In the era of wireless connectivity and smart home devices, the humble IR blaster has become a rare feature in modern smartphones. However, there are still some devices that proudly retain this feature, and for good reason. IR blasters allow users to control their home appliances, such as TVs, air conditioners, and set-top boxes, using their smartphones. This feature was once a staple in many high-end devices but has since become a rarity.
What Is An IR Blaster?
Before we dive into the list of phones that still feature an IR blaster, it’s essential to understand what an IR blaster is and how it works. An IR (Infrared) blaster is a small LED that emits infrared light, which is used to communicate with other devices. These devices typically have an IR receiver that can detect the infrared signal and execute the desired action.
IR blasters have been around for years and were commonly used in remote controls for various appliances. With the advent of smartphones, manufacturers started integrating IR blasters into their devices, making it possible for users to control their home appliances using their phones.
Advantages Of IR Blasters
While wireless connectivity has become the norm, IR blasters still have some advantages. Here are a few:
Convenience And Ease Of Use
IR blasters allow users to control their home appliances from the comfort of their couch or bed. No longer do they need to search for the remote control or get up to adjust the temperature or change the channel.
No Interference Or Distortion
Infrared signals are less susceptible to interference and distortion, making them more reliable than wireless signals. This ensures that the signal is transmitted and received correctly, without any errors or dropped signals.
No Power Consumption
IR blasters typically consume very little power, making them an energy-efficient option for controlling home appliances. This is especially useful for devices that are always on, such as TVs and set-top boxes.
Which Phones Have IR Blasters?
While the number of phones with IR blasters has decreased over the years, there are still some devices that feature this functionality. Here are a few examples:
Flagship Devices
Some flagship devices, like the Samsung Galaxy S series and the LG G series, have historically featured IR blasters. However, this trend has started to decline in recent years.
One notable exception is the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S7 series, which still feature an IR blaster. These devices allow users to control their home appliances using the Smart Remote app.
Mid-Range Devices
Mid-range devices from manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Honor often feature IR blasters. These devices are popular in regions where IR blasters are still widely used, such as Asia and Eastern Europe.
The Xiaomi Mi 9 and Huawei P30 Lite are examples of mid-range devices that feature IR blasters.
Budget Devices
Budget devices from manufacturers like Lenovo and Motorola often feature IR blasters. These devices are popular in regions where affordability is a significant factor, such as India and Southeast Asia.
The Lenovo K10 Note and Moto G8 Power are examples of budget devices that feature IR blasters.
Using IR Blasters On Your Phone
Using an IR blaster on your phone is relatively straightforward. Here’s a brief guide:
Step 1: Locate The IR Blaster
The first step is to locate the IR blaster on your phone. It’s usually located at the top of the device, near the headphone jack or speaker.
Step 2: Download The IR Remote App
Next, you need to download an IR remote app that supports your device. There are many apps available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, such as IR Remote, IR Blaster, and Remote Control.
Step 3: Configure The App
Once you’ve downloaded the app, you need to configure it to work with your device. This usually involves selecting the type of device you want to control (e.g., TV, AC, etc.) and configuring the IR blaster settings.
Step 4: Start Controlling Your Devices
Once you’ve configured the app, you can start controlling your devices using your phone. Simply point the IR blaster at the device you want to control, and use the app to send the desired command.
| Phone Model | IR Blaster Availability |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S6 | Yes |
| Samsung Galaxy S7 | Yes |
| Xiaomi Mi 9 | Yes |
| Huawei P30 Lite | Yes |
| Lenovo K10 Note | Yes |
| Moto G8 Power | Yes |
Conclusion
While the trend of IR blasters in smartphones has declined in recent years, there are still some devices that feature this functionality. IR blasters offer a convenient and reliable way to control home appliances using your phone. By understanding what IR blasters are, how they work, and which phones feature them, you can take advantage of this useful feature and simplify your life.
What Is An IR Blaster And How Does It Work?
