Smartphones
aren’t just for angry birds – they work just as well for couch potatoes!
Too lazy to reach out for that remote? Dislike having a
clutter of remotes in your living room? In a simpler time, remote controls were
created to make life easier, but life is not that simple. While you can sort
through the horde of remote controls on your TV console, there’s really no need
for that if you’ve been using a universal remote control. But why stop there,
when you already have one right beside you: your smartphone. Arm yourself with
the right remote control app on your smartphone, and you’ll never need to reach
for that remote control ever again.
Panasonic
Viera
OS: iOS
Price: Free
The Panasonic Viera app makes channel-switching a breeze.
Heavy on slide and flick gesture operations, the app ensures that you don’t
have to look at the controller to flip through channels or switch external
inputs. Also comes with an on-screen keyboard which allows you to enter text.
The keyboard screen will automatically display when you need to enter text to
the Viera screen. Simply download the app for an easy breezy Viera experience.
LG
TV Remote
OS: Android/iOS
Price: Free
Just bought a new network – enabled LG TV? The LG TV
Remote app is a simple Wi-Fi virtual remote controller which allows you to do
the basics with relative ease. While it doesn’t come with a virtual on-screen
keyboard, the app does allow user to manage channel lists, including the
ability to bookmark favorite channels. The app also allows users to mute TV for
incoming calls as well as set touchpad sensitivity and edit your TV’s name.
Media
Remote (Sony)
OS: Android/iOS
Price: Free
The Media Remote app for Sony allows users to operate
selected Sony devices including BRAVIA TVs and Blu-Ray or DVD players via your
mobile device. It comes with a simple remote mode and a full remote mode: the
former allows users to navigate via a simplified GUI whereas the latter works
very much like an actual remote control. The app also allows your mobile device
to word like a mouse when in its free cursor remote mode.
OS: Android/iOS
Price: Free
Samsung
Remote
The Samsung TV Remote app allows you to control select
Wi-Fi enabled Samsung TV models via your Android or iOS device. Beside the
ability to control the usual settings, the app comes with an on-screen keyboard
which makes it easy for you to utilize Samsung TV apps like Twitter or
Facebook. And if you rather play a game on the Smart TV, utilize the game
remote which gives you a more comfortable user interface for gaming.
