If you have been wondering why you cannot control all your smart devices from one app, don’t worry. Google has been after it too. The long-awaited Google Home 2.46 can finally be used as a remote for your Android/Google TV in your Android smartphone.
Previously, Google TV or Android TV owners had to install a dedicated Google TV app to use their phones as remotes. This feature is demanded because losing or damaging hardware remotes is a very popular problem. Anyway, to reach it quickly, one had to create a shortcut or search for the remote in the bottom-right corner.
What we receive looks way more logical. In Google Home, you need to go to the device page and open the remote in the bottom left corner. The remote is working right away if the TV device and the phone are on the same network. For the first connection, though, you will have to go through a simple pairing procedure. When your TV device displays a 6-digit code, you need to enter it on your phone. The procedure is only required once.
The control area you get is similar to the previous generation Apple TV remote. There is no D-Pad: to navigate through menus, you need just to swipe or tap. Intuitive as it is, it might require a little time to get used to. On some devices, you can also control volume or use the Mute button. You can also use keyboard input, use Back, Home, and Assistant buttons, or power the device on and off.
Google announces updates in this feature as well. While not trying to overload the remote with bells and whistles (it’s not a dedicated app after all), it plans to upgrade its functionality and improve usability.
Have you got any Google/Android TV devices? Have you ever had to use your phone as a remote? Did you have no other option, or was it rather out of curiosity? Share your experience in the comments below, and we’ll be grateful.