First of all:
I know - the Nexus 5 is meant to be inexpensive and for development.
But that's the point. Controlling your TV or other IR-controlled devices is an awesome feature. (Come on, who does not have a TV or similar at home?)
I even would say that IR is more important than the NFC feature but that's different in everyone's opinion.
Why do you guys think Google did not take the step. REALLY COST reasons? Or because they think, that it is not needed by enough people - which IMHO is nonsense since there are more people with TVs than people with NFC-tags or people using them.
I'm really interested in your guys' opinions!
IR blasters come and go out of fashion...
my 2006 Windows Mobile devices had IR blasters
then android/iphone came in, IR blasters went out of fashion till roughly 2013?
I'm fine with them cutting cost by excluding IR blaster
NFC = for remote payment, if google think that's more important(google wallet) for their long term strategy
'Cause it's naff?...
paperWastage said:
IR blasters come and go out of fashion...
my 2006 Windows Mobile devices had IR blasters
then android/iphone came in, IR blasters went out of fashion till roughly 2013?
I'm fine with them cutting cost by excluding IR blaster
NFC = for remote payment, if google think that's more important(google wallet) for their long term strategy
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Click to collapse
I agree completely, NFC for mobile payment is much more important for Google. Besides, if you have a Chromecast you won't miss IR blasters
When I had my SG4, I used the IR feature once.
It really was easier to just use a remote.
cbatiste1993 said:
I agree completely, NFC for mobile payment is much more important for Google. Besides, if you have a Chromecast you won't miss IR blasters
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Payment is in many countries - like Austria, where I live - simply not possible...very unfortunate though.
Still I believe that infrared has its point. TVs are IR-controlled nearly since their invention.^^ How are the odds, that remote controls come out of fashion the next 10 years?
I use Xbox One app for coming my TV.
Y'know, I thought that the IR blaster on my GS4 was awesome until I realized that I never, ever used it.
That said, there have been 1 or 2 times that my kids have done something with the remote and I wished my N5 had one. Oh well - not a dealbreaker by any means.
Google probably has to give up some things in order for LG to agree to build the phone. For example, LG G2 has an IR blaster. LG doesn't want the Nexus 5 to "be better" than their own flagship, the G2.
That's one interpretation of it. Whether it makes sense for just the IR blaster here, I don't know. But the OEM that Google cooperates with to build their yearly Nexus does not want the Nexus to be better than their own flagship, I am very sure of that.
Related
So like many others I'm sure I've been obsessing about the new S4. I pre-ordered mine yesterday and have been doing more research ever since.
While getting "lost" on the internet usually leads me to cats instead I found out about Mobeam.
It's basically a cool new feature that allows the S4 to project bursts of light from a LED or maybe IR which a POS system or traditional barcode scanner can read.
What does this mean? It means we should be able to scan coupons loyalty cards, gift cards etc and then when at the store have the cashier just scan the top of our phone to accept the barcode.
I'm probably getting excited of something I'll never use however I like surprises...
I wonder if that will help bridge the gap with physical retailers and online coupons. I use my phone a LOT when shopping because I can always find a deal and save some money, but it can be frustrating when you get a coupon and then the cashier has to verify that it's "legit". It would be simpler if all online coupons just came with simple bar codes that can easily be scanned and matched up in the computer. Some coupons do this already, but really every one of them should.
Sarcron said:
I wonder if that will help bridge the gap with physical retailers and online coupons. I use my phone a LOT when shopping because I can always find a deal and save some money, but it can be frustrating when you get a coupon and then the cashier has to verify that it's "legit". It would be simpler if all online coupons just came with simple bar codes that can easily be scanned and matched up in the computer. Some coupons do this already, but really every one of them should.
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I absolutely think it could bridge the gap, but this depends on the right environment.
1. Mobeam has patented this technology, as thus it's going to need to be affordable to license it to the masses. (Interestingly enough in Mobeams' FAQ section under investors, it lists Samsung Ventures among several others)
2. The companies that make the products we buy everyday will need to jump on board and work with retail stores and app devs to get these coupons seamlessly integrated to mobile phones.
