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Google TV Android app preps remote control interface
Looks set to replace the ageing Android TV Remote Control app
Google has completely revamped the Play Movies & TV app as Google TV, and it looks like the new app is about to get some more functionality. 9to5Google has uncovered some strings that point at the integration of an on-screen remote, seemingly replacing the aging Android TV Remote Control app last updated in 2017.
Google's upcoming Android TV dongle and remote just passed through the FCC
Lots, still, to uncover about 'Sabrina'
The FCC has published documents related to an interactive media streaming device and a more generic wireless device from Google. At least one of the two devices may be part of the next-gen push for Android TV, centered around a device named "Sabrina."
Google's new Cast Connect library might sound a bit snore, but it should make casting to Android TV devices a whole lot better. With it, developers can do a few new things, but by far the most important is that it will allow hardware remotes to control 'casted playback, and apps can open Chromecast streams remotely into the same app on your Android TV.
TeamViewer now supports full remote control of Pixel, Xiaomi, and Oppo devices
Help! Grandpa was trying to order more corn on Facebook and installed a virus!
Troubleshooting complicated phone issues with family members who live long distances away can be tough, especially since every Android skin is different. The TeamViewer QuickSupport app makes it easy to allow remote access to a device for trusted technicians and/or knowledgeable relatives, but it didn't support full integration with Pixel and Nexus devices — until now.
Spam and fraud protection are great features to have in apps, especially if they handle your finances. It’s one thing to take precautions, but it’s another to downright block other apps that could enable such nefarious purposes. For Paytm—a well-established, mobile-first payment service in India—remote control and screen sharing apps like TeamViewer and AnyDesk are now considered security risks.
The brand new 2019 Shield TV and Shield TV Pro are now available and awaiting all of those people that have been patiently waiting for a true refresh. Thankfully, the remote has gone through some substantial improvements, including the addition of several new buttons. While most of them contribute to navigation and playback, there is that one Netflix button that's not for everyone. If you count yourself as a non-Netflixer, or even just want to use the button for something even more useful, it's actually very easy to remap.
Google has been working with developers to gradually kill Chrome apps to replace them with Progressive Web Apps, which are easier to build and work across platforms. It's only natural for the company to do the same with its own software, as it is now encouraging users to switch to Chrome Remote Desktop's web app.
Probably the only Android TV box worth consistent attention is the Nvidia Shield TV, which does just about everything the right way. It comes with a handy physical remote, but still, some users have called for a mobile app. Nvidia is finally giving them what they want.
Google Home v1.30 is rolling out today with a minor feature rebranding and some internal changes that show continued development on Google for Households, possibly with support for multiple homes. There are also more features for the smart home remote control, and Smart Displays will use the Google Home app to set up Duo calling. As always, download links are at the bottom.
The infamous Casting notification became a very controversial feature for many. It looked like a good idea when it first appeared, but quickly earned much hate as the notifications proved to be spammy in regular use. Google eventually rolled out an option to turn off notifications. If you haven't shunned these notifications, or you're willing to turn them back on, you can look forward to a new twist that makes it possible to tap on the notification to immediately open up an app as a remote control.
For those of you who haven't heard about it, PowerUp makes smartphone-controlled paper airplanes. They're relatively inexpensive, with a basic PowerUp 3.0 costing $24.99, and they work pretty well which has led to them becoming incredibly popular. The last time PowerUp used Kickstarter to launch a product, it closed on .2m after asking for only $50,000. This time around, the goal is just $25,000. It's not hard to see where this is going.
Even if you're not that familiar with the original Sphero remote control ball, you've probably seen the more recently released Star Wars tie-ins, such as R2-D2 and BB-8, or Lightning McQueen of Cars fame. The impressive toys have garnered much praise from reviewers, the robotic balls especially. A few days ago, a Play Store entry for a new app briefly went live before being taken down again, which leads us to believe a Sphero Mini is about to be released.
Sphero's BB-8 remote control toy was a massive hit when it was released in 2015, partially because it was a great product, but also because the hype machine for The Force Awakens was at full speed. Now that another main series Star Wars film is on the way, it only makes sense that Disney would again partner with Sphero. Except this time, there are two of them.
TeamViewer is an invaluable tool for IT professionals and slightly tech-savvy people alike. Instead of trying to explain to your tech-illiterate friend or family member how to fix a computer problem, you can just get them far enough to download the QuickSupport client and take over from there. But due to Android app restrictions, the QuickSupport Android app only works on devices with a special component added to the ROM (normal screen sharing works on all Android 5.0+ devices).
We are less than a week out from Christmas, so you procrastinators better get going on gift shopping. Luckily, Best Buy has you covered for the tech geek on your list. The electronics retailer is offering the Sphero Ollie robot for $49.99. which is a nice $50 savings.
Although not as fast as RDP or Chrome Remote Desktop (at least in my experience), TeamViewer is one of the easiest ways to remotely control a computer. Today TeamViewer launched the TeamViewer 12 beta, finally offering remote-to-remote control on select Android devices.
As someone who's kind of exhausted by the amount of Star Wars promotional material that's being vomited into our culture at the moment, I have to admit that the remote control BB-8 from Sphero is pretty awesome. Because even toys need sequels now, this year we're getting the original adorable droid in remote control form: R2-D2. Hasbro is planning on releasing a similar toy, complete with all the smartphone connection goodies. Here's the official app for it.
So far Samsung's plus-sized Galaxy View tablet has been given a custom CNN news app and a sort of bulletin board photo app, both of which are exclusive to the device. But Samsung isn't finished yet. Today they published a third app that, if not exclusive to the 18.4-inch tablet itself, is certainly meant to be used exclusively with it. It's a remote control app that lets you operate pretty much every input on the device via a Bluetooth-connected Android phone.
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The official first-party remote control for NVIDIA's SHIELD Android TV set-top box is great. It uses more or less the same mini-remote design as the Nexus Player, Fire TV, Roku, and any number of similar streaming boxes, but it's made out of metal, the buttons are backlit, it has a built-in headphone jack for private listening, and it recharges via a MicroUSB port. The only problem is that unlike the SHIELD controller, it doesn't come in the $200 package - you have to buy it separately for a hefty $50. But not anymore.Starting today, NVIDIA is running a promotion that bundles a free remote in with the SHIELD, so you get the Android TV box, the (excellent) Xbox-style controller, and the smaller remote all for $200. Considering that the SHIELD was already an easy winner in the admittedly short field of Android TV hardware, this only sweetens the deal. Sure, you control every aspect of the SHIELD with the bundled game controller, but the remote is just sleeker. Cooler. An elegant remote control for a more civilized living room. And you can hide the game controller under the ottoman when you're not using it.
Smart home technology is great. The Nest Learning Thermostat, Phillips Hue, and Sonos sound systems are wonderful products that make life more convenient, automated, and beautiful. These technologies are great, but many components in a smart home are controlled by applications from a smart phone or tablet. Having to pull your phone out of your pocket and unlock it every time you want to turn off the lights while watching a movie can be a little annoying.Fortunately, the Logitech Harmony Home Control makes running a smart home a little easier. The remote works great for controlling your media center, but it also can be programmed to control many different home automation devices. It's normally a bit on the pricey side at $150, but today you can pick one up for just $99, the same price as the less feature filled Logitech Harmony Smart Control. The biggest differentiating feature between the two devices is that the Home Control has dedicated buttons to control smart outlets and WiFi connected lights while the Smart Control does not.