In the world of smartphones, innovation is key to staying ahead of the curve. One feature that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the IR blaster, a small but powerful tool that allows users to control their surroundings with ease. Samsung, one of the leading smartphone manufacturers, has been at the forefront of this technology, incorporating IR blasters into many of their devices. In this article, we will explore the world of Samsung phones with IR blasters, highlighting the benefits, features, and models that offer this innovative technology.
What is an IR Blaster and How Does it Work?
Before we dive into the world of Samsung phones with IR blasters, it’s essential to understand what an IR blaster is and how it works. An IR blaster, also known as an infrared blaster, is a small device that emits infrared signals to control electronic devices. These signals are transmitted through a small LED light, which is usually located on the top or side of the phone.
IR blasters work by mimicking the signals sent by remote controls, allowing users to control devices such as TVs, air conditioners, and soundbars. This technology is based on the principle of infrared communication, which uses light to transmit data between devices.
Benefits of IR Blasters in Samsung Phones
So, why would you want a Samsung phone with an IR blaster? Here are just a few benefits of this innovative technology:
- Convenience: With an IR blaster, you can control multiple devices with a single device, eliminating the need for multiple remote controls.
- Universal compatibility: IR blasters can control a wide range of devices, regardless of the manufacturer or model.
- Easy setup: Most Samsung phones with IR blasters come with pre-installed apps that make it easy to set up and use the feature.
Samsung Phones with IR Blasters: A Comprehensive List
Now that we’ve explored the benefits of IR blasters, let’s take a look at some Samsung phones that offer this feature. Here are some of the most popular models:
- Samsung Galaxy S6: The Galaxy S6 was one of the first Samsung phones to feature an IR blaster. This phone was released in 2015 and was a flagship device at the time.
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge: The Galaxy S6 Edge was another flagship device released in 2015, which also featured an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5: The Galaxy Note 5 was a popular phablet released in 2015, which came with an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy S7: The Galaxy S7 was a flagship device released in 2016, which featured an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge: The Galaxy S7 Edge was another flagship device released in 2016, which also featured an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7: The Galaxy Note 7 was a popular phablet released in 2016, which came with an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy S8: The Galaxy S8 was a flagship device released in 2017, which featured an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy S8+: The Galaxy S8+ was another flagship device released in 2017, which also featured an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8: The Galaxy Note 8 was a popular phablet released in 2017, which came with an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy S9: The Galaxy S9 was a flagship device released in 2018, which featured an IR blaster.
- Samsung Galaxy S9+: The Galaxy S9+ was another flagship device released in 2018, which also featured an IR blaster.
How to Use the IR Blaster on Your Samsung Phone
Using the IR blaster on your Samsung phone is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Open the Smart Remote app: The Smart Remote app is usually pre-installed on Samsung phones with IR blasters. If you can’t find it, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
- Select the device you want to control: The app will ask you to select the device you want to control, such as a TV or air conditioner.
- Point the IR blaster at the device: Point the IR blaster at the device you want to control, making sure it’s in line of sight.
- Use the app to control the device: Once you’ve selected the device and pointed the IR blaster, you can use the app to control the device.
IR Blaster Apps for Samsung Phones
While the Smart Remote app is a great way to use the IR blaster on your Samsung phone, there are many other apps available that offer more features and functionality. Here are a few popular IR blaster apps for Samsung phones:
- IR Universal Remote: This app offers a wide range of features, including the ability to control multiple devices and customize the remote layout.
- IR Remote Control: This app is a simple and easy-to-use IR blaster app that allows you to control devices such as TVs and air conditioners.
- AnyMote: This app offers a wide range of features, including the ability to control devices such as soundbars and projectors.
IR Blaster vs. Wi-Fi Control: Which is Better?
When it comes to controlling devices, there are two main options: IR blasters and Wi-Fi control. Here are some pros and cons of each:
- IR Blasters:
- Pros: IR blasters are universal, meaning they can control any device with an IR receiver. They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
- Cons: IR blasters require line of sight, meaning you need to point the IR blaster directly at the device. They can also be affected by interference from other devices.
- Wi-Fi Control:
- Pros: Wi-Fi control allows you to control devices from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. It’s also more reliable than IR blasters, as it’s less prone to interference.
