How the Blumoo App Turns Phones into Remotes

How the Blumoo App Turns Phones into Remotes

Unlike most universal remotes, the Blumoo is supposed to function just as if it was the original remote. This is great in the world of dime-a-dozen remote controls. Blumoo is technically not even a remote, but more a Bluetooth dongle.

This means that it needs a smart phone to operate. Once you download the app to your Android or iOS device, you can start using it. Once the dongle is plugged in, the fun happens. The device data is downloaded to the phone over the cellular network or Wi-Fi. Then the infrared signals are sent via the dongle.

According the manufacturer, Flyover Innovations, the device can summon any and all specific controls from almost any device on the market. You can open several windows on the app, allowing you to use several different control functions at once. From its performance at CES, this device is pretty impressive.

The Blumoo also allows you to pull up channel guides from your cable provider. Just enter your zip code and the provider’s name into the app for access to the channel guide. With it, you can look up specific programming and watch it with a click of the “Watch Now” button within the app.

The best feature is saved for last. The dongle includes a 3.5mm audio output jack. This means that you can plug it into your home theater system and stream the music from your phone, iPhone, iPod or other device to your stereo. Devices like this one are going to revolutionize the way universal remotes work.

Cell Phones and Remotes -- Who Knew?

It is no surprise that smart phones offer more abilities each year beyond just being a phone. Each year more and more apps come out that push the boundaries between being a phone and being something more. Recently, apps have been released that offer the ability to turn a cell phone into a TV remote control. This phone universal remote is similar to the ones purchased in store, but they are also different in some ways.

The newer Galaxy S4 phones from Samsung offer this ability. They have an app called WatchON that allows the phone to be used as a universal remote. According to Peel Technologies, the app maker, this app works on all televisions. The app comes preinstalled, so all you have to do is set it up. The app programs itself using your TV’s brand and your cable company information, and by using infrared.

This is really no different than purchasing a universal remote from the local electronics store. However, it will not offer the same usability as the manufacturer remote, or offer what the more advanced universal remotes can. All in all, this is a basic remote that you can use when in a pinch.

Though the above example is only available on the Galaxy S4 phones, there are other apps that are available for most other brands of smart phones. These apps work similarly to the WatchON app. They are usually touch screen and have a limited amount of buttons for use. For a better option, a universal remote will offer much more programmability that a cell phone just cannot match at the moment.

How Do Codes Work on a Universal Remote?

Universal remotes have been commonplace ever since their introduction in 1985. They allow the control of a television or other media when the original remote is not available. There are many different kinds of universal remotes available today, with very high tech remotes available that can control a whole house.

A majority of the older universal remotes require codes to work on the TV and other devices. These remote control codes are listed by brand in the literature included with the remote and online. The codes have to be typed in on the number pad, resulting in multiple codes being tried at times before the correct one is found. This can be tedious.

Many of the newer universal remotes offer a solution to this problem. They will have multiple codes for different brands already programmed in. To use these remotes, a sequence of buttons would be pressed on the keypad. This would cause the remote to search for the right code. If the code cannot be found, there is a chance that a manual code would need to be used.

The high end universal remotes do not use the codes at all. Most of these can clone the controls of an existing remote by scanning it. This is highly effective and very quick to do. If the original remote was lost, the universal remote can be programmed online. This makes setting up the remotes very easy to do. They also offer the most features copied over from the original remote that came with the device.

Why Choose a Universal Remote Over a Factory Replacement?

Why Choose a Universal Remote Over a Factory Replacement?

If you are considering a universal remote to replace a factory remote, you have two options. You can order a new factory remote, if available, or you could buy a universal remote. Neither of these choices is wrong. What kind of remote you choose comes down to personal preference.

The factory replacement remote will work all of the features of the device for which you purchased it. However, so will the universal remote. The difference is the number of devices for which each remote can be used. The universal remote will be able to control at least three or four devices, with higher-end remotes being able to do much more.

If you want more features, or a remote that will reduce in number how many remotes upon which you now rely, the universal remote is the best choice. You have the option of a no-frills, multi-brand remote, or a learning remote. With the multi-brand remote, you may not be able to use all the features of your programmed devices. This could lead to problems, later, when you try to use the features. That is why the learning remote is the overall best choice, because of its ability to copy all features from the original remote.

If you have to choose between a universal remote and a factory remote, the universal remote really has more to offer. It can control all of your devices and use all of the advanced features of each one. Then you can finally reduce remote clutter on your table and still operate your devices with ease.

How to Choose the Best Universal Remote

At one point in time, purchasing a universal remote meant that you lost the remote that came with your TV. Many average folks didn’t have other kinds of fancy equipment hooked to their TV. Boy, how times have changed! The average household has at least three different devices hooked to a TV at all times. This means that, including the TV remote, you have 4 remotes hogging space on your couch or coffee table.

The universal remote will solve all of your space issues. With it, you will have one remote that will control everything in your entertainment center. You may already have one of these and not know it. Many cable companies offer multi-brand remotes with their cable boxes. At best, you will have basic control over your devices. However, they do not offer full control over all types of equipment. This means that you still will need to retain those other remotes close at hand for when you need them.

A learning remote is the type of universal remote that you will need to have full control over your TV, Blu-ray player, sound system, and anything else you have hooked up. They can clone any function of the old remote, and this is what makes them the best type of remote. Many types of remotes like this also have special features.

Learning remote special features:

• Rechargeable batteries


• PC programming for easy setup


• Macros


• Flash memory


• LCD screens


• Touch screens

Purchasing a universal remote is worthwhile. The learning type will allow you to fully use all features that only the factory remotes allowed. This means that you can put away the factory remotes for good.