The most important thing of all this is $$$. Basically every store already has the barcode system in place, so not having to upgrade all of those systems to use rfid or nfc (another way mobile coupons can be used) will be a huge cost savings.
imthatguy83 said:
I absolutely think it could bridge the gap, but this depends on the right environment.
1. Mobeam has patented this technology, as thus it's going to need to be affordable to license it to the masses. (Interestingly enough in Mobeams' FAQ section under investors, it lists Samsung Ventures among several others)
2. The companies that make the products we buy everyday will need to jump on board and work with retail stores and app devs to get these coupons seamlessly integrated to mobile phones.
The most important thing of all this is $$$. Basically every store already has the barcode system in place, so not having to upgrade all of those systems to use rfid or nfc (another way mobile coupons can be used) will be a huge cost savings.
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Was confused for a second so I went and looked up a video on on Mobeam, and wow, I didn't realize that was the full potential you referred to. That is actually really cool! I heard the HTC One also has an IR blaster, so couldn't it do this as well? Or is Mobeam's technology patent such that 3rd party developers couldn't really copy that feature, and for now it's exclusive to Samsung?
Sarcron said:
Was confused for a second so I went and looked up a video on on Mobeam, and wow, I didn't realize that was the full potential you referred to. That is actually really cool! I heard the HTC One also has an IR blaster, so couldn't it do this as well? Or is Mobeam's technology patent such that 3rd party developers couldn't really copy that feature, and for now it's exclusive to Samsung?
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I think it uses the notification LED on the phone. The video shows the scanner scanning the face of the phone which is where the LED is. The IR is on top by the audio jack. That leads me to believe that this could work with most phones.
I'm thinking that their patent would def protect them so as no other company can use this tech with out licensing it from them. What that costs who knows. The most interesting thing about this is that Samsung apparently invested in them, to what degree again who knows. If Samsung invested heavily then maybe they will get to have the tech for a while before the company licenses it to other vendors. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out..
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
imthatguy83 said:
I think it uses the notification LED on the phone. The video shows the scanner scanning the face of the phone which is where the LED is. The IR is on top by the audio jack. That leads me to believe that this could work with most phones.
I'm thinking that their patent would def protect them so as no other company can use this tech with out licensing it from them. What that costs who knows. The most interesting thing about this is that Samsung apparently invested in them, to what degree again who knows. If Samsung invested heavily then maybe they will get to have the tech for a while before the company licenses it to other vendors. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out..
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The S4 has an IR sensor on the top of the phone as well (separate from the IR blaster on the front). It is used to detect hand gestures. I don't think many other phones have this technology yet.
Brendo said:
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the site and watch the video...it explains why.
Brendo said:
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
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It's probably just as simple as the tech to read a smartphone screen is really expensive. The only other option is RFID and NFC all of these would require serious investments on the behalf of retail stores. This tech allows retail locations to use their existing laser scanners.
Brendo said:
I don't really get it? if you're going to scan your phone, why not just have the barcode appear on the screen like most other things?
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Click to collapse
Basically MOST scanners in stores (laser scanners I think) can't read a glass screen it just sees reflections. Newer stores with newer/different scanners can read screens like the ones they use at starbucks...but the purpose of this is it can be used anywhere with ANY scanner. Pretty genius actually!
Sure, idea is cool, but given that scanners do a pretty awesome job with barcodes it is kinda redundant (I know, I used to test them on different surfaces at my old job just for fun)
Hey guys I wanted to know how to use the nexus 5 as a TV remote control. Does it have a IR blaster? I don't think so. I've heard that it doesn't need the it blaster because it can use WiFi to be a remote control. Can anyone tell me some apps that are legit and actually work? This is really frustrating because I want to use my phone as a remote for my TV. Pls help it would be really appreciated.
No IR on the phone. It works fine with my Sony TV and the Sony app, and the Att Uverse app/controller though.
If its really such a big thing for you, ditch the Nexus 5 and pick up its sister the LG G2.
