Control your Samsung TV from your Android phone. Controlling TV with Android Phone - Step by Step Guide
Modern gadgets, in particular smartphones, have already moved significantly away from the original concept of “phone”, by which they were understood just 5 years ago. Now these are powerful multifunctional devices capable of the most unimaginable actions. One of them is remote control household appliances using a built-in infrared remote control. For several years now, all leading manufacturers have been providing their devices with this feature, which makes using a smartphone or tablet at home even more convenient and interesting. Let's look at the most popular programs for remote controls for gadgets.
Remote control for Sony Bravia TV
Under the Sony Bravia brand, a series of remote controls for Sony equipment is produced, in particular its televisions, which have earned great love from customers. But now you don’t have to buy the remote control itself; you just need to have an iOS or Android phone and download the corresponding application. Sony Bravia for a smartphone is virtual device remote control, which is completely free and can control Sony devices without any problems.
You can use the program with equal success both on your phone and on your tablet. The use is no different from that with a physical device - the same buttons with the same location, the same response speed of the TV.
Using LG TV Remote
LG installs by default a special application called LG TV Remote. With its help, you can easily control any smart TV from this company, as well as transfer images and videos from mobile screen on large display TV.
Main features application is the ability to view broadcast channels directly on your smartphone, easy to control your TV remotely, control the cursor on the screen by moving your fingers over the sensor. 
Remote control for Samsung TVs
If the owner of a smartphone or advanced tablet wants to control a Samsung TV using his gadget, then there is also a special and official application for this - SAMSUNG TV & Remote (IR). The program is quite simple, control is performed with literally a few main keys located on the touch screen phone. 
Philips MyRemote app
Philips is also a very popular manufacturer relatively inexpensive smart TV devices, so it’s not surprising that developers have created worthy programs For remote control using gadgets. Philips MyRemote is an excellent full-featured program with which you can more conveniently control your TV with a mobile phone in your hands. In addition to the functions of a standard remote control, the application also has pleasant additional features – the ability to transfer files from a smartphone to TV, a convenient text input system and more.
Philips MyRemote can also transfer not only video files to the TV, but also pictures, music, document files, etc. In the program settings you can see detailed instructions
user in Russian, so there should not be any problems with its use. 
Unofficial applications
Besides specified programs, there is also a huge list unofficial applications from the most different developers, which also easily replace remote controls. Here are just a few of them:
Each user has the right to try these applications himself and choose exactly what suits him best.
Development trends modern technologies lead to the fact that soon all processes in the house can be controlled using a mobile device. TVs are no exception, which can now be controlled using a smartphone or tablet. Thus, a mobile device is also a remote control for an Android TV.
To use the gadget while watching movies and other television content, several conditions are required. The first of these is to ensure that your devices meet modern standards. The TV must support Smart TV technology, and the smartphone or tablet must operate based on operating systems.
By completing simple settings, you can easily control your TV while watching videos. This is very convenient, since there is no longer any need to use the regular remote control that comes with the TV. In addition, you can always stay in touch: even while watching a movie, any call or message will not go unnoticed.
It should be noted that you will need to install a special application on a smartphone or tablet running on the Android operating system. It is gratifying that such programs are mostly free.
Control your Smart TV using an Android tablet or smartphone
What is the popular Smart TV technology?
Controlling your TV using a tablet or smartphone is only possible if it supports the currently popular Smart TV technology. It represents the integration of the Internet into modern electronic devices, including televisions and receivers digital broadcasting. The technology fundamentally changes the principles of operation of such devices, since users have the opportunity to search for a wide variety of media content directly on the Internet, in the list of available cable and satellite channels, TV memory or removable media connected to the device.
Smart TV has turned the simplest TV into a “smart” device, which has significantly increased its functionality. Today, televisions have become more than just devices designed for viewing streaming television channels available in the region or provided by cable and satellite television. Today TV has become the most convenient tool for viewing video and photo materials on a large screen, which has many advantages compared to a regular laptop or a computer monitor, which often have a much smaller diagonal.
Needless to say, the task of your mobile gadget, be it a smartphone or tablet, is to optimize the control of a modern TV? In addition, the mobile device will help the user in situations where the regular remote control is lost or does not work correctly.
