The Galaxy S5 is filled with a plethora of features — some that are borderline gimmicky and others that are genuinely useful. One such useful feature on the handset is Smart Remote that makes use of the IR blaster to allow users to control their television. It does not, however, support other electronic devices like DVD players or air conditioners like LG’s Quick Remote app. Smart IR Remote from Color Tiger (not to be confused with the Samsung’s Smart Remote app) does just that — it converts your Galaxy S5 into a universal remote.
Using Smart IR Remote, you can control your heating system, DSLR cameras, game/media consoles, protector, set top box, switcher, TVs and more. Chances are that if any equipment in your house can be controlled by a remote, Smart IR Remote would support it. The app features a huge database of all the consumer electronics, which should cover nearly all the equipment in your house. If not, using the “Most models” option works the rest of the time.
Apart from being just a remote control app, Smart IR Remote also packs in some advanced features like the ability to automatically mute your music system or TV when you get an incoming call, automate tasks using Tasker, or group multiple commands into one via its built-in Macros feature. The app also works on the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One (M7/M8) and supports CyanogenMod based ROMs as well. Download: Smart IR Remote ($6.99)
