommended recipes makes setup more user-friendly.
You can even set up Yonomi to work with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, running Yonomi routines from popular smart speakers.
Yonomi - Smart Home Automation
Price: Free
Mi Remote
Mi Remote will work with almost any phone with a built-in IR blaster, be it a Samsung, HTC or Huawei device.
Mi Remote is a universal IR remote app compatible with a wide range of IR-controlled devices such as TVs, air conditioners, set-top boxes, DVRs, projectors and digital cameras.
You can even use the app as a remote control for smart TVs that accept commands over standard Wi-Fi protocols.
You can also expand the app with the Peel Mi Remote extension, which adds a TV guide and personalized show recommendations to the core Mi Remote experience.
Mi Remote controller – for TV, STB, AC and more
Price: Free
How to control your TV from your phone via WiFi
When connecting to a smart TV, use a smartphone of any brand as a remote control. To control from your smartphone, follow these steps:
- Check that the devices are on the same network;
- Download and install the utility on your smartphone. Launch it, select TV, follow the instructions in the program.
Android smartphones provide additional features. View multimedia files, videos and photos. Listening to music on a TV connected to a smartphone.
Samsung TV app
Download the Samsung Smart View remote app. Allows you to control your TV without a remote control from your phone. Works with Smart TV models via Wi-Fi.
The phone and TV must be on the same network.
The interface resembles a TV remote control. To work, do the following:
- Launch the application on your phone;
- The TVs available for connection will be displayed. Select your device.
- A code will appear on the TV screen, which you enter on your smartphone.
There will be possibilities for remote control and transfer of media content from the device to TV.
Application for LG
Download the LG TV Remote app. Launch on your smartphone, select: The application will detect the TV. A code will be displayed on the screen. Write it down in the application.
Peculiarities
Direct control. Moving your finger across the smartphone screen works like a mouse cursor on a TV. Files are displayed on the screen from the smartphone.
Program for Sony
The utility is called TV Side View. Feature - TV is detected automatically within the communication range of the smartphone, after entering the code from the TV screen. You can work with the Sony Video and TV SideView utility on both Android and iOS
Philips TV Remote
The peculiarity is to switch channels, adjust the volume, view the TV menu, without interrupting the broadcast.
Check the app's compatibility with your TV on the online support site.
Google Home
As Google releases more smart home devices such as Google Home devices and Chromecast, the old Google Cast app has been renamed Google Home.
While the name and coloring may have changed, Google Home still serves as a one-stop command center for your Chromecast and other Google devices, and also supports an expanded range of smart devices like lights, cameras, and thermostats.
Google Home showcases a wide range of Cast-enabled apps, containing content from those apps and allowing you to do things like use the app to open and stream a new episode of a Netflix series.
The device control tab controls everything from dimming the lights to controlling speaker volume, and you can even set up automatic routines to run with the touch of a button.
Google Home
Price: Free
Amazon Alexa
Of course, Google is far from the only player in the smart home and home automation space. The Amazon Echo smart speaker also functions as an internet-connected smart home hub, and the Alexa app turns your phone into a setup guide and remote control for your Alexa-enabled devices.
Among the many different Alexa skills, the Alexa app can show you what music is playing and what information you were looking for.
You can let the app control your alarms, searches, music playback, shopping lists and more, making Alexa an increasingly capable smart assistant that learns from your shopping, surfing and media habits.
Amazon Alexa
Price: To be announced
Roku
Roku's streaming service on a stick gives you a wide variety of shows, movies, and channels to watch, and the Roku app turns your cell phone into a remote control for streaming over Wi-Fi.
Users can browse movies and TV shows, enter searches using the keyboard or voice input, add channels and games, and even listen to audio streamed directly to the phone in private listening mode.
Of course, you'll still need a Roku device, and certain content may require a premium subscription or purchase.