You just need to select and install the right application on your Android to easily search for the necessary media content and view it on the big screen. To successfully receive the signal, the TV must be equipped with Wi-Fi module. It can be built into the device or purchased and connected separately. There are special adapters that help you connect wireless internet through USB connection or RJ-45.
After you have successfully tested the Internet on your TV, you can begin setting up your mobile gadget. The most important step is choosing an application. The ease of using a smartphone or tablet as a remote control depends on how correctly the application works.
Convenient Remote Control for TV application
A popular remote control program for Android TV is called Remote Control for TV. It is widespread due to its ease of use. You can download and install Remote Control for TV for free in the store Google Play. For many users, it will be a pleasant bonus that the developers have excluded little-used functions from the program. The application allows you to quickly adjust the sound and select TV channels.
Remote Control for TV can sync your mobile device with your TV by connecting via Wi-Fi connection, by using infrared port or IR Blaster mode. We recommend using a Wi-Fi connection - as practice shows, it causes the least number of problems.
The advantage of Remote Control for TV is that it supports most modern models TVs. All the user has to do is install suitable settings, after which the program will be able to control the device to watch the video. The creators of the program provided one very important function - manual entry TV IP addresses. This feature helps in situations where the connection is not established automatically.
The most demanding users of the application still found one drawback in it - the presence of advertising. But you must admit that for the opportunity to use the program for free, you can put up with such measures from the developers. In general, we can conclude that Remote Control for TV has gained popularity among users thanks to its very convenient, uncluttered interface and compatibility with a large number of modern TVs that have Smart TV technology installed. We recommend testing the application on your smartphone or tablet. It is possible that this particular program will be your choice.
Smart TV Remote for controlling Samsung devices
We recommend using the following application for commercial TV owners Samsung brands. It's called Smart TV Remote. As in the first case, it can be installed through the Google Play store. Users should note that there are two versions of the program. One of them - Smart TV Remote - is intended for smartphones, and tablet owners should download SmartTV Remote Tab.
The program is free. Users claim that Smart TV Remote quickly detects the TV model and connects to it. The application supports such series of devices as B, C, D, E and F. It should be noted that in 2014, Samsung made changes to the communication protocol, due to which the application does not support series such as H and J.
Many users will like the application interface, which fits on one screen. The buttons have a nice appearance. In addition, users can add buttons for their favorite channels on home screen application, which increases the speed and ease of use of the program. You can also create a convenient menu on the Smart TV Remote widget, where user-configured TV channel icons are added. Now it is not at all necessary to log into the application to switch the broadcast of interesting programs. You can set your own images for buttons, and by default, logo images will be downloaded from the Internet automatically.
Among the advantages of the program, one can also note the ability to enter text using, operating on Android. Among the disadvantages, some cite the inability to control the application using gesture commands. At the same time, we believe that the functionality of the program allows you to fully perform all the necessary actions while watching TV and without gestures. Therefore, Smart TV Remote is an excellent choice for owners of equipment from the South Korean concern Samsung.
Controlling LG TVs
If you have a TV from LG, then you won’t have any problems choosing an application that will help you control your device. We recommend using LG TV Plus. This Android application supports a TV remote control large number device models, full list which are presented in the program description in Google store Play. Device version of the application trademark Apple is also represented in App Store.
LG TV Plus completely replaces the conventional remote control. Users no longer need to purchase the LG Magic Remote separately. The program allows you to launch applications installed on Smart TV. LG TV Plus shows users a list of recommended TV shows, popular movies and other content. If you don't have time to watch your favorite TV program, you can put it on your wish list so you can return to watching it at a convenient time. In addition, LG TV Plus provides many other benefits, including reminders and viewing of TV programs in the near future.
The program interface has a beautiful and clear appearance, a logical structure and allows you to perform quick setup your TV. To use the application you need.
For owners of LG TVs, we suggest testing another popular and very convenient application, which is called LG TV Remote. It is also free and helps you use your smartphone as a remote control. The application is suitable for device models released in 2012–2014. LG TV Remote supports a unified search that will always allow you to find the necessary media content. Convenience is provided by text input, which is carried out through standard keyboard. Hot keys allow you to quickly adjust the volume. Synchronizing your smartphone and TV using this program is very quick and easy. We recommend testing it to all owners of LG TVs.