Why is it frustrating? I can't imagine being in a situation where I was actually frustrated that I can't use my phone as a remote control... That's a little over the top, don't you think? If it was that big a deal you should have done the research prior to purchasing the phone.
Anyway, if you have Comcast/Xfinity you can use the controller app to control your cable box, or for more comprehensive control there are some options that require purchasing a device like the Harmony Smart Control. It retails for about $120 on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Smartphone-Simple/dp/B00BQ5RYI4
I'm probably the last person to learn this. Very disappointed. Wish Samsung would have kept that. Guess I will have to pass on this phone. It is a shame since I was convinced it was the perfect upgrade for me until now.
Unfortunately you were. It was divulged a long time ago
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Found I never used it, I use the sony app that connects to wifi and then controls my sony bravia . . .its bit of a shame but I'd take losing that for a bigger battery and sd slot
To each their own but it's funny imo how people could pass up on a phone cause they won't be able to turn on/off their TV with their phones. Guess it's very tiring and troublesome picking up the TV controller to do that.
daLareid said:
To each their own but it's funny imo how people could pass up on a phone cause they won't be able to turn on/off their TV with their phones. Guess it's very tiring and troublesome picking up the TV controller to do that.
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My main problem with the TV controller is the children routinely lose it, so instead of spending time looking under the furniture and in other rooms I could always just use my phone. Not denying laziness,just not entirely the case in this instance!
markwebb said:
Unfortunately you were. It was divulged a long time ago
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Oh well better late than after I bought the wretched thing!
Never used it, waste of space.
PracticallyGeek said:
Found I never used it, I use the sony app that connects to wifi and then controls my sony bravia . . .its bit of a shame but I'd take losing that for a bigger battery and sd slot
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I know! I was so happy to hear of the SD slot and water resistance coming back. It just makes me wonder why they add a couple good features back in at the expense of another. Geez you can't always get what you want I guess.
DesignGrits said:
Never used it, waste of space.
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I envy you mate, now I wish I had not grown so fond of it. Well maybe the s8 edge will have it.
Just get a Logitech harmony hub.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
spankmatic22 said:
My main problem with the TV controller is the children routinely lose it, so instead of spending time looking under the furniture and in other rooms I could always just use my phone. Not denying laziness,just not entirely the case in this instance!
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Click to collapse
Exactly! That is the reason the IR blaster is so useful. I suspect many of the people who don't find it useful, don't have young children. Anyway a Logitech Harmony Hub is a good replacement for the IR blaster.
I have young children... There are more ways to fix it other than an ir blaster... Grounding them from the TV if they lose the remote worked for me, very quickly too.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I never could get used to using a flat slate of glass to control the TV, I can use a remote eyes free, can't do that with my phone.
Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk
smh
I was using my LG G2's IR blaster about once or twice a month, when I was too lazy to pick up the remote from 2-3 meters away from my home desk. The best use for it was at the gym when I could switch the TVs to my preferred news channel during the pre-elections
No phone is without compromises but it seems the S7 Edge has the fewest. I'll gladly switch my G2 for it
there are little small 3.5mm headphone jack like devices that add the ir hardware to your phone, some work well some don't, just search on ebay and aliexpress, Kickstarter etc, but yeah i agree with others that the core issue is not the lack of ir but the lack of proper remote controller usage from the kids
Not a deal breaker for me, gonna happily give it up going from my Note 3 to the S7E, nice upgrade for me, although my Note 3 is still tried and true, snappy and running fine.
However, FYI, not just for TVs, IR was also useful with the Beep'nGo app to store my grocery loyalty cards where many cashier scanners don't work with bar codes, but do work with the IR blaster. Countless cashiers were always amazed when they grabbed my phone to hand enter the loyalty number and I told them "I have a special phone, just scan it" and it worked.
spankmatic22 said:
My main problem with the TV controller is the children routinely lose it, so instead of spending time looking under the furniture and in other rooms I could always just use my phone. Not denying laziness,just not entirely the case in this instance!
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Click to collapse
I understand, that's why I said to each their own since we all have different approaches and from what you're saying I do understand how bothersome that can be, I genuinely hate sitting in my bed under the sheets and losing the remote