Naturally I visited the mall to test the app out but it only connected to one Samsung smart TV. Which again is a shame because the app has so much potential. I had an extended email session with the developer of the app and was informed that Samsung is not opening up their new encryption protocols. Samsung downright admitted that they don’t want any third party Android TV remote app for their smart TVs.
The Good
The app still works with some older models of Samsung smart TVs. There is a high chance that it will work just fine with your slightly old smart TV as well. The interface is serviceable and after a while you will become accustomed to it. Almost all the features you may need are supported.
The Bad
The app simply refuses to connect with the new TV series making it semi useful to Samsung users. If you have upgraded to a new panel, this app will be useless to you. Some older models are also not supported, but that number is very low.
The Bottom Line
Download and Installation
After the installation the app can be launched from the drawer. The app boots up really fast and there are no performance issues with it. I would have liked a detailed first time tutorial, but the app does an OK job of that in the info menu.
Interface and Design
As you can see the app cannot be operated singlehandedly, unless you are left handed or use a smaller sized smartphone. I had trouble reaching for the buttons on the left side of the screen on my phablet smartphone. I recommend using your left hand for the operation, otherwise you will definitely strain your thumb reaching for the buttons on the top.
Real Life Usage
There are three different modes which can enrich your experience. One is the standard navigation menu, which gives you buttons to control your Smart TV. This is pretty similar to the TV remote that came with the panel. It’s a great way to control all the different options easily on your TV.
Another mode is the touch smart. I didn’t get to use that feature myself because the TV didn’t support it for some reason. But the theory is you can move a pointer on your TV by making your smartphone a track pad, not like the one found on your laptops.
The third menu is the media menu. It can be used to control the running media on your screen. For example, if you are running a video on your TV this menu will allow you to pause, stop, and rewind or forward the content. You know all the standard options like picture size etc. they are there too.
The text menu can be used to send text to your TV. While this is not the most practical way to interact with social media or chat, it is still a better way to send text.
Connectivity
I would really like if the developer cracked the encryption or Samsung helped him out. But that seems impossible at this time, at least according to the developer of the app. It makes me sad to rate the app poorly because of the manufacturer’s stubbornness but hey if an app doesn’t work, it doesn’t work.
Permissions
Conclusion
