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Function101 Offering Alternative Apple TV Remote Control for $30
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The 6xx series is fully customizable but their MyHarmony software doesn't work with Catalina or later, since MyHarmony is 32-bit. There is no 64-bit version, and they haven't updated the software since 2017. I currently use a 2008 MacBook running High Sierra to program my Logitech Harmony 650 and 665 remotes.
Plus, they suffer the scrubbing speed issue mentioned above. It's not a deal killer, but it is annoying. That's the only reason I keep my Apple Siri/touch remote around.
Tempting. But I programmed the "media" keys on my AV receiver remote to control the Apple TV, and have been pretty happy. If you love the included remote, enjoy. For the rest of us, on your Apple TV go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Learn Remote, then follow the onscreen instructions to teach your Apple TV to use a remote you already have!
Good to know, I’ve always used windows to program them so I’ve never had an issue. My rechargeable 700 is still going strong after like 10 years. The old 650s were a little more finicky with loose batteries but that’s it. I do also keep the Apple remote for better scrubbing controls if I ever need it.
"Hey Siri...turn off subtitles" works great for me.
[automerge]1595360349[/automerge]
FYI, if your ATV/TV/AVR are all hooked up and working with ARC (i.e., where the remote can control the volume "through" the Apple TV), then, if you're using the iPhone Remote app, the phone volume controls will actually control the ATV volume
Oops, this was already covered:
Is there a secret setting to turn this one? My ATV remote does control the volume of the TV as well as the on/off button, but I just tried using the iPhone remote app to control the volume and that doesn't work for me.
The touchpad is more trouble than it's worth. You have to learn a bunch of gestures, and they basically don't work anyway. It is easier to just use regular buttons.
The remote isn't enough to control all your devices so you will have to hold at least two remotes at once.
Easy to lose and expensive to replace.
Would be nice if it came with a charging dock.
Not too much, could use a mute button and maybe be visible in the dark. People will complain no matter what though
I don’t understand. What gestures? Swipe up and down? Also,what doesn’t it control? My AppleTV Remote powers on and off my tv, surround sound, bias lights, and Apple TV.
Battery life is measured in years. Why would it need a dock?
I (more accurately my kids aged 5 and 3) frequently want to scrub to part way through a show. The trackpad is far easier than holding down an old-school “fast forward” button (like on a cassette deck) for ages and watching while the playback position cursor scrolls across the screen. A few swipes on the track pad and you can be right where you want in a couple of seconds or less. It gets the kid seal of approval anyway.
Obviously, put the Siri remote in a silicon cover so it’s easier to hold and you don’t get confused about which way is up.
The case is a good idea, but am I the only one who immediately knows the position of the remote by feeling the volume rocker?
At $30, I may pick one up for the parental units, as they have a hard time with the Apple provided remote.
Yeah, a bunch of gestures like swiping and tapping... oh, and clicking. And what gestures don't work? Also, what's easier about using regular buttons which you can't also do with the touchpad? 🤔
Yup, this is pretty much exactly what I do. I also have one of the old ATV 3 silver remotes - they still work with the 4K. But my preference is the phone app.
I'm not actually sure where the piece-of-crap original remote which came with our ATV actually is anymore.
A lot of universal remotes already work with the Apple TV. Even a 99 Cents Store one I tried worked.
I don't find the Apple TV in general very innovative, just different, and that includes the weird remote. Gave up a while ago and now use a laptop or desktop straight to the TV. That can play whatever media you want without any nonsense, and I don't see any downside. Apple has come a long way since the original Apple TV, and I hope they make something great, but this isn't it yet.
I don't find the Apple TV in general very innovative, just different, and that includes the weird remote. Gave up a while ago and now use a laptop or desktop straight to the TV. That can play whatever media you want without any nonsense, and I don't see any downside. Apple has come a long way since the original Apple TV, and I hope they make something great, but this isn't it yet.
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I have two primary complaints about the AppleTV remote, at least one of which has been covered in this thread already.
1) Remotes should not be made of glass. Remotes spend their lives either on end tables, on couches, falling through cushions, etc. I got around this to some extent by putting a skin on the thing before it broke, but it's still broken glass under there. Being that they're so expensive to replace, please make them more durable.
2) Only one remote per AppleTV. I would love the ability to pair more than one AppleTV remote to a single AppleTV, so that I can stash them in various places; both sides of the couch, for instance.
Beyond that, I really miss directional buttons. I'm aware that you're supposed to be able to touch or press the edge of the touch surface in order to move the focus, but that sometimes works and sometimes don't. Buttons generally work.
I'm hoping there is a redesign for the next AppleTV.
1) Remotes should not be made of glass. Remotes spend their lives either on end tables, on couches, falling through cushions, etc. I got around this to some extent by putting a skin on the thing before it broke, but it's still broken glass under there. Being that they're so expensive to replace, please make them more durable.
2) Only one remote per AppleTV. I would love the ability to pair more than one AppleTV remote to a single AppleTV, so that I can stash them in various places; both sides of the couch, for instance.
Beyond that, I really miss directional buttons. I'm aware that you're supposed to be able to touch or press the edge of the touch surface in order to move the focus, but that sometimes works and sometimes don't. Buttons generally work.
I'm hoping there is a redesign for the next AppleTV.
I don't understand why people whinge about the remote?? It is very intuitive and easy to use and I have never had a problem with it. Superbly designed and the only fault is that it is a bit slippery but that can very easily be rectified with a cheap cover.
Maybe this will the one to rule them all?
I was disappointed that the Apple app didn't completely replace the remote. I shattered a remote within weeks of owning my first ATV. Applecare wouldn't replace it. The app os good, but, not quite. Most people really aren't fans of the 'touch screen' area. Count me as a solid no...
It could have been so much better too.
I was disappointed that the Apple app didn't completely replace the remote. I shattered a remote within weeks of owning my first ATV. Applecare wouldn't replace it. The app os good, but, not quite. Most people really aren't fans of the 'touch screen' area. Count me as a solid no...
It could have been so much better too.
Have you read this thread? Yes some hate it, but some don’t have much of a problem with it and some even like it. People aren’t necessarily trolling just because they disagree with you.
PS As with anything Apple here on MR forums, you can be sure that some portion of the negativity comes from people who have never even seen the Siri remote irl, let alone ever used one.
There’s over 140 comments before yours. If you read them, you might gain some insights.
So the remote is pretty awful - The surface area is not big enough and it doesn't work as well as the phone which whorks the way the remote should. Super slick and fast. and the added bonus of Keyboard input with Passwords etc.
I've also got it Hooked to a Harmony remote.
What they need is Siri integration / Shortcuts that can launch apps and play or find content. But really needs custom wake words. Why are all of them so awful Hey Siri, Ok google, Alexa - at least you can switch Alexa to Computer or Echo.
You should be able to have whatever you want for each device. I hate that if say Hey Siri in my lounge - HomePod, iPhone, iPad all spark up and beep and talk to you. I'd have "HomePod" "Phone" "TV" "iPad" so you know exactly what you are trying control.
I've also got it Hooked to a Harmony remote.
What they need is Siri integration / Shortcuts that can launch apps and play or find content. But really needs custom wake words. Why are all of them so awful Hey Siri, Ok google, Alexa - at least you can switch Alexa to Computer or Echo.
You should be able to have whatever you want for each device. I hate that if say Hey Siri in my lounge - HomePod, iPhone, iPad all spark up and beep and talk to you. I'd have "HomePod" "Phone" "TV" "iPad" so you know exactly what you are trying control.
