Hands-On With the Button Remote, a Siri Remote Alternative for Apple TV

[goodwilldrums]

All IR remotes work for the Apple TV.




It looks like it has a Home button on the remote, does it actually work with the Apple TV?

If so, then maybe I will consider this.

This button just takes you to the home page from wherever you are.

It still lacks Siri/bluetooth functionality.

I personally just pull out my phone and use the remote app for when I need to change profiles, force quit an app, quickly change audio out, etc.

 

[Juicy Box]

I didn't come up with this idea, but I remember a post a long time ago explaining a reason how the Siri Remote got past testing phase with its current design.

Apple engineers probably tested the Apple TV 4 in a brightly lit testing lab while it was sitting next to a TV or monitor on a workbench.

The Siri Remote was placed right next to the Apple TV, and when it was being tested, it was picked up and held while the tester was sitting on a computer chair, and as soon as the testing session was done, it was placed back next to the Apple TV on the workbench.

It should have been tested in a dark living room, while sitting on an arm chair of a sofa, and occasionally allowed to fall into the cushions or maybe used with a blanket.

 

[John Lobert]

Bought one and sent it back. Was a total fail. All it would do is make the light on the front of the ATV blink. However, it would control my Samsung TV as claimed, which is not why I bought it. Customer service was responsive and immediately authorized the return.

 

[4jasontv]

When it slides down the arm rest in between the arm rest and cushion is one example.

I have used the Siri Remote since October of 2015, and while there are things I like about it, trying to feel my way around to see if it is pointed the correct way is not one of those things.

I just wished it was intuitive like Apple products used to be.

How do you push the buttons when it's falls between the cushions?

My point was that because it's an asymmetrical device orienting the Apple TV remote is like orienting any TV remote.

Since you can tell which direction the track-pad is just by holding it how would Apple make it more intuitive without making it bigger or adding buttons?

 

[Juicy Box]

How do you push the buttons when it's falls between the cushions?

By touching it.

Since you can tell which direction the track-pad is just by holding

I cannot.

If it was just me, then I would say that I am doing something wrong, but since there are a many, many posts describing the same exact behavior, that would usually mean it is on Apple's design.

I think it is great that the Siri Remote works perfect in your hands, but the fact is, this is not the case for many other people, and the Siri Remote is probably the number one complaint about the Apple TV.

 

[compwiz1202]

That it costs nearly as much (or more) than Apple TV itself? Also, some might not like number of buttons, design, or size?

Yea price would definitely be why. We got extra lucky; Amazon had it double discounted down to like $60 when we looked for one.

 

[4jasontv]

By touching it.


I cannot.

If it was just me, then I would say that I am doing something wrong, but since there are a many, many posts describing the same exact behavior, that would usually mean it is on Apple's design.

I think it is great that the Siri Remote works perfect in your hands, but the fact is, this is not the case for many other people, and the Siri Remote is probably the number one complaint about the Apple TV.

I am just trying to understand what people are doing. The buttons don't respond to touch. They require a bit of pressure to push them down. I just can't seem to replicate how someone would accidentally press a button that has more resistance than a MBP keyboard.

I think a lot of people complain about the design because they have to find something wrong with it. It's frustrating that the Apple TV hasn't seen a hardware refresh in years but the remote, for many of us, is excellent.

Some people have argued that the remote is to thin and I can understand that argument. Thankfully there are a ton of cheap cases for the remote that makes it feel thicker. We wouldn't want to make the remote thicker to make that small group happier at the expense of everyone that likes the thin design because that would be like raising the temperature of the office because one person is cold.

 

[nylonsteel]

i say all tv remotes shoud be wireless keyboard based with mouse or trackpad
non proprietary protocol so any wireless keyboard can connect
all these hand held remotes are a pain now

 

[Juicy Box]

I am just trying to understand what people are doing.

Maybe people are handling the Siri Remote different than you do.
Maybe people think they are holding the remote the correct way, and start pressing buttons only to find out that it was the wrong way.
Maybe there are SW inconsistencies to explain the difference in experience.

There are all sorts of reasons to explain why your experience is different than many other people's experience.

Just look at this example:

I didn't come up with this idea, but I remember a post a long time ago explaining a reason how the Siri Remote got past testing phase with its current design.

Apple engineers probably tested the Apple TV 4 in a brightly lit testing lab while it was sitting next to a TV or monitor on a workbench.

The Siri Remote was placed right next to the Apple TV, and when it was being tested, it was picked up and held while the tester was sitting on a computer chair, and as soon as the testing session was done, it was placed back next to the Apple TV on the workbench.

It should have been tested in a dark living room, while sitting on an arm chair of a sofa, and occasionally allowed to fall into the cushions or maybe used with a blanket.

I think a lot of people complain about the design because they have to find something wrong with it.

I am definitely not in this type. I have been a long time Apple TV fan. Look at all my pre-ATV4 launch posts, I was very excited to see what Apple was going to do with the Apple TV, and back then, I probably spent 90% of my time on the forum on the ATV threads.

As soon as I saw the Siri Remote at the launch event I questioned the design. My concerns were confirmed when I got my pre-ordered ATV4.

