Have you ever wished for a remote control that could control all of your household appliances? If so, you may have heard of the IR Blaster technology found in certain mobile phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy.
But what is an IR Blaster and does the Samsung Galaxy have one? In this article, well answer these questions and explore the pros and cons of this technology.
Well also look at the Samsung Galaxys history with the IR Blaster and the alternatives available for controlling your home appliances.
Finally, well explore which phone is the best option for controlling your home appliances.
So, lets dive in and explore what the IR Blaster has to offer and how it can benefit you.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Yes, Samsung Galaxy devices do have an IR blaster, which is an infrared transmitter that allows users to control TVs, sound systems, and other devices.
The IR blaster has been a part of Samsung Galaxy devices since the Samsung Galaxy S4.
However, not all Samsung Galaxy devices have an IR blaster, so it is important to check the specific device specifications before making a purchase.
What is an IR Blaster?
An IR Blaster, or infrared blaster, is a device that transmits infrared signals to control remote devices, such as televisions, sound systems, and other home appliances.
It is a common feature on many Samsung Galaxy smartphones, allowing users to control their home entertainment devices from a distance.
The IR Blaster sends a signal from the phone to the remote device, which then interprets the signal and performs the desired action.
For example, if you wanted to turn the volume up on your television, the IR Blaster would send a signal to the TV, which the TV would interpret as a command to turn the volume up.
This technology can be incredibly convenient for users, as it allows for a greater level of control and accessibility when it comes to home entertainment devices.
The Samsung Galaxy S4
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was the first in the line of Galaxy smartphones to feature an IR blaster, which is an infrared port located at the top of the device.
This technology allows users to easily control their TVs, sound systems and other home appliances from their phone.
It is more convenient than having to get up and manually adjust the settings on the device, as users can do so from the comfort of their sofa.
The Galaxy S4 had a range of features, but the IR blaster was one of the most popular.
It allowed users to quickly adjust the volume, change channels, and even power off the device with just a few taps on the phone.
This meant that users had greater control over their home entertainment devices, without having to get up and physically access them.
The IR blaster technology in the S4 was an instant hit, and many users found it to be a great addition to their device.
Unfortunately, with the release of the S7 models, this feature was dropped, leading to questions over the future of this technology in Samsung phones.
However, there is still hope, as the S8 and S9 models have been released with the IR blaster still intact.
This means that users still have access to this convenient technology, and that it is likely to remain a fixture in the Samsung Galaxy range for some time to come.
The Samsung Galaxy S7
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was the first model in the Galaxy range to drop the IR blaster from its feature list.
This was a shock to many users, as the convenience of being able to control their home entertainment devices with their phone had become a major selling point for Samsung.
However, the decision to remove the IR blaster from the S7 was likely made in order to streamline the design and make the phone thinner and more lightweight.
The good news is that the later S7 models, such as the S7 Edge, S8, S9, S10, and S20, all have the IR blaster feature included.
This means that users of these models can still take advantage of the convenience of being able to control their TVs and other home entertainment devices with their phone.
The IR blaster also allows for quicker setup for smart TVs, as users can connect their phone to the TV and use the IR blaster to control the setup process.
The IR blaster technology is not exclusive to Samsung, as other Android manufacturers such as HTC, Sony, and LG also include this feature in their phones.
However, Samsung has been at the forefront of this technology, and it is likely that the IR blaster will remain a feature in their phones for some time to come.
The Pros and Cons of IR Blaster Technology
The IR blaster technology found in the Samsung Galaxy range of smartphones has been a great feature for many users.
It provides a convenient way to control their TVs, sound systems and other home appliances from the comfort of their sofa.
With this technology, users can adjust settings and control their entertainment devices with a few simple taps on their phone.
However, the later S7 models have dropped the IR blaster from their feature list, leading to questions over the future of this technology in Samsung phones.
The pros of using IR blaster technology are clear.
It allows users to have greater control over their home entertainment devices and makes it easy to adjust settings and control the devices from their phone.
This technology is particularly useful for people who do not want to use a remote control.
It also makes it easier to find and launch content on a connected device.
However, the technology does have its drawbacks.
Some users have found that the IR blaster technology can be unreliable and can lose connection with the devices it is trying to control.
This means that users have to troubleshoot the connection to get it to work properly.