It is quite possible that the latest technologies will sooner or later lead to the synchronization of all gadgets with one mobile device. Smart technology TV and controlling a TV using a mobile device have already taken the first step towards this scenario. Today, it is enough to install an application on your smartphone to be able to easily and quickly control your TV without using the usual remote control.
Almost all modern TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, Philips and others (supporting Smart TV) can be controlled (switch channels, adjust volume, launch Smart applications, etc.) using a phone or tablet. For clear example I’ll show you how to control an LG TV from an iPhone (everything will be similar for Android). By the way this manual suitable not only for LG TVs, but also for Philips, Sony, Samsung and others, the only difference will be in the installation different applications(each manufacturer has its own).
In order to control the TV, it is necessary that the TV and smartphone/tablet are connected to the same local network. It is also necessary that the appropriate application be installed on your smartphone/tablet. In practice, it looks like this: you need to connect your TV to the router (via Wi-Fi or network cable) and connect to the same router from a mobile device.
In the App Store or Play Market quite a few apps to connect mobile devices to TV, both paid and free. IN in this example Applications developed by LG will be reviewed.
At the time of writing, there are three applications:
| Links for iPhone/iPad (iOs) | Links for Android |
| LG TV Remote 2011 (iOs) | LG TV Remote 2011 (Android) |
| LG TV Remote (iOS) | LG TV Remote (Android) |
| LG TV Plus (iOS) | LG TV Plus (Android) |
LG TV Remote 2011 - this application should be used for TVs manufactured in 2011
LG TV Remote - this application is suitable for TVs produced in 2012-2013.
LG TV Plus - this application is intended for TVs produced in 2014 and later with Web OS.
More detailed information you can find it in the description of each application.
In my case, I use an LG TV with Web OS, so further we will talk about setting it up.
Attention!!! To avoid problems with connecting mobile devices and managing them, we recommend update TV firmware .
After installation, launch the application and turn on the TV you want to connect to.
Allow the program to send you notifications.
Click the "Start" button.
Accept the license agreement.
The program will scan the network for the presence of TVs and indicate them in the program. Select the one you need in in this case he is alone.
A PIN code will appear on the TV.
Enter it on your phone/tablet.
As a result, you will see a control menu that is quite easy to understand.
Please note that there is more than one menu. In one of them you can launch a Smart application or switch the input to another device.
Control your TV from your phone or tablet. More recently, such an idea seemed like something impossible, and even stupid. Today, the ability to control your TV using your phone doesn’t seem so fantastic, does it? Every modern person has a smartphone, so why not make it a replacement for the remote control? Apparently, the same thoughts came to the equipment manufacturers who brought the idea to life. As you might have guessed, a smartphone can replace the usual push-button remote control. I propose now to figure out how the TV is controlled, and what is needed for this.
What do you need to control your TV from your mobile phone?
Fortunately, the times when simple task on devices I had to do a lot of dancing with a tambourine. Equipment manufacturers today are trying to make the operation of their products as convenient and convenient as possible. simple processor. You no longer have to study forums trying to find out how to get your phone to replace a regular remote control. We will need the bare minimum: modern smartphone and TV, as well as software. All.
It is clear that all this will not work thanks to air, although, if you look from the point of view of an ordinary user, this is approximately what happens. We, as advanced users, understand that to connect mobile phone and TV we need some kind of technology.
Wi-Fi connection
The most common, despite the emergence of new ones, remains Wi-Fi. Manufacturers install a wireless interface in everything possible. Therefore, in most cases, a modern TV does not remain deprived; I am already silent about smartphones, even the cheapest ones. As a rule, only TVs with Smart TV support Wi-Fi, a kind of operating system that turns it into a more functional device. That is, it will not be possible to control an old TV with a picture tube via Wi-Fi without additional devices. Which ones?
Android smart consoles, which have the capabilities of a small computer or tablet, come to the rescue. And now, you already have Wi-Fi. True, you can only control the TV-Box interface - you won’t be able to switch channels.