To be fair to Apple, they have made some improvements to the Siri Remote since, like adding the sudo D-pad, and making it harder to accidentally scrub video when picking it up.

But, the designed is still flawed for many different reasons. That is why there are threads and articles just like this one. If it wasn't a problem for people, there wouldn't be companies trying to sell Siri Remote alternatives.


If there was just a few people complaining, I might agree, but the Siri Remote design seems to be the biggest complaint about the ATV.

 

[topdrawer]

I am just trying to understand what people are doing. The buttons don't respond to touch. They require a bit of pressure to push them down. I just can't seem to replicate how someone would accidentally press a button that has more resistance than a MBP keyboard.

uh, the "touch" pad responds to touch. you may have to click it once to connect the remote, but when watching tv, it's easy to move around once you are snuggled in blankets sipping some cocoa. maybe apple didn't consider actual life style when designing products. maybe they picture us in a white clothes, sitting in a brightly lit room with a modern flat couch with only 2 decorative pillows no one uses and a perfectly placed table for the remote to rest on. in apple's scenario, we watch tv sitting upright and never place the remove next to us where it may slide under our butts.

besides the touch controls which should be turned off and on, the remote doesn't work well in many situations. many times it will lag greatly (yes i've checked batteries) and it will over scroll. this is more to do with the apple tv itself and being underpowered, but pressing a button once would solve this issue instead of touch.

 

[JedWare]

Bought a similar remote at Walmart:

One for All URC7935-WM Streaming Box/Soundbar/TV Universal Remote - Walmart.com

Buy One for All URC7935-WM Streaming Box/Soundbar/TV Universal Remote at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

I have both AppleTV remote out and this remote and even my kids grab the button remote. It is a design failure but what do you expect from a company that has an aversion to buttons.

 

[4jasontv]

Maybe people think they are holding the remote the correct way, and start pressing buttons only to find out that it was the wrong way.

So this is the example of insanity people speak of.

Maybe there are software differences... I have the aTV4K and that did come with a new remote. But if people are having issues with an old remote than that's fine because it's not what a new customer would expect to get. Contact Apple and see if they will replace it under warranty with the new remote.

But that's what I am trying to figure out. How are people using it that they are having problems. Are they trying to grip it like Uncle Rico holds a football? Are they using their palm to push buttons? If the remote isn't working and they use the remote like it's designed to be used than Apple should be good to swap it out.

Just for fun I tried an experiment where I put the remote on the floor, out of view, and I turned the TV on, located Disney +, and started playing Ducktales. With my toes. It took me longer than with my hands, but it worked fine.

Like I have mentioned before, I find there to be little difference between using it in the dark and using it in the light. I don't even look at the remote because there are only 5 buttons and a rocker. Between the Menu button's hard to ignore ridge and the volume button's shape even the one that wee wee wee home knew it's orientation. I don't think I could do that with my squishy and cluttered TV remote.

 

[spiridus]

Deal breaker for those who have the box hidden in a cabinet or separate room.

Agreed, mine is my bedroom closet with the wiring through a pass-through in the wall to the TV

 

[BuffaloTF]

uh, the "touch" pad responds to touch. you may have to click it once to connect the remote, but when watching tv, it's easy to move around once you are snuggled in blankets sipping some cocoa. maybe apple didn't consider actual life style when designing products. maybe they picture us in a white clothes, sitting in a brightly lit room with a modern flat couch with only 2 decorative pillows no one uses and a perfectly placed table for the remote to rest on. in apple's scenario, we watch tv sitting upright and never place the remove next to us where it may slide under our butts.

besides the touch controls which should be turned off and on, the remote doesn't work well in many situations. many times it will lag greatly (yes i've checked batteries) and it will over scroll. this is more to do with the apple tv itself and being underpowered, but pressing a button once would solve this issue instead of touch.

I hope I don't sound flippant as that's not my intent; and I know the fact that having to do what I'm about to suggest is not user friendly since you shouldn't have to do this in the first place...

...but lower the sensitivity. It was far too sensitive on it's own. And don't "rub" the pad. Instead, lightly tap where the cardinal directions would be and it'll operate like a d-pad. It isn't the best that you have to do this, but it's certainly a quality of life improvement while using it.

 

[4jasontv]

uh, the "touch" pad responds to touch. you may have to click it once to connect the remote, but when watching tv, it's easy to move around once you are snuggled in blankets sipping some cocoa. maybe apple didn't consider actual life style when designing products. maybe they picture us in a white clothes, sitting in a brightly lit room with a modern flat couch with only 2 decorative pillows no one uses and a perfectly placed table for the remote to rest on. in apple's scenario, we watch tv sitting upright and never place the remove next to us where it may slide under our butts.

besides the touch controls which should be turned off and on, the remote doesn't work well in many situations. many times it will lag greatly (yes i've checked batteries) and it will over scroll. this is more to do with the apple tv itself and being underpowered, but pressing a button once would solve this issue instead of touch.

Should they also take into account that people might throw their iPhone? If things are getting under you when watching TV the remote is the least of your worries because it sounds like you are laying in liquid chocolate.