Roku - Official Remote Control
Price: To be announced
Washing machine Candy GSF42 138TWC1-07
There is a washing machine in every home, and any housewife can easily understand all its functions. Using the control panel, you can select a washing mode depending on the type of fabric or stains, set a delayed start, adjust the spin speed, etc. But in order to do this, you need to be near the machine.
The modern generation is much more accustomed and convenient to using the mobile phone interface than turning knobs and selecting the desired buttons on the device. And almost every washing machine manufacturer has models that support this. The developers of Candy, for example, added a Wi-Fi module to a mid-class car, which makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers. The mobile application duplicates the functions of the control panel on the device itself and allows you to select the washing mode, temperature and program a delayed start.
Among the features of the Candy simply-Fi mobile application:
- Notification about the completion of washing - so as not to leave washed items in the machine for a long time
- Remote control - if the noise from the machine annoys you, then washing can be done during working hours
- Washing progress information
- Diagnostic messages
Of course, when choosing a washing machine, the quality of the wash is of primary importance. But an additional Wi-Fi module will add comfort to your weekly routine.
By the way, this is the only device in our selection with a relatively humane price tag.
Samsung Smart Things Mobile
Of course, TVs aren't the only things you can now control remotely from your Android phone. The Samsung Smart Things Mobile app serves as a centralized management app for devices connected to your Smart Things Hub, such as smart plugs, motion sensors, and more.
Users can customize the behavior of each device, monitoring the status of things like a smart plug turning on or off or a door closing or opening.
You can also schedule activities and configurations, and the Smart Things app can also connect to Amazon Echo smart speakers, giving you voice control of connected devices and switches.
SmartThings
Price: Free
Refrigerator LG GA-M549ZMQZ
A modern refrigerator is not just a “box for cooling and freezing food”, but an electronically controlled cooling system.
Many models are equipped with a touch screen that allows you to control the operation of the device and monitor its status. For example, to maintain a given temperature in a refrigerator, temperature sensors are used in all compartments and a relay controlled by a microcontroller. If one of the sensors fails, the refrigerator can report this by displaying information on the touch display. From the display you can also activate various functions, such as dispensing a few ice cubes or starting a quick cooling mode for drinks.
In refrigerators with a Wi-Fi module, all this can be done through a mobile application.
For example, in LG SmartThinQ you can:
- find out about the refrigerator door being open for a long time
- Receive notifications about temperature changes in the refrigerator and freezer
- turn off/off express freezing
- activate energy saving mode (for example, when going on vacation)
- view diagnostic messages
IFTTT
IFTTT is a fantastic app for automating mobile tasks and is also a great complement to smart devices that take advantage of the Internet of Things.
The app allows users to create customized "recipes" or tasks built around the "If this, then that" structure (from which the app takes its name).
IFTTT uses a wide range of triggers and actions ranging from websites, apps, and even smart devices, devices, and peripherals.
You can even view other people's popular and featured recipes, as well as themed collections and all-time favorites that you can set or change.
Using a variety of triggers, from GPS to Wi-Fi connection, you can automatically turn smart devices on or off when you return, or trigger tasks with a status message.
IFTTT
Price: Free
Kodi Remote for Android
Kodi is a fantastic open source media center for playing local and streaming media on your HTPC and connected devices. Although there is an official remote control app for Kodi (known as Kore).
You can also get your hands on Yatse's feature-rich third-party remote app, which complements the basics like playback controls with features like voice control, support for Plex and Emby servers, widget controls, and custom controls.
In-app purchases unlock additional features such as media streaming to and from your Android device, cloud-saved settings, and more.
With an app like Yatse, there's no real reason to fiddle around with a keyboard or mouse for your HTPC or Kodi box, just sit back, relax and turn on your favorite shows and streams.
Core, Official Remote for Kodi
Price: Free
Universal TV Remote Control
The Universal TV Remote allows you to use your phone's IR port to send commands to over 300 different brands and models of TVs, as well as commands to smart TVs over Wi-Fi.