Xiaomi with IR port controls old TVs
Interesting solutions are offered by the well-known company Xiaomi, which is famous for its inexpensive quality smartphones with productive hardware and other tricks. Chinese developers, namely they are engaged in the production of these mobile devices, decided that modern gadget you can't do without an infrared port. These are the same sensors that have been installed in TV remote controls for decades.
Thus, most Xiaomi smartphones that have an infrared port can easily control TVs, even old ones, which can only dream of Wi-Fi. Moreover, they can control other equipment: air conditioners, projectors, etc. Therefore, if you still have a TV from the early 00s, and the remote control has long been lost, you can buy Xiaomi phone, prolonging his life.
Regarding software, then there is nothing complicated here either. Don't think that you have to connect your TV to your computer by running some programming environment. Everything is simple: download the application to your smartphone (for operating Android systems on Play Market, iOS - App Store), we pair the mobile phone and TV, customize everything for ourselves, and enjoy the work done.
To begin with, you can search official applications for a specific TV. We bought a model from LG, look for information on the manufacturer’s website. A TV from a little-known company, then we’re looking for universal applications, the names of which contain something like Remote Control or Remote TV. We'll talk about universal applications below.
If you decide that you don’t want to depend on Wi-Fi, and purchased a Xiaomi smartphone with an infrared port, then you don’t have to do any additional actions at all. The manufacturer has already done everything for the user. The Mi Remote application must be installed on your smartphone. Quite convenient and easy to learn. Let's go in and connect with the right TV and you can forget about the control panel.
Which app should you choose?
So, you now know what you need to control your TV using your smartphone or tablet. Next, I suggest you consider popular apps, and then we’ll move on directly to the connection process. And we will analyze applications mainly for Android devices, because they have a lot of universal utilities, which are suitable for any equipment, and branded ones in bulk. In addition, most of them are also available for iOS.
Let's start with the proprietary applications that the company offers when releasing a line of TVs. It’s clear that only a fair few can boast of such support. large manufacturers who are able to allocate money for the development and support of the program. Of these, we immediately remember Samsung or LG. And yes, they provide their users with proprietary utilities for controlling TVs.
Controlling LG Smart TV from your mobile phone
The first ones in line are LG TVs. The company has been producing them for quite a long time, developing many modern low-cost solutions that occupy a significant market share. It is not surprising that they were one of the first to release an application for controlling TVs from a smartphone, and more than one. For models that were introduced before 2011, the LG TV Remote 2011 utility is presented. For newer solutions, another application has been developed -.
The applications are quite convenient, simple and functional. When you turn it on for the first time, you need to pair it, for which you need to enter a confirmation code on your phone or tablet that will appear on the TV screen. After which we can start using it. Applications allow you to broadcast images from your phone screen to a TV, manage programs and games, and browse Internet pages. The utilities are distributed free of charge and quickly find your TV. Updated versions can also work with other LG equipment, such as an audio system.
Application for Samsung Smart TV
The South Korean company, being one of the most famous in the world, simply could not help but release an application for its customers that will allow them to control their TV from an Android smartphone or tablet. Called Samsung SmartView, it offers quite convenient and a simple utility. Its main feature is the ability to broadcast images both from the phone to the TV and in the other direction. So, you can watch your favorite show while in another room.
Another interesting feature is gyroscope support, which allows you to control games on the TV screen using your smartphone. Interesting, isn't it? But Samsung was never able to develop its brainchild, which received a lot of negative reviews in the Play Market. Users cite a bunch of errors and the inability to pair, so many prefer third-party remotes.
Applications for Sony and Philips TVs
Finally, a few words about management programs Sony TVs and Philips. In general, they are not very different from the options discussed above, the manufacturers just added a little of their own. Available for Sony Video app& TV SideView: Remote. Quite interesting, but with its own problems, which users note.
It can switch channels, adjust the volume and perform other functions inherent to the remote control. In addition, you can watch a TV program directly in the application, and the system will compile lists of recommended programs. Even more interesting is the feature with the ability to control the TV via a smart watch from Sony. Of course, the functions are somewhat reduced, but it looks quite unusual.