Furthermore, the range of devices that the IR blaster is compatible with can be limited.
Not all home entertainment devices and appliances are supported, which can be a problem for users who have a wide range of devices.
The Future of IR Blaster Technology in Samsung Galaxy Phones
The future of IR blaster technology in Samsung Galaxy phones is uncertain.
While the S4 and S5 models had the technology, the S7 dropped it from its feature list.
This has led to speculation over whether Samsung will include the IR blaster in future models of the Galaxy.
There are two main arguments for and against the inclusion of the IR blaster technology in future Samsung Galaxy phones.
On the one hand, there is the argument that the IR blaster is a useful feature for consumers, allowing them to quickly and easily control their home entertainment devices from their phone.
On the other hand, there is the argument that the feature is outdated and unnecessary, as there are other technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, that can be used to control devices.
At this point, it is difficult to say which argument will win out.
If Samsung decides to include the IR blaster in future Galaxy models, then it will show that they believe that the technology still has value for consumers.
However, if they decide to drop the feature, then this may signal the end of the IR blaster in Samsung phones.
Ultimately, only time will tell what the future holds for the IR blaster in Samsung Galaxy phones.
For now, the technology remains available in the S4 and S5 models, giving users the convenience of controlling their home entertainment devices with their phone.
However, it is unclear whether this technology will still be available in future Galaxy models.
Alternatives to the IR Blaster
The demise of the IR blaster in the Samsung Galaxy range of smartphones can leave users feeling short-changed, as they are unable to control their home entertainment devices as easily as before.
But not all hope is lost, as there are a variety of alternative solutions available to the consumer.
Bluetooth is one of the most commonly used alternatives, as it allows users to control their devices wirelessly.
This is ideal for users who have multiple devices, as they can easily switch between them with a single tap.
Bluetooth also allows for more precise control, as users can adjust the volume, change the channel, and even turn the TV on and off all without having to get up from their seat.
For those who prefer a physical connection, there are also a number of devices that allow users to control their home entertainment devices via a USB connection.
This is great for users who want a reliable connection, as the USB connection ensures that the signal is delivered without any interruptions.
These devices also tend to be more affordable than their wireless counterparts, making them ideal for users on a budget.
Finally, there are a number of third-party apps available that allow users to control their home entertainment devices via their smartphones.
These apps are designed to be user friendly, and they provide a range of features that allow users to control their devices with ease.
However, some of these apps can be quite expensive, so its best to shop around to find the best deal.
Overall, while the lack of an IR blaster in the Samsung Galaxy range of smartphones can be a disappointment for some users, there are still a variety of alternatives available that allow users to control their home entertainment devices with ease.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a wireless connection or the reliability of a physical connection, there is sure to be an option that is perfect for your needs.
What is the Best Phone for Controlling Home Appliances?
When it comes to controlling home appliances, the Samsung Galaxy range of smartphones has long been the go-to choice for many users.
With an IR blaster built in since the S4 model, users can easily control their TVs, sound systems and other home appliances with their phone.
This technology makes it incredibly convenient to adjust home entertainment devices without having to get up from the sofa.
However, the later S7 models have dropped the IR blaster from their feature list, leaving users wondering if this technology will still be available on Samsung phones in the future.
Fortunately, there are still other options available.
For example, some HTC phones still have an IR blaster, giving users the same level of convenience as Samsung phones.
Additionally, many other brands, such as Xiaomi and Huawei, have included the IR blaster in their phones.
For those who dont have a phone with an IR blaster, a universal remote is the next best option.
Universal remotes are simple to use and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
With a universal remote, users can control a variety of different devices from the comfort of their own home.
Ultimately, the best phone for controlling home appliances depends on the users needs.
For those who want the convenience of an IR blaster, the Samsung Galaxy range is still the best option.
However, for those who dont have a compatible Samsung phone, there are still other options available, such as HTC or universal remotes.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was the first to feature an IR blaster, and while the S7 dropped the technology, its clear that it still has a place in home entertainment.
While it offers a greater level of convenience and control, it also has its drawbacks.
For those who dont want to give up the convenience of an IR blaster, there are alternatives available.
Ultimately, its up to the user to decide which phone best suits their needs.
If youre looking for a phone that can control your home appliances, consider all the options before making your choice.