From Universal Remotes to Charging Cords

From Universal Remotes to Charging Cords

When you buy a universal remote, you are going to receive with it a list of remote control codes. These codes are used to program the remote to operate your various devices. Now, if you are like most of us, you use those codes once -- and then misplace them. So, when your remote needs to be programmed again, you may be out of luck, because the codes are gone. When this happens, you may have to invest in another remote. Here at Replacement Remotes, we have the universals you need to make your life easier, and we also make it easy to get replacement codes when necessary.

By purchasing a universal remote from us, if you lose your codes, we can help you determine which codes you need to get your remote working again. If you would rather have a regular remote that does not need to be programmed, we can help you with that, too. We carry factory-direct remotes that operate hundreds of different devices. All you need to know is your model and brand, and we will find you the appropriate remote control. Whether you want an all-in-one remote, or one made specifically for your device, we have it covered.

Our ordering process is fast and easy, as well as our shipping. Our prices are competitive, and you will often find special deals to save even more money. In addition to remotes, we carry a variety of other useful electronic accessories, such as charging cords. Contact us today to learn more about our line of products.

Understanding the Different Kinds of Remotes

There are many different types of remote controls available. Knowing some of the types of remotes available will help you know which type of replacement you need when a remote control fails. The most common type of remote control has a lot of buttons. Each button operates a specific function of your device. Hospitality remotes have fewer buttons than standard remotes, and you will often find these kinds of remotes in hospitals and waiting rooms. It is important to remember, when buying a replacement, that all remote controls are different. You will need to know the brand and model of your device if you want to find an exact replacement.

If you do not know the brand and model of your device, you can always opt for a universal remote. These types of remotes are made to be programmed to operate multiple devices from one remote. Universals help eliminate the need for several remotes in your hand – you can use your TV, DVD player, and stereo from one remote control! When ordering a replacement remote, know which type of remote you need – a standard, exact duplicate; a streamlined hospitality remote; or a universal remote.

If you need any assistance in placing your remote control order, contact us for help. Our remote control experts are standing by to help you find the best replacement for your remote. Whether you need a specific remote, or are ready to simplify your life with a universal, we have the remote controls to fit your needs.

We Have a Large Selection of Universal Remotes

If you are like most of us, at some point you are going to need one of the many universal remotes you can find in our online catalog. There was a time when the only reason that most people bought one of these remotes was to replace one that was lost or broken and as long as the one they paid for controlled the most basic functions, they were relatively happy.

Today People Buy Universal Remotes to Control Everything

If you go into the average house today, you are going to find a wealth of electronics in their family room or in many cases with the advance in high definition wide screen televisions, their home theater room. From the TV to the DVD player and the cable or satellite box and of course the surround sound, this means several individual remotes or as more people are using now one of the single universal remotes that have been designed to control them all.

Modern Universal Remotes Take You to New Places

The days of buying a television set that does not come with a remote control are a part of history as the sets have become more complex and technologically advanced. When you lose your original remote, you can now buy one of the many universal remotes that you can then use to take you to some amazing new places where televisions have never gone before with more new places to go coming online all the time.

The Universal Remotes We Sell Are Like a Magical Mystery Tour

Thanks to the built in technology in both the televisions you buy today and the universal remotes we sell, you no longer have to settle for whatever happens to be broadcasting on your local cable system or your satellite dish. With most television receivers you can now access a plethora of streaming videos, endless music and in many cases access to the web so that you can keep surfing, even when you are nowhere near your PC.

Home Theater Universal Remotes Let You Create Shortcuts

If you find yourself in the middle of putting together a complete home theater system in your home, one of the many things you are going to notice about doing this, is that you are going to end up with several remote controls for the various pieces of electronics such as the television, DVD player etc. Rather than continue to deal with the confusion that having this many remotes can cause, investing in one of the programmable universal remotes may be a better option.

Universal Remotes Can Be Programmed with Shortcuts

Not only are many of the universal remotes available today capable of controlling for more of the functions that all of these electronics components have built into them, but they are programmable. You can now set up single buttons to turn on specific sets of components such as the TV, the DVD player and the surround sound when you want to watch a movie or just the TV and the cable box when you are ready to watch the news.

Not All Universal Remotes Are Created Equal

If you have ever purchased one or more of the universal remotes that are sold in every department store and even in convenience stores today, you have probably run across at least one, if not almost all of them, that either does not work at all or will only operate half of the functions that your original remote was designed to operate, which can be very frustrating to say the least.

We Match Our Universal Remotes to Your Television Brand

While you might think that the term universal remotes means that these remotes are going to work with every imaginable brand and model of television set on the market. This is not the case as not all remotes are going to give you access to the full range of functions that your set has built into it. We carefully tailor the remote we send to you to match the brand of television you own so that it will replace your original remote and give you access to everything.

We Carry A Huge Selection of Universal Remotes

There can be any number or reasons why you might end up need to buy one of our selections of universal remotes. The most common reason is that your original remote has either been lost or damaged to the point where only a part of it works or it no longer works at all and has left you with no choice but to have to stand next to your television set changing channels until you find the one you want watch.

We Have Universal Remotes to Fit Almost Anything

There is nothing worse to many people, especially the guys, than not having a remote for the TV or the satellite dish. Fortunately we carry dozens of different universal remotes from a wide range of manufacturers in an even wider range of styles, colors and number of functions. You will never have to be without your remote again all you need to know is that you need a remote and the brand of device you need it for.