[engrByDayPianstByNight (OP)]

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?

[Bored chemist]

Because you don't want to pay £1000 for a remote control.

[engrByDayPianstByNight (OP)]

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?

[Bored chemist]

You sort of can...
https://support.google.com/androidtv/answer/6122465?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

[Origin]

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.

[Petrochemicals]

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.

[CliffordK]

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. 

[alancalverd]

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? 

[Petrochemicals]

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?

[Bored chemist]

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.

[alancalverd]

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..

[Colin2B]

Why don't they make mobile phones like TV remotes?

They used to, it was called a Nokia