It’s refreshing when I see an article done elsewhere that echoes my own sentiments. My general response to this topic of awkward “Smart TV” remotes is: Duh.
The article doesn’t really mention any solutions. I can think of a few:
Ditch the standard TV remote and replace it with a keyboard. The typical computer keyboard has only a few more buttons than the standard, obnoxious Smart TV remote.
Go with gestures and voice, which is suggested in the article.
The Nexus Player has a remote with four buttons: Home, Back, Play/Pause, and Voice. And the voice input feature works nicely for searching and typing. Then again, the Nexus Player remote is one of four remotes I keep by my smart TV. These include the TV’s own remote, the Cable Company’s remote, and the BluRay player remote.
Too many remotes. Too many apps. Too much nonsense for a mindless activity like watching TV!
Last year I paid extra for a smart TV and I couldn’t access the internet with the remote. And I’m no Dummy – I read your “Computers For Dummies” book cover to cover twice, while I was saving for a computer. So I bought a logitec keyboard and it works only to an extent. If for example I’m watching a long youtube program like “Columbo”, the show will always freeze halfway through. I can’t find a way with the keyboard to pause the video and let it buffer. And whatever I try, it will always end the show and take me back to the YouTube search page. I’ve checked my internet connection – it’s fast. I’m very disappointed that I paid hundreds of dollars extra for internet TV when its next to useless.
Comment by The Gnome Whisperer — January 21, 2015 @ 5:38 am
I agree that YouTube is kind of useless on a TV. What I do is use the Chromecast to watch YouTube. So I use a tablet or my phone to watch the video, then cast it to the TV. I can use the phone to control the video, which works much better than the TV’s interface.
Comment by admin — January 21, 2015 @ 7:25 am
I don’t own a tablet and as I hate talking on the phone, so, I’ve never bothered updating my mobile phone to the new smartphone models. In that case, would Chromecast still be worth my while to buy?
Comment by The Gnome Whisperer — January 21, 2015 @ 8:22 am
You can Chromecast from a computer, but that works best when the TV and computer are in the same room. Getting a smartphone is always a good idea in my opinion, as they do so much. They can also be frustrating, but I hear a book is available on the topic. 😀
Comment by admin — January 21, 2015 @ 10:34 am
Well then, I’ll have to get that book 🙂 and chromecast.
By the way, I’m nursing my Windows Vista along until Windows 10 comes out. I tried to help a neighbour out the other day with Windows 8.1 it was so different to Vista. When do you think your Windows 10 Computers For Dummies book will be out? After looking at 8.1, I’m going to need it.
Comment by The Gnome Whisperer — January 22, 2015 @ 12:15 am
Keep in mind that I don’t write the Windows For Dummies title, so my guess is that it will be out sometime before Windows 10 actually appears. The publisher is pressuring all authors to update their PC titles to Windows 10 in a very crunchy time schedule. We’ll be writing on the beta, not the final version. I disagree with that posture, preferring an accurate book over a timely one, but I’m not in charge.
Comment by admin — January 22, 2015 @ 7:51 am