Do you use your phone as a remote control?

Megalith

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I have no idea why but I didn't try using my Android phone as a remote until now. I finally got it working with XBMC and also paired YouTube with my TV and everything is absolutely brilliant.

I guess what took so long is that I assumed that it'd simply be a virtual remote, but the truth is that it's more like a second screen. It's so much better and practical having all of your media at your fingertips. I have XBMC set up so you can even control MPC-HC using the remote app (I'm using Yatse). Heck, I can jump to any scene instantly and pull up trailers via YouTube with one press, and it shows me info for any film on my phone via IMDB.
 
I have no idea why but I didn't try using my Android phone as a remote until now. I finally got it working with XBMC and also paired YouTube with my TV and everything is absolutely brilliant.

I guess what took so long is that I assumed that it'd simply be a virtual remote, but the truth is that it's more like a second screen. It's so much better and practical having all of your media at your fingertips. I have XBMC set up so you can even control MPC-HC using the remote app (I'm using Yatse). Heck, I can jump to any scene instantly and pull up trailers via YouTube with one press, and it shows me info for any film on my phone via IMDB.

Yep. I use my devices for both remote control and streaming on my Apple TV, Sonos speakers and Xbox One. There's something really appealing to turning on music at home when you haven't even set foot inside yet.
 
once in a while but not that often. Aka: I discovered the G2's Quickremote app that someone ported to run on non-stock ROMs.

i've also used it with plex once or twice too. (once controlling an app on the HTPC, one with a chromecast)
 
Yup, since I got my One M8 (with IR blaster on it), I use it for my living room stuff because my kids are constantly losing the damn remote. I love it.
 
I use my M8 to control my 2 different branded TVs, cable boxes, and 2 different branded home theater. I also use it have a remote keyboard and mouse.
 
I have a note 3 and while its cool the remote is still better and easier to use than my note 3.
 
no IR in my moto X but I do use it as a remote for my thermostat. Use it in the house when to lazy to walk to thermostat and use it when I am away from home to be more energy efficient.
 
yes i use it for most of my house devices.. but what its even greater its the ability to use the IR (Galaxy S4 and note 3)... to fuck people TV in the street, the people become instantly freak xD.
 
Yes I Keep telling people this but am surprised how few people even realize it is possible.
Harmony link plus unified remote

What other remote lets you change it if you want more or don't like something?

Dont forget wake on lan can cold boot your devices.
 
I've used mine a few times to shut off the tv's looping pepsi commercials on a display at the mall. I've watched security walk up, turn them back on and as they walk away I shut them back off lol.
 
I also have an Apple TV and any iOS device can control or or send stuff to it. I don't use it often, but it's convenient when I need to type out something, or I can browse the library while something is playing.
 
I've used both my phone and my tablet as XBMC remotes, and Roku remotes, etc. That said, as much as I think I keep my phone with me at all times, it's not always literally in my hand. Quite often, it's on the countertop or whatever, still in the room with me but not close enough to reach from the couch without getting up.
So, I've stuck with always having a dedicated device to act as my remote. Lately that's been a Logitech K400 keyboard/mouse combo for XBMC. I just use the keyboard to control it, and it lasts 6+ months on a single set of AA batteries. I've considered buying an inexpensive tablet to act as the remote full-time, but the battery life issue always stops me.
 
Also highly entertaining to wow drunk people at bars with your ability to command televisions with your new "voice" activated interface....

seems to work just fine for me.... but the drunk moron next to me just keeps yelling ENHANCE!!! at the television like I did.... and then you walk off.
 
I use my Note 3 almost exclusively instead of my remotes. I don't even know where mine are. Wish I could get it to work with a Roku3.
 
Yep. I use my phone to control the six Chromecasts using plex and as a remote for my media server.
 
Those people that are controlling their home theaters, what app are you using OR what is your setup?

I am very curious but honestly I have a hard time justifying setting it up simply because a physical remote is so simple and always right there.

I guess what took so long is that I assumed that it'd simply be a virtual remote, but the truth is that it's more like a second screen. It's so much better and practical having all of your media at your fingertips. I have XBMC set up so you can even control MPC-HC using the remote app (I'm using Yatse). Heck, I can jump to any scene instantly and pull up trailers via YouTube with one press, and it shows me info for any film on my phone via IMDB.

This is the only setup I would consider mildly convenient. But a simple virtual remote control thats a mirror of a physical unit is a waste IMHO.
 
I use my Note 3 almost exclusively instead of my remotes. I don't even know where mine are. Wish I could get it to work with a Roku3.

Doesn't the Roku app work for that? I use that to control all of the Rokus in my house from my Note 2.
 
Doesn't the Roku app work for that? I use that to control all of the Rokus in my house from my Note 2.

It's really weird, it will randomly decide to not pick up some of my selections and sometimes it works great. Very weird.
 
Heck no. I don't want to have to click a button (power) every time I pick up the remote to "turn it on". And I want physical buttons.
 
Actually, I just started using the quickremote feature on my G3 over the weekend. Have it set up to control my TV, Directv receiver, and Surround sound system in my room. Very handy to not have to deal with 3 separate remotes. Shocked I haven't done it sooner.
 
Yep, I use mine for both XBMC, and my stereo receiver. The receiver has an app since it's got a network connection to update firmware.
 
I use mine as a tv/htpc remote control. I wish I can also find the ir code for my current a/c unit, lost its rc a week ago and have to get up and turn it on every time I want to use it.
 
I use it to search titles on Netflix/Youtube and then play it on the Roku 3. It's a little tedious typing using any kind of remote (phone lets me do it fast with the keyboard)
 
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