Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: engrByDayPianstByNight on 20/04/2021 20:10:50

Title: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: engrByDayPianstByNight on 20/04/2021 20:10:50
Admittedly I don't watch much TV these days, but I see that TV remote controls haven't changed much these last 30 years, i.e., we never use 70-80% of the buttons on the remote anyways, and the buttons are still physical. Wouldn't it be better that the TV manufacturers made remote controls more like smart phones, with more user-friendly soft-touch controls?
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Bored chemist on 20/04/2021 20:19:27
Because you don't want to pay £1000 for a remote control.
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: engrByDayPianstByNight on 20/04/2021 20:27:18
True. But what if the manufacturers did away with remotes altogether (or at least make it optional), and when you buy the TV, you're directed to download an (free) proprietary remote-control app?
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Bored chemist on 20/04/2021 20:40:45
You sort of can...
https://support.google.com/androidtv/answer/6122465?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Origin on 20/04/2021 20:43:02
True. But what if the manufacturers did away with remotes altogether (or at least make it optional), and when you buy the TV, you're directed to download an (free) proprietary remote-control app?
Pretty sure you can already do that.  I lost the remote for my fire stick and downloaded an app to my phone to use.  Worked fine but once I found the remote it seemed easier to just keep the remote on the table and use that.
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 20/04/2021 20:46:40
Because the batteries would run down awfully fast, they are a normally off device that only functions when you make the circuit. I suppose you could have a corded version you plug in.
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: CliffordK on 20/04/2021 21:22:08
I have an acquaintance (or a few of them) that are moderately good with the half dozen buttons on the remote they use.  Some things like changing input is difficult.

But, they absolutely hate any type of smart phone or iPhone.  Why are they so complicated?  I think they'd be happy with a rotary dial on the cell pones.  (https://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/roflmao.gif)
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: alancalverd on 20/04/2021 23:43:03
The reason there are so many buttons on a tv controller is to make it simple to use. No menu to scroll through, just select the function you want. For channel 6, push button 6. For more volume, push "vol up". Why make life difficult? 
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Petrochemicals on 20/04/2021 23:49:29
The reason there are so many buttons on a tv controller is to make it simple to use. No menu to scroll through, just select the function you want. For channel 6, push button 6. For more volume, push "vol up". Why make life difficult? 
Why don't they make mobile phones like TV remotes?
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Bored chemist on 21/04/2021 08:33:07
The reason there are so many buttons on a tv controller is to make it simple to use. No menu to scroll through, just select the function you want. For channel 6, push button 6. For more volume, push "vol up". Why make life difficult? 
Why don't they make mobile phones like TV remotes?
They do.
Some are designed to not have unnecessary features.
https://www.doro.com/en-gb/products/mobile-phones/
I presume other brands are available.
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: alancalverd on 21/04/2021 09:12:16
Indeed. I've always used the smallest available Nokia model, which always has positive-click push buttons to dial. Life is too short to look at pictures of other people's kittens or follow the ravings of an insane president..
Title: Re: Why can't they make TV remote controls more like iPhone?
Post by: Colin2B on 26/04/2021 18:34:52
Why don't they make mobile phones like TV remotes?
They used to, it was called a Nokia