Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 7
ZDNET Recommends Free Bluetooth Remote App for Android TVs
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 7

ZDNET Recommends Free Bluetooth Remote App for Android TVs

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 7

Summary

  • Bluetooth Remote automatically found and paired with the reviewer's Android TV, giving a free backup when a physical remote was poorly designed or out of AAA batteries.
  • The app's standout feature is a touchpad mode that puts a cursor on the TV screen, making app selection and on-screen navigation faster than button-based remotes.
  • It also includes a virtual keyboard, number pad, volume and channel controls, captions, playback buttons, and power-off, though Bluetooth means power-on is not supported.
  • Setup is limited to Android phones or tablets paired with Android TVs through the Google Play app, where the reviewer said installation and authorization took only a few taps.

Insights

Is a simple third-party app truly better than the official, feature-packed remote from Google?
As phones become our keys and wallets, is the physical TV remote facing extinction?