Philips MyRemote is a utility of the same name from Philips. Everything is the same, but the program is littered with advertising, which many users complain about. Supports almost all smart TVs from the manufacturer, quite easy to use, but pairing takes a long time.
Universal programs
Not everyone has TVs from the companies presented above, and not all users are satisfied proprietary utility. Therefore, universal applications that are supported by most Android devices, as well as many equipment, are relevant. TO today a huge number of both good and not so good programs are presented. We have selected a list of the most popular and high-quality ones.
So, the app with the self-explanatory name SURE received good ratings and reviews. Universal Remote:
- Simple and convenient implementation,
- quick pairing,
- Works even with very old TVs.
I'm glad that the utility supports both Wi-Fi connection and control using an IR sensor. It is possible to broadcast photos and videos from a phone or tablet to a TV; it supports SURE Universal Remote and works with air conditioners and projectors. Let's highlight from the minuses annoying advertising, which is the price for free distribution.
But the developer Vsray Technology offers a “TV remote” application for tablets and smartphones. Yes, the name is simple, but in terms of functionality the utility outperforms many competitors. It stands out for its interesting interface, which is stylized like a regular remote control, apparently hence the name. The developer claims to support more than 220,000 devices, and the “TV remote” itself is available free of charge. True, the utility only works in conjunction with the infrared port, and is simply overflowing with advertising.
One last thing interesting program to control the TV via a smartphone or tablet - smart IR remote. It does not have as many downloads as those presented above, but many users in thematic discussions mention this particular utility. Among its advantages, it is credited with the most successful interface, regular updates, a wide base of supported devices, and convenience. smart IR remote is available for download on smartphones and tablets for free.
I think this will be enough. Already from our list you can choose an application to your liking, and if not, then no one forbids you to try other solutions, of which there are plenty in the Play Market, and almost all are available for free (only advertising gets boring). Let's move on.
Instructions: How to connect a phone/tablet to a TV
Well, you are now familiar with the theory, let's move on to practice. To begin with, use phones with an infrared port. Everything is simple here. We download (if not) the application, point the smartphone with the transmitter at the TV so that the devices detect each other, and pair. That's it, you can fully use the virtual remote control.
The situation with connecting via Wi-Fi is a little more complicated. We can make the connection in two ways: directly or through a router.
- In the first case, it is necessary that both devices (TV and smartphone (or tablet)) support Wi-Fi Direct. The technology is very widespread, therefore it is present in many modern devices.
- The second method allows you to do without Wi-Fi Direct by connecting your TV and phone to the same network. By the way, the TV can be connected to the router by wire (Ethernet), which users often resort to to ensure a higher and more stable connection speed. Simply, commands will be sent wirelessly from the smartphone to the router, and from it through the wire to the TV. I think you won’t have any problems connecting to the same network.
All that remains is to install the application by selecting the one you like from the list compiled by us, or download it from the Play Market. As a rule, the utilities are easy to use, even if they are only in English.
To pair two devices, you need to enter a PIN code in the application, which will appear on the TV screen after the connection request.
By default, you can immediately start using the basic functions of the remote control: switch channels, adjust the volume, etc. After spending some time tinkering with the settings, you can optimize applications for your personal needs.
Wake-On-LAN – you can’t turn on the TV without it
It is impossible not to mention the problem faced by many users who want to control the TV via their phone. No, this is not advertising coming from all sides. Getting rid of it is quite simple: we purchase the premium version of the utility. I want to tell you about such a feature as Wake-On-LAN.
This feature, if present on the device, allows it to be turned on by sending data packets via local network(in our case wireless interface Wi-Fi). That is, if the TV does not have Wake-On-LAN, you simply cannot turn it on through the application; you will still have to look for the remote control and the power button.
When enabled, all other commands are available, including shutdown. Therefore, if you want your TV to be able to turn on from a command from a smartphone, then look in the Wake-On-LAN specification. By the way, this technology will be useful if the Smart Home system is implemented in the home.
Application Features
It wouldn’t hurt to tell you what the utilities we talked about today can do. Firstly, after pairing, an interface is available that is styled like a regular control panel. That is, we have a set of buttons for switching channels, navigation keys to adjust the sound, as well as the power button. Naturally, all of them can be made in a different style, form, as the developer already wanted. But the main thing here is to choose not by beauty, but by convenience and performance.
