Built-in infrared sensors have actually been embedded in some “dumb phones” for years, but the functionality did not allow for true remote control access of your television. Sure, it may have been fun to perplex your friends by shutting off their television set with your phone, or switching the televisions at your local retailer off and on. But that was pretty much the end of the fun factor for those early remote control enabled mobile handsets. Today the Samsung Galaxy S4 is changing all that.
The onboard IR blaster built into the Galaxy S4 smartphone allows you control over your home stereo, television and home theater. But more than just a simple remote control, the handset will also offer personalized recommendations based on your viewing patterns. And that is just one of the many features the remote control technology in the Android smartphone delivers, including channel surfing, cable box integration, an intelligent channel guide and Netflix account support.
The remote capabilities on the Galaxy S4 are powered by WatchOn, and when you power up that application for the first time, you will be asked about your different likes and dislikes according to television shows, sports and other viewing experiences. You will input your name and gender, and this adds to the wealth of information which helps your Galaxy S4 smartphone deliver the perfect viewing experience for you. When you are done with this initial programming, you’ll be taken straight to the WatchOn interface.
But before you begin using your Samsung Galaxy S4 as a powerful and intelligent remote, you must pair your phone with your TV, cable box, and any other consumer electronic components which it can control. On the primary WatchOn interface, tap the remote icon located in the upper right corner, and then choose “Set up now”. Follow your display prompts to pair your handset with your television, set-top box, media player, DVD player and AV receiver. You can then configure shortcuts to your favorite channels.
Whenever you want to use the remote control feature on your Galaxy S4, simply tap the menu button, then go to Settings. Under notifications, choose auto display, and the remote application will show on your lock screen. Play around with the application, and you will see how truly intelligent it is. And each time you view programs using your Galaxy S4 remote, but the more input is added to your profile, helping the handset better personalize and recommend your television viewing experience.
