The Future of Audio/Video Remotes: Will Smartphones Fully Eliminate Them?

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the role of traditional audio/video remotes is undergoing a significant transformation. As smartphones continue to integrate with smart home devices, the potential for entirely eliminating these physical controls is within reach. This article explores the current landscape and future trends, delving into the advancements driving this change and the challenges that still lie ahead.

Current Trends and Innovations

Smartphones are already a powerful controller for various audio/video devices. From Sonos speakers to smart TVs, the integration of mobile applications and voice assistants is making physical remotes a thing of the past for many users. For instance, the Google Home or Alexa enable users to control a wide range of devices with voice commands, replacing the need for manual input via remotes.

Companies like Samsung are furthering this trend by entrusting Bixby to unify control across devices, from televisions to refrigerators, and even smartphones. Similarly, Savant offers solutions that replace traditional remotes for Apple devices, streamlining the user experience.

Examples of Smart Audio/Video Setup

To give a detailed picture of how a fully voice-activated and app-controlled environment can operate, let's examine a user's setup. The following example illustrates how smartphones can be the ultimate controller for audio and video devices:

Audiophile Setup

AUDIO

A Sonos Play 5 for medium-quality audio in small rooms. A Google Home for low-quality audio like podcasts, utilizing its microphone for voice commands. A Raspberry Pi with a Allo Boss Master DAC for high-fidelity audio, paired with an NAD C275bee effect amplifier and Dali Zensen 3 speakers. The amplifier can be configured to turn on when it detects a signal.

VIDEO

Smart TVs that can be controlled directly via apps, even those as old as 7-8 years. TVs with a Chromecast, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick connected, allowing immediate playback from the remote device. A Raspberry Pi with a HifiBerry DAC Pro for additional flexibility in audio output.

Home Automation and Control

The setup utilizes a Home Assistant, which consolidates control over various devices, eliminating the need for multiple apps. LibreELEC on a Raspberry Pi 3B acts as the media center, providing a seamless experience for watching Danish public service channels and other free channels. A Mopidy setup on another Raspberry Pi 2B streamulates music, podcasts, and local media with high fidelity.

Mobile and Voice Control

User can control the entire setup using various apps and methods:

Smartview app for Samsung Smart TVs. Remote for Sony TV app. Yatse app for controlling KODI LibreELEC. Variety of MPD apps for Mopidy.

A smart speaker, like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri, allows both voice control and direct browsing from a browser or phone, providing a versatile control method.

Future Perspectives and Challenges

While the reliance on smartphones for controlling audio/video devices is on the rise, several challenges remain:

Adoption Rate: Not everyone has the necessary technology or is ready to adopt wireless control systems. Seamless Integration: Ensuring that all devices work seamlessly together without interoperability issues is a significant hurdle. Reliability: Voice assistants and home automation systems need to be reliable and responsive to avoid frustrating user experiences.

Moreover, the consumer’s preference for traditional remotes remains strong in certain scenarios. For instance, sitting on the couch with a remote is often more practical than fishing out a phone or issuing a voice command. However, with the advent of neurolaces or the use of air gestures combined with augmented reality, the era of physical remotes may well come to an end.

Conclusion

The transition from traditional audio/video remotes to smartphone-based control is a gradual process. While smartphones will likely not completely eliminate all physical devices soon, the trend is unmistakably towards more convenient and efficient control methods. As technology continues to evolve, the day when we can control our entire home audio/video ecosystem solely through voice commands and touchscreens is not far off.