Touchpad
Often applications have additional features, and quite a lot. The first thing you need to note is the mouse and keyboard modes. The first, in fact, is a kind of touchpad, which is the screen of a phone or tablet. Swipe your finger to select the options you want.
Keyboard mode allows you to search necessary information, write messages to friends. In addition to them, developers are increasingly adding similar utilities Gamepad emulators that make the game process more convenient.
Phone screen mirroring
No less interesting is the ability to broadcast images from your phone screen to your TV. It will not be difficult to send family photos to the big screen to enjoy viewing. You can stream videos and movies without bothering with downloading, and music can be turned on in a similar way.
Some applications, on the contrary, allow you to broadcast content from your TV screen to your tablet or phone. Enough useful feature, with which you can watch your favorite show while in the kitchen or another room.
TV program
If you love TV shows, then you definitely need a TV program. It’s not very convenient to constantly search for it on the Internet, so developers add them directly to applications for controlling the TV. Now you will always have at your fingertips a list of programs for the coming weeks. In addition, the system can determine what you like to watch the most. Is football your weakness? Please, the application will notify you about upcoming matches. Do you prefer cooking shows? Get a whole list.
Almost all management utilities have a separate menu with various applications, which you can run on your TV. This may include a browser, programs for watching TV online, and some games.
Smart watch as a remote control
Finally, I would like to note the ability to control TV through a smart watch, which I mentioned just above. Among Android devices, this function is quite functional on . A watch paired with a smartphone has minimum set commands, but you can definitely switch the channel or add sound. This method is convenient because the smart watch is almost always at hand, or rather on it. In the near future, such an opportunity simply must appear on all SmartWatches.
Advantages of controlling your TV from your phone
The remote control is the kind of thing that always gets lost somewhere. He can fall behind a pillow; small children do not avoid him. We always have a smartphone at hand, and if we lose it it won’t be difficult to find it – we just call the number. In the age of technology, when the phone accompanies us everywhere, it is easier to open an application to control the TV than to get up from the couch and go to the other side of the room for the remote control. Until recently, you had to go to the TV to change the channel.
Not a single device is immune from breakdowns, including IR remote controls. If you dropped it, that's it, your modern TV becomes “uncontrollable”. After all, most models today do not have any mechanical buttons, in addition to food. And here a phone with a virtual remote control can help out.
Modern remote controls, of course, differ from those that were introduced 15 years ago. They have become more functional, more beautiful, more convenient, and equipped with additional features. And yet they are still the IR remotes that are best at changing channels. But modern televisions can not only broadcast TV programs. New models that have received Smart TV allow you to browse the Internet and play games, but this is poorly implemented on the remote control. Another thing is smartphones, which have special sensors, and many applications for controlling a TV often receive gamepad emulators as an addition.
The application also allows you to control many other equipment that supports remote controls. Your smartphone will control air conditioners and many other devices. You can even control TVs in shops and cafes, but we do not recommend you do this.
Bottom line
Technologies do not stand still. The telephone, which until recently was only a means of communication, today combines a whole range of capabilities. Internet access, cameras, thousands of games, and today you learned that a modern smartphone can be turned into a good remote control for controlling a TV. We hope this article will help you understand the basics of connection, freeing you from being tied to a traditional IR remote control.
Today, almost every home has a wide variety of equipment: a smart TV, a stereo system, a router, home computer(desktop) or laptop, as well as external storage or for storing photos, movies and music. All these devices can be conveniently controlled from a distance, and for complete comfort it would be convenient to use a single remote control for all components at the same time. So universal remote control control can be a smartphone running on the operating system Android, iOS or Windows Phone, which, as a rule, is always with you. Using appropriate applications, a smart phone becomes a universal tool for controlling computers and other devices, capable of replacing classic TV remote controls and optimizing home wireless network, as well as control heating and alarm systems.
In this article, I will tell you what programs you will need to install on your smartphone in order to turn your smartphone into a universal remote control. Considering the fact that not every application is available for the three main platforms: Android, iOS and Windows Phone, you can find a corresponding alternative for each of the options described in the article. Only a few programs require the use of an unlocked smartphone, namely or.