The app supports a wide range of devices with traditional IR receivers, and the smart remote control features don't even require an IR blaster on your phone—just a Wi-Fi connection to connect to your TV.
Universal TV remote control
Price: Free
Oven
An Internet connection between an oven and a smartphone will please many housewives. By downloading the application to a smartphone, the housewife can monitor the temperature inside the oven, load the desired recipes into the oven and set especially flexible programs. Without leaving the couch, you can raise or lower the temperature, turn it on or off. By the way, ovens with Wi-Fi are not new at all; the first models began to be sold back in 2014.
ASmart Remote IR
NXRSoft ASmart Remote IR works with the built-in IR transmitters on Samsung and HTC phones to send commands to a variety of devices, from TVs and set-top boxes to air conditioners and DSLR cameras.
The app comes with a number of built-in remote controls, with more being added, and you can organize your remotes by room for easy sorting and use.
ASmart Remote IR
Price: Free
Remote control：ZaZa Remote
The ZaZa Universal TV Remote app uses the internal IR port of Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo, HTC, Lenovo, Huawai and TCL phones to create a universal remote app that supports a wide range of devices.
The app contains a searchable database of over 300,000 devices from 8,000 brands that you can sort by make and model, including everything from TVs and air conditioners to smart light switches and DVD players.
Remote control：ZaZa Remote
Price: Free
Smart TV remote
Adiroid's Smart TV Remote requires a little more setup than other remote control apps, but this IR/Wi-Fi remote control app works with a wide range of equipment and TVs, from your device's internal IR transmitter or an external IR device. as well as a Wi-Fi based controller for a range of older Samsung smart TVs.
Among the best features of the app is its customizable interface, which allows you to easily create channel hotkeys and position the buttons as you wish. There's also multi-device support, so you can control your TV, set-top box, and stereo from one app.
Smart TV Remote
Price: Free
What you need to create a universal remote control from a smartphone
Before considering in more detail how to attach a mobile gadget to a TV remote control, you should take a closer look at what you will need to carry out this operation:
- First of all, let's look at the main connection devices. The user's smartphone must run on the Android or iOS operating system.
- If using Apple technology, the user needs to make sure that there is a special application in the company’s official AppStore market, as well as that the mobile gadget is compatible with the TV.
- You should also note that the TV you are interested in must support the remote control function through a third-party device. Naturally, the TV model must be modern, since old TVs that work with infrared remote controls do not support control via smartphones.
- It is best to use TVs with SmartTV capabilities.
- In addition to the directly connected devices, you should make sure that both the TV and the phone are connected to the same Wi-Fi connection, otherwise control will be impossible.
Of course the universal remote control
The Sure Universal Remote combines the best of IR and Wi-Fi remote controls to create a truly universal remote that can control old-school IR-controlled devices such as TVs and set-top boxes, as well as control smart appliances and home automation systems via Wi-Fi.
The developers boast that the app supports nearly 1 million devices, and the app also allows users to create "systems" of multiple devices that can be controlled with one touch, for simple one-button control, such as turning your entire living room on and off of media devices.
SURE Universal Remote
Price: Free
Air conditioner
The most options for smartphone-controlled devices are air conditioners. Moreover, the price tag for them is almost no different from models without Wi-Fi. Almost all leading brands install wireless communication modules in their new models.
Among other things, the Internet connection allows you to update the device software. For example, over time, a manufacturer may add a new washing program to the functions of a washing machine or add a new cooking mode to the oven . The manufacturer will also be able to monitor malfunctions of their product and eliminate them in a timely manner.
How the smartphone took over household appliances (1 video)
All illustrations of this article (8 photos)
Control4 for OS 3
Control4 offers a range of smart home automation solutions that enable users to control smart appliances and connected utilities such as doors, heating, lighting, entertainment systems and more through Control4's OS3 home operating system.