 

[spiridus]

I've been using mine for about 10 days now and love it. Could use some changes but great for a first gen alternative.

Good to know, thanks (just ordered one)

 

[4jasontv]

Agreed, mine is my bedroom closet with the wiring through a pass-through in the wall to the TV

Good to know, thanks (just ordered one)

Hmmm. Why did you decide to order it knowing it doesn't work for your setup?

 

[4jasontv]

Bought a similar remote at Walmart:

One for All URC7935-WM Streaming Box/Soundbar/TV Universal Remote - Walmart.com

Buy One for All URC7935-WM Streaming Box/Soundbar/TV Universal Remote at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

I have both AppleTV remote out and this remote and even my kids grab the button remote. It is a design failure but what do you expect from a company that has an aversion to buttons.

The lack of buttons IS the selling point. Everyone in our house can't stand the other remotes because they are cluttered and unintuitive messes. The Apple TV is also the only remote that turns everything on and off. It's not an airplane. We don't want a button for every feature.

 

[Juicy Box]

So this is the example of insanity people speak of.

Maybe there are software differences... I have the aTV4K and that did come with a new remote. But if people are having issues with an old remote than that's fine because it's not what a new customer would expect to get. Contact Apple and see if they will replace it under warranty with the new remote.

But that's what I am trying to figure out. How are people using it that they are having problems. Are they trying to grip it like Uncle Rico holds a football? Are they using their palm to push buttons? If the remote isn't working and they use the remote like it's designed to be used than Apple should be good to swap it out.

Just for fun I tried an experiment where I put the remote on the floor, out of view, and I turned the TV on, located Disney +, and started playing Ducktales. With my toes. It took me longer than with my hands, but it worked fine.

Like I have mentioned before, I find there to be little difference between using it in the dark and using it in the light. I don't even look at the remote because there are only 5 buttons and a rocker. Between the Menu button's hard to ignore ridge and the volume button's shape even the one that wee wee wee home knew it's orientation. I don't think I could do that with my squishy and cluttered TV remote.

Reminds me of the responses I see on the forum of a post reporting a problem with an Apple device.. "If it doesn't happen to me, then it must not be happening."

People experience different things for all sorts of reasons, and people like different things for different reasons than you.

You may like everything about the Siri Remote, and that is great for you. Obviously there are many people that do not share your view or products like the one in the article wouldn't exist.

For the record, I wouldn't get the Salt remote or any other IR remote because of the lack of the Home button which is pretty much required for how I use my ATV now.

Besides, the Salt remote doesn't do anything different than every other IR remote out there, and with the Remote Learning feature on the ATV, any IR remote could work with the ATV. It just wouldn't have a Home Button.

 

[4jasontv]

Reminds me of the responses I see on the forum of a post reporting a problem with an Apple device.. "If it doesn't happen to me, then it must not be happening."

People experience different things for all sorts of reasons, and people like different things for different reasons than you.

You may like everything about the Siri Remote, and that is great for you. Obviously there are many people that do not share your view or products like the one in the article wouldn't exist.

For the record, I wouldn't get the Salt remote or any other IR remote because of the lack of the Home button which is pretty much required for how I use my ATV now.

Besides, the Salt remote doesn't do anything different than every other IR remote out there, and with the Remote Learning feature on the ATV, any IR remote could work with the ATV. It just wouldn't have a Home Button.

I am not saying it's not happening to people. I am asking what they are doing to make it happen so they can learn to stop doing it. It sounds like a classic case of PEBCAK, or in this case PEBCAR.

 

[Juicy Box]

I am not saying it's not happening to people. I am asking what they are doing to make it happen so they can learn to stop doing it. It sounds like a classic case of PEBCAK, or in this case PEBCAR.

Yup, "if it is not happening to me, it must be user error", been seeing this on the forum as well.

 

[4jasontv]

Yup, "if it is not happening to me, it must be user error", been seeing this on the forum as well.

That's because it's true.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

You don't have to swipe on Apple's remote. 🤷‍♂️

 

[Juicy Box]

Reminds me of the responses I see on the forum of a post reporting a problem with an Apple device.. "If it doesn't happen to me, then it must not be happening."

I am not saying it's not happening to people. I am asking what they are doing to make it happen so they can learn to stop doing it. It sounds like a classic case of PEBCAK, or in this case PEBCAR.

Yup, "if it is not happening to me, it must be user error", been seeing this on the forum as well.

That's because it's true.

Exactly.... It couldn't possibly be the unintuitive design.

Now that reminds me of the Antennagate issues:

iPhone 4 - Reception Problems - Holding Wrong | The Mary Sue

Yesterday, scores of eager new iPhone 4 owners quickly discovered they had a problem: When they held their phones by the antenna band left-handed, reception would in many cases be nuked, dropping to one bar or zero bars. Apple has officially confirmed that there's a problem, but in their...

www.themarysue.com

You're Holding It Wrong!

 

[Juicy Box]

You don't have to swipe on Apple's remote. 🤷‍♂️

Apple did add a sudo D-pad by touching the edges of the touchpad, but just like the IR remotes such as the Salt remote, it does not work with all apps.

Also, it does not hold the direction when scrolling.