Enhancing SmartTV Navigation: The New SmartThings Remote Widget
Samsung’s innovative SmartThings platform, recognized for its extensive compatibility with smart home devices, is continuously evolving to offer users improved features. Among its standout capabilities is the newly streamlined function for remotely controlling compatible smart TVs and monitors. Recent updates have introduced a game-changing home screen widget that makes accessing this feature significantly easier.
Simplifying Samsung TV Control
Traditionally, users interested in controlling their televisions via the SmartThings app had to dig into the application to select the connected device and access the Remote tool. Alternatively, they could rely on a Quick Remote feature on their lock screens that offered limited control through basic shortcuts.
Thanks to a recent update highlighted by Android Authority, Samsung has rolled out an intuitive home screen widget dedicated to remote functions.
Your Personal Screen Remote Widget
The new widget titled ‘Screen Remote’ showcases key controls in a compact 4×2 rectangle format. Users will find vital functionalities such as volume adjustment, channel navigation, power options, mute controls, and an intuitive directional wheel for straightforward maneuvering.
This handy addition allows instant access instead of needing to open the entire SmartThings application each time you want to control your television or monitor.
Device Limitations and Future Possibilities
The Screen Remote functionality currently supports TVs classified under “Living Room TV” or “My TV.” Whether future versions will enable users more freedom in customizing which devices can be controlled using this widget remains uncertain.
No Customization Yet—But User-Friendly Experience
Unlike its in-app counterpart—which offers various customization options—the new Screen Remote lacks such flexibility and does not provide alternative sizes for widgets. Despite these constraints, it enhances ease-of-use significantly compared with prior methods of accessing television control features within the app itself.
This remote control capability has been integrated into both Android and iOS releases of the SmartThings application as part of December’s major update release. However, availability appears variable across regions with a gradual rollout expected over time.
Your Insights Matter!
If you’ve already explored using your smartphone as a remote through the SmartThings application available on either Android or iPhone devices—what are your thoughts? Contribute your experiences below!