Google TV Remote

April 13, 2012 Kyle Souza 4276 Views 0 Comments

When you buy a Google TV enabled device you (usually) get a remote with it, such as this Sony remote.

But you also have the option of controlling the TV with your phone, tablet, or MP3 player; there are both Android and iOS versions available. The Google TV Remote works over the WiFi network and will automatically recognize any available Google TV devices. This app implements the Anymote Protocol and the Pairing Protocol to achieve this capability.

With the remote you can access your DVR and Guide (in compliant apps). It is very easy to rewind, fast-forward, pause, play, stop, change channels, and adjust the volume. What’s great is that since it works on WiFi you can make adjustments without being in the room, which makes using your TV as a sound system very easy. I usually do this by streaming music from Pandora or Google Music.

You can also switch to Live TV (if you have a service provider), “favorite” items, see settings, bring-up the home menu, back-out, go back, and search. With the search you can also use voice search.

The focal point of the remote is the OK/Enter button and the direction pad (D-pad). But my favorite feature (aside from pause/play and volume control from another room) is the ability to switch to a touch-pad like interface and move the cursor around the screen, I find it better than the Sony remote’s compatible function, especially when playing certain games and using productivity apps.

The Menu and More buttons also give you more options, including some how-to info.