- Cons: Wi-Fi control requires a stable internet connection, which can be a problem if your connection is slow or unreliable. It also requires devices to be connected to the same network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Samsung phones with IR blasters offer a convenient and universal way to control devices. With a wide range of models available, there’s a Samsung phone with an IR blaster to suit every need and budget. Whether you’re looking to control your TV, air conditioner, or soundbar, an IR blaster is a great way to simplify your life and eliminate the need for multiple remote controls.
By understanding the benefits and features of IR blasters, as well as how to use them, you can unlock the full potential of your Samsung phone and take control of your surroundings. So why not give it a try? With an IR blaster, you’ll be able to control your world with just the touch of a button.
What is an IR blaster and how does it work?
An IR blaster is a feature found in some Samsung phones that allows users to control electronic devices using infrared signals. It works by emitting infrared light pulses that correspond to specific commands, such as turning a TV on or off, changing channels, or adjusting the volume. The IR blaster is usually located on the top edge of the phone and is activated through a dedicated app.
The IR blaster uses a technology called pulse-position modulation to encode the commands into a series of infrared pulses. These pulses are then transmitted to the device being controlled, which decodes the pulses and performs the corresponding action. The IR blaster can be used to control a wide range of devices, including TVs, air conditioners, and audio systems.
Which Samsung phones have IR blaster capability?
Several Samsung phone models have IR blaster capability, including the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, S6 Edge+, Note 5, and Note 4. These phones have a built-in IR blaster that can be used to control electronic devices. However, it’s worth noting that not all Samsung phones have this feature, so it’s essential to check the specifications of your phone before attempting to use the IR blaster.
If you’re unsure whether your Samsung phone has an IR blaster, you can check the phone’s manual or online documentation. You can also look for the IR blaster icon in the phone’s settings menu or check for a dedicated IR blaster app.
How do I use the IR blaster on my Samsung phone?
To use the IR blaster on your Samsung phone, you’ll need to download and install the Smart Remote app from the Google Play Store. Once installed, you can launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the IR blaster. You’ll need to select the type of device you want to control, such as a TV or air conditioner, and then configure the app to work with that device.
Once you’ve set up the IR blaster, you can use the Smart Remote app to control your devices. The app provides a range of features, including the ability to change channels, adjust the volume, and turn devices on or off. You can also customize the app to work with multiple devices and create custom remote controls.
What devices can I control with the IR blaster?
The IR blaster on your Samsung phone can be used to control a wide range of devices, including TVs, air conditioners, audio systems, and DVD players. You can also use the IR blaster to control other electronic devices, such as set-top boxes and gaming consoles. However, the specific devices that you can control will depend on the capabilities of your phone’s IR blaster and the devices themselves.
To control a device with the IR blaster, you’ll need to ensure that the device is compatible with the IR blaster and that you have the correct remote control settings configured in the Smart Remote app. You can usually find this information in the device’s manual or online documentation.
Can I use the IR blaster to control multiple devices at once?
Yes, you can use the IR blaster to control multiple devices at once using the Smart Remote app. The app allows you to create custom remote controls that can be used to control multiple devices simultaneously. For example, you can create a custom remote control that allows you to turn on your TV and soundbar with a single button press.
To control multiple devices at once, you’ll need to configure the Smart Remote app to work with each device individually. You can then create a custom remote control that combines the functions of each device. This can be a convenient way to simplify your home entertainment setup and reduce clutter.
Are there any limitations to using the IR blaster?
Yes, there are some limitations to using the IR blaster on your Samsung phone. One of the main limitations is that the IR blaster can only control devices that are within line of sight. This means that you’ll need to have a clear view of the device you’re trying to control in order for the IR blaster to work.
Another limitation is that the IR blaster may not work with all devices, particularly those that use radio frequency (RF) signals instead of infrared signals. Additionally, the IR blaster may not work well in bright sunlight or through glass, so you may need to adjust the position of your phone or the device you’re trying to control in order to get a good signal.
Can I use the IR blaster with other apps?
Yes, you can use the IR blaster with other apps besides the Smart Remote app. There are several third-party apps available that support the IR blaster, including apps for controlling specific devices such as TVs and air conditioners. You can also use the IR blaster with automation apps that allow you to create custom remote controls and automate tasks.
To use the IR blaster with other apps, you’ll need to ensure that the app is compatible with your phone’s IR blaster and that you have the correct settings configured. You can usually find this information in the app’s documentation or online support resources.