Wireless Tools
Managing devices on the network
It is often difficult to detect problems with your home network, especially if many gadgets are connected to each other. With the Fing app, you can quickly test your home network and all the devices connected to it. This way, you can immediately see which computers, smartphones and servers are active, which IP addresses are assigned to the corresponding devices, which services are configured and which ports are open for them. There is also an attractive Wake-on-LAN (WoL) feature, through which gadgets connected to your home network are woken up from sleep mode at the touch of a button.
WoL feature is supported by almost everyone modern computers and laptops, some of them can even be “woke up” via a wireless network. All settings and changes can be saved in the application and, if necessary, restored from backup. The free version of Fing is aimed at home users. If desired, use larger number professional features (for example, rich tools for monitoring and backup to cloud storage) you can easily find a price list with access to Home, Pro and Enterprise licenses on overlooksoft.com.
Wake-on-LAN: remotely turn on your computer
The Wake on LAN feature wakes up your computer using a signal over the network. In practice, if you use your computer as a media center or want to quickly access multiple files, you don't necessarily need to go near the device. If the computer is in sleep mode, you can send it a so-called “magic packet” from a smartphone or tablet. There are enough applications of this kind: for iOS I recommend WakeUp - The Wake on LAN tool (59 rubles), for Android - free Wake program On LAN. And for Windows Phone, developer Hassenbach offers the WakeOnLand tool.
Improving Wi-Fi Signal
The quality of a wireless network signal depends on many factors. Sometimes, to significantly increase the range and increase the data transfer speed, it is enough to simply move the router a little or change the data transmission channel. By the way, you can read more about optimizing your home network. For maximum fast optimization there is an application for wireless network settings WiFi Analyzer from the developer farproc.
The program allows you to measure and analyze the strength of a wireless signal. For this, WiFi Analyzer offers various graphic tools, including an overview of all wireless networks, including distribution channels, signal strength separate networks and practical assessment of available channels.
To use this utility, go to the room with the most low level signal. Launch the program and check which channels are most actively used by other wireless networks. Pay attention to the channel numbers with the strongest signal and tune your network to another one with a difference of two or more channels. In this case, the receiving device will have fewer problems recognizing the information transmitted to it.
Intercepter-NG: network parameter analysis for professionals
Using conventional analysis tools, you can obtain a considerable amount of information, but for network specialists this amount of data is sometimes not enough. If you need an accurate analysis network traffic, Intercepter-NG will help you. This application has a network brute force mode for passwords. Convenient, given the lack of sensible software with the same functions for Windows. The tool works exclusively on rooted smartphones.
Multimedia Applications
Play media files on your home network
The BubbleUPnP Android app specializes in visually aggregating multimedia content from all the PCs and gadgets on your home network and sending it to your playback device: TV, AV receiver or video projector. The program uses the widely used UPnP/DLNA standard to transfer data. It can also work with Google Chromecast. The location of the files does not matter: in BubbleUPnP, tracks and videos from different home devices can be collected into single playlists. In addition, the application supports Internet services such as Google Music, as well as popular cloud storage services. The function of sorting by type of media files and bookmarks is conveniently implemented. On smartphones with superuser rights, using the additional Audio Cast module, you can receive and transmit audio content from other programs, for example, Audible, SoundCloud or Spotify. The free version of BubbleUPnP includes advertising materials and has limited functionality. In particular, the number of tracks in playlists is limited. Price full version- 140 rubles. With the optional BubbleUPnP server, you can use your PC to transcode files.
Plex Media Server: Consolidating Media Libraries
The Plex app works in conjunction with the Plex program Media Server, which you will need to install on your PC or NAS. The utility organizes all your videos, music and photo collections and broadcasts them to the TV screen, and using a smartphone application you can manage the content remotely. There are programs to choose from for Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Windows 8 operating systems, as well as for home theaters, smart TVs And game consoles. But note that almost all of them also offer paid content.
