Universal is a powerful Android application designed to transform your mobile device into a sophisticated universal remote control. It consolidates control over your TV, set-top box, air conditioner, and other infrared or Wi-Fi-enabled devices into one intuitive interface. Universal eliminates the clutter of multiple physical remotes, offering a streamlined and modern solution for managing your home entertainment and smart devices.
Overview and Basic Information to Universal
Universal is developed to harness the built-in infrared (IR) blaster found in many Android smartphones or connect to devices over a local Wi-Fi network. Its primary purpose is to replace all your existing remotes with a single, smart, and customizable digital alternative. By emulating the infrared codes of thousands of devices from various brands, Universal provides a seamless and unified control experience right from your pocket.
Key Features and Highlights of Universal
Extensive Device Database: Universal supports a massive library of devices, including TVs, projectors, streaming boxes (like Roku or Fire TV), audio systems, and even air conditioners.
Dual Connectivity: Control devices using your phone's IR blaster for traditional electronics or via Wi-Fi for smarter appliances and set-top boxes, all within the Universal app.
Customizable Remote Layouts: Design your own remote control interface by placing buttons exactly where you want them, creating a personalized experience.
Smart Home Integration: For Wi-Fi devices, Universal can often integrate them into routines, going beyond simple button-press emulation.
Learning Function: If a device isn't in the database, the learn function can capture commands from your original physical remote and add them to Universal.
Advantages
Unified Control: The core advantage of Universal is consolidating numerous remotes into one, reducing clutter and simplifying your setup.
High Compatibility: Its vast database ensures it works with a huge range of brands and device types, making it a truly universal solution.
No Hardware Required (for Wi-Fi): For controlling Wi-Fi devices, no additional hardware is needed beyond the Universal app itself.
Customization: The ability to create and save custom remote layouts for different devices or scenarios is a significant benefit over standard remotes.
Disadvantages
Dependent on IR Hardware: The IR functionality is entirely dependent on your Android phone having a built-in IR blaster, which is absent in many modern devices.
Wi-Fi Setup Complexity: Adding some Wi-Fi devices can require a more technical setup process compared to point-and-control IR.
Interface Can Feel Crowded: Trying to control too many different device types on one screen can sometimes lead to a cluttered interface within Universal.
Battery Usage: Keeping Universal active and using the IR blaster can contribute to faster battery drain on your phone.
Tips for using Universal
Group by Activity: Create different pages or layouts in Universal for specific activities, like "Watch TV" (TV, soundbar, streaming stick) or "Cool Down" (AC, fan).
Use the Learning Feature: For older or obscure devices not in the database, patiently use the learn function with your original remote in a quiet, well-lit environment.
Explore Widgets: Universal often supports home screen widgets, allowing you to place controls for your most-used devices (like an AC unit) directly on your phone's homepage for quick access without opening the full app.
Check for Updates: The developer frequently updates the device database. Ensure your version of Universal is up-to-date for the best compatibility.
More similar apps
Sure Universal Remote: A strong competitor that also supports both IR and Wi-Fi control, with a focus on smart TV and set-top box management.
Peel Smart Remote: Known for its user-friendly interface and integrated TV guide, though it has shifted away from being a purely universal remote in recent years.
Anymote Smart Remote: Offers robust customization and support for a wide array of devices, competing directly with the feature set of Universal.
Conclusion and Personal Opinion
Universal stands as a highly capable and ambitious application that delivers on its core promise of unifying your remote controls. Its strength lies in its extensive compatibility and deep customization options, making it a powerful tool for tech-savvy users with multiple devices. The primary limitation is not Universal itself, but the hardware it relies on; the dwindling presence of IR blasters in new phones is a significant hurdle. However, for those with a compatible Android device and a pile of remotes, Universal is an excellent solution that brings genuine convenience and modernization to home control. It effectively turns your phone into a command center for your electronics.
