It wouldn't be controversial to say that the interfaces for cable boxes suck. With the possible exception of TiVo, I don't think I've ever seen one that was made for the purpose of being easy and/or efficient to use, especially since the newer ones are more interested in selling Pay-Per-View and on demand content than actually letting you watch TV. That has largely carried over to the remote apps for the fancy new cable boxes, which might help explain why the XFINITY remote app has a 3.2-star rating in the Play Store.

New above, old below.

Version 2.0 of the XFINITY TV Remote app is different. Not necessarily good, mind you, but different. According to the changelog a "design update" is the only thing that has changed, and indeed, the new screenshots show off a cleaner, flatter look that should make it somewhat easier to read, though the text is still pretty tiny. The interface also does away with gradients and shadows that made it a bit too busy. The app still omits an "enter" or "OK" button, so in order to actually watch a show you have to dive into the listing and select "watch channel."

To use the XFINITY remote app you'll need a compatible set-top box and an active XFINITY log-in account. Or you can get a $10 universal remote, which seems like a slightly less frustrating option.