Organize files using your smartphone
Using the ES Explorer file manager, you control not only those files that are stored on the smartphone itself. By connecting to the Internet and cloud storage, you will be able to manage files on all devices. This way, you can easily connect to network hard drives, computers and online storage, including while on the road.
Free app supports FTP protocols, SFTP, Webdav, as well as cloud services such as Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive and others. To exchange data, you can connect a smartphone with the installed application to a PC via a wireless network or Bluetooth. This way your smartphone becomes the central interface and an indispensable tool on your home network. Using the optional ES Chromecast Plugin, you can send all media content from the file manager to Google service Chromecast for playing movies on TV. In addition, the application also has all the classic features of a file manager. File managers are not available for iOS and Windows Phone. Here you can only find offers from various cloud services and NAS manufacturers.
Kodi (HVMC): movie database for smartphones
This is one of the most famous and popular media centers for PCs and home servers. With the Android app, you get an entertainment package on your smartphone, including the features of the PC version. Since the Kodi app is under development, it is not yet available on the official Play Store. The ARK file can be found on the Internet at kodi.tv. The developer also offers an iOS version that can be installed on iPhone and iPad, but only after jailbreak. An alternative media center for all three mobile platforms is Plex. However, it requires an additional server on your computer or NAS.
Remote control of home appliances
Using your smartphone as a PC mouse
A home computer is ideal as a multimedia center: only controlling the mouse and keyboard from the sofa is not entirely comfortable for the user, but the functionality of a classic remote control PC is very limited in most cases. It is much more comfortable to work with it using a smartphone. On Android and iOS devices, this is done through the Remote Mouse application, which combines the functions of a mouse, keyboard and special keys.
For Windows Phone, there is an equivalent alternative - the PC Remote utility. For it to work, you need to install a client program on your PC.
Remote control of Kodi media center
The Yatse Android app is more than just a remote control for Kodi media centers (KHMCs): along with classic features, the program offers a Wake-on-LAN option, creates playlists, downloads movies, music and photos to smartphones or vice versa, and also plays data from the phone in the media center. If you don't want to miss any news on TV while watching a movie, you can send a signal to Kodi and pause the movie. The basic options are free, but to get full functionality you need to buy the application (284 rubles).
Intelligent Home Control for Beginners
Home automation devices are ready to go in just a few minutes with convenient beginner packages. Not only setup, but also management is very simple, since most gadget manufacturers offer corresponding applications for smartphones. For inexperienced users, for example, RWE SmartHome (from 25,000 rubles) is suitable. In addition to radiator thermostats, the RWE system offers smoke detectors, adapters, motion sensors and IP cameras.
For home control, we recommend the Gigaset elements system (from 10,000 rubles), also aimed at beginners and captivating with its ease of use. The Gigaset system includes an IP camera, security alarm installation, motion sensors and door and window closing sensors.
Remote controls for all home appliances
Many smartphones have a built-in infrared transmitter for using the device as a remote control for a TV, projector and receiver. By using Smart apps IR Remote from the developer Color Tiger you can program the functions of the remote control with almost no restrictions, for example, using your own macros. With one press of a button you can simultaneously turn on the TV and receiver on a given channel and with a given volume. In addition, the Smart IR Remote is compatible with the Tasker control automation application.
Remote access to a Windows PC
If you not only want to remotely control your computer, but would also like to see the operating system interface on your smartphone screen, then Microsoft Remote Desktop is best application for these purposes.
It is especially convenient if Windows 8 or 10 is installed on your PC, which can be controlled via a smartphone much easier than, for example, Windows 7. If a particular gesture on a small display does not work as required, then top corner The application screen displays a navigation menu with the necessary controls.
Smart add-on for TV or projector
If you want to further equip your TV and connect it to a PC and smartphone, Apple, Google and Microsoft offer the appropriate equipment.
With Apple TV (about 7,000 rubles), you can play media files from your iPhone on your TV or mirror the entire display. Android users will find a suitable replacement thanks to Chromecast (about 4,000 rubles).
Although the HDMI adapter uses a different approach, it displays the contents of the display on the TV screen or transmits movies, music and photos. Wireless adapter Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter (about 5,000 rubles) relies on the Miracast data transfer standard and is therefore compatible with Windows, Windows Phone and Android.