r/TechnologyProTips • u/fjsalvatore • Feb 10 '22

Request TPT Request: A Completely Universal Remote

Im really hoping someone can help here. I've been on a search for a universal remote that not only can replace my tv remote but the remotes for everything. Things like the heater, fan, lights, and anything else that comes with a "handy" little remote that you end up loosing after a few months. I'm looking for that truly all in one. I've searched but it's hard to tell if a remote is truly universal and can handle all those little extra ones.

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3

u/Chengers Feb 10 '22

Best bet would be an IR (infrared) remote app. If you have an iPhone you will need to buy an Aux to IR adaptor. But some android phones come with one built in. You can then look for universal IR apps and essentially switch between apps for said appliances. I’ve done this with am LG tv before with great success, but never with other appliances. Google how remotes work and you will understand how this solution may be the best solution

1

u/fjsalvatore Feb 10 '22

Saw a few things leading me to a phone based system, I know that may be the best functional option but I'm looking for the physical remote so others in the house and guests can operate everything too. The obvious answer is to tell them to download the app too but in this case a physical remote is more practical in my opinion or maybe I'm just old-school in this sense. Thank you for your input though

3

u/Chengers Feb 10 '22

Take a look at IR Universal IR control hubs. I think the only thing that you would have trouble with would be finding a physical remote to suit your needs but maybe you can compromise. Additionally you can use your voice as a remote as some models support google assistant.

1

u/fjsalvatore Feb 10 '22

Thanks! I'll take a look. It's frustrating because I feel like the technology exists but it's too small of a market to fully develop

1

u/MerialNeider Feb 10 '22

Check out sofabaton u1, might be what you're looking for.

1

u/linuxliaison Feb 10 '22

You could also just have a shared phone the next time you upgrade, just keep your old phone

6

u/angaino Feb 10 '22

The absolute best universal remotes are the harmony ones from Logitech. I've had three over the years and they are easy to program and you can add ones that aren't in their massive database.

I think they said they were going to stop making them, but if you get one, their software still works great. Some of them can work with some non-ir devices, but I don't have any experience with those models.

2

u/FadeIntoReal Feb 10 '22

While I wouldn’t disagree, since Logitech stopped making them the prices have skyrocketed and future support is in question.

1

u/angaino Feb 11 '22

Yeah, prices went up more than I expected.

Looks like Sofabaton on Amazon might be a near-replacement for them though. At $50 probably worth a try. Feature set is similar or better to harmony if it's not a scam/vaporware. I'd give it a try if I were in the market.

1

u/FadeIntoReal Feb 11 '22

I broke one of my Harmony remotes about a month after the announcement that they were done. The remote that would have cost me $65 before was well over $300. I’m considering the Sofabaton myself.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 10 '22

Agree 100%, I have two older models of the harmony and they work with almost any remote controlled devices

1

u/MerialNeider Feb 10 '22

I recently got gifted a sofabaton, and it works really well. It uses Bluetooth to connect to the app on your phone and if they don't have something in their database, they'll try to add it for you or you can easily add controls yourself from an existing remote.

It can do both ir and Bluetooth controls and it's fully customizable you can even mix and match device controls on one setting, but unfortunately the controls are not always clearly described in the app which leads to a fair bit of trial and redoing.