While Control4 has dedicated tablets and devices for remote control, you can also use the Control4 OS3 app on your Android phone to access and control connected devices and devices.
Designed for improved customizability over previous Control4 operating systems, users can personalize their experience and use the Favorites bar to quickly access frequently used devices or room controls.
You also get a new active media panel to control the playback of the media you play or stream.
Control4 for OS 3
Price: Free
Universal TV Remote
Wait, another app called Universal TV Remote. Yes, although it used to be called IR Universal Remote. And it turns your smartphone with IR blaster into a universal remote control for various devices such as TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players and air conditioners.
The free version of the app comes with many ready-made remote control templates; you can also create a single custom remote control that you can save. Paying for the full version of the app removes ads and unlocks the ability to create multiple custom remotes that you can share with other users.
Universal TV Remote
Price: Free
What is needed for this?
The idea of controlling home appliances from a mobile phone is not some kind of innovation. This technology existed back in the days of push-button mobile phones. Remember how they were often equipped with infrared ports? With the advent of the smartphone era, the installation of such modules was abandoned. But recently, with the advent of the smart home, manufacturers are increasingly returning to this technology.
But not only the infrared port can be used to connect a smartphone to other equipment, because there is also Wi-Fi. The only problem is that to use a wireless network, it is necessary that not only the mobile phone, but also the controlled device be equipped with such a module.
So, if you don't want to be limited to devices with built-in Wi-Fi, you'll need a smartphone with an infrared port. If your mobile phone does not have one, you can purchase it separately and simply connect it via an audio jack. But this does not limit everything; you will also need a remote control application.
Anymote universal remote control
If you have an IR blaster installed inside an old smartphone such as HTC One, Samsung Galaxy S6, LG G3, try Anymote. This little app turns your blaster-equipped smartphone into a universal remote for a wide variety of devices, from TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, or just about any device that accepts IR commands.
The app has a lot of cool features, such as the ability to create custom remote controls that combine commands from different devices on one screen (like turning on the TV, DVD player and sound system with one touch) and the ability to create your own macros.
The app can also work as a Wi-Fi remote for various devices and apps, such as Sonos speakers, Kodi media center, or VLC.
Anymote is free to download, although you can add an unlimited number of remotes with an in-app purchase.
Smart IR Remote - AnyMote
Price: 379.00 RUR
Coffee machine De Longhi ECAM510.55.M
A good coffee machine has a rich set of functions.
The De Longhi professional coffee machine can brew any coffee: cafe latte, latte macchiato, cappuccino, just black, etc. Using the touch screen, you can select the coffee you want or create your own special recipe. But it’s much more convenient not to stand at the coffee machine and press buttons, but to do everything from a smartphone or tablet. The mobile application will clearly show what kind of coffee you can prepare and tell you in detail how to do it - interactive instructions on your phone are much more convenient than paper ones and are always at hand. True, the phone connects via Bluetooth - and this imposes some restrictions. For example, to make coffee you must be within range of Bluetooth radio communication; usually within the same apartment everything works without problems, which means you can brew a cup of coffee in the morning without getting out of bed.
You can control your De'Longhi coffee machine using the De'Longhi COFFEE LINK mobile application. The developers did a good job with the visual part. Here you can see what kind of coffee you will get before it is prepared, and customize your personal drinks. Hints in the app will help you cook exactly what you want, and you can monitor your cooking progress using the progress indicator.
The current price can be viewed here.
AIR Remote Free for Apple TV (free)
AIR Remote Free for Apple TV turns your IR-equipped Android device into a replacement for the Apple TV remote, duplicating both classic control buttons and scroll mode, and tap controls mirror those on the remote hardware.
AIR Remote Free requires an IR blaster that supports older phones such as the LG G3, as well as select Samsung and HTC models. The app is ad-supported, and the premium version removes ads.
AIR Remote FREE for Apple TV
Price: Free