IR Blasters, short for Infrared Blasters, are small components in some smartphones that allow users to control electronic devices, such as TVs, air conditioners, and audio systems, using infrared signals. These components work by emitting infrared light pulses that correspond to specific commands or functions of the controlled device.
To control a device using an IR Blaster, users typically need to configure the device to be recognized by the smartphone or download a compatible app. The IR Blaster then sends out infrared pulses to communicate with the controlled device. This allows users to change the channel on their TV, adjust the temperature of their air conditioner, or turn on their audio system remotely, all from their smartphone.
What Devices Can I Control With An IR Blaster?
With an IR Blaster equipped smartphone, users can control various electronic devices in their home or office, including TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, audio systems, air conditioners, fans, and even some home appliances. However, the range of devices that can be controlled often depends on the capabilities of the IR Blaster and the smartphone it is integrated into.
Some smartphones also offer pre-programmed IR Blaster controls for popular brands, making it easier to control specific devices. Users can also download third-party IR Blaster apps that can provide more device compatibility and customization options. It’s essential to research the IR Blaster capabilities of your smartphone to determine the range of devices you can control.
Why Did IR Blasters Disappear From Most Smartphones?
IR Blasters were removed from most smartphones as manufacturers began focusing on slimmer designs, wireless technologies, and newer alternatives like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi control. With the rise of smart home systems and voice assistants, device control shifted towards voice commands or specialized apps, reducing the need for IR Blaster technology.
Additionally, the increased use of wireless connectivity options and the decline of IR-controlled devices in the market contributed to the disappearance of IR Blasters from most smartphones. However, with the resurgence of interest in device control and smart home automation, some manufacturers are considering bringing IR Blasters back into their smartphone designs.
Why Are IR Blasters Making A Comeback In Some Modern Smartphones?
IR Blasters are making a comeback in some modern smartphones due to the resurgence of interest in device control and smart home automation. Many users still have older devices that rely on IR control, and having a smartphone with IR Blaster capabilities allows for seamless control and integration.
The incorporation of IR Blasters also highlights manufacturers’ efforts to differentiate their products and cater to consumers seeking specific features. Additionally, advancements in technology have made IR Blasters more compact, efficient, and compatible with a wider range of devices, making them an attractive feature for modern smartphone users.
How Do I Set Up My Smartphone IR Blaster?
To set up a smartphone IR Blaster, users typically need to locate the IR Blaster feature within their phone’s settings or download a compatible IR Blaster app. Once the feature or app is accessed, users can usually search for pre-programmed IR Blaster controls for specific device brands or input the device’s details manually.
The setup process also involves pairing the smartphone with the controlled device, which is usually done by positioning the smartphone close to the device and following the instructions provided in the app or settings. In some cases, users may also need to adjust the infrared signal strength or adjust the placement of the smartphone to ensure stable control.
Can I Add An IR Blaster To My Existing Smartphone?
While some cases and phone accessories come with external IR Blasters, users can also consider purchasing an IR Blaster adapter that can connect to their smartphone via a physical interface, such as a 3.5mm headphone jack or a USB port. However, compatibility and device recognition might be issues with older smartphones or those with limited IR control capabilities.
Alternatively, users can opt for software-based IR Blaster aps that use the smartphone’s LED flash or screen as an infrared transmitter. However, this approach often requires more setup and calibration and may not be as reliable as a dedicated IR Blaster. Before investing in an IR Blaster solution, research compatibility with your smartphone model to ensure seamless control.
Do I Still Need A Smartphone With IR Blaster Capabilities In The Era Of Smart Home Systems?
Yes, even with the prevalence of smart home systems and voice assistants, having a smartphone with IR Blaster capabilities still offers benefits. For users with older devices that only have IR control, a smartphone with IR Blaster capabilities can provide a convenient, all-in-one solution for device control and smart home management.
Moreover, IR Blaster-based control can be more intuitive and flexible than relying solely on voice commands. Users can still use their smartphone as a central remote control for all their devices while enjoying the benefits of a smart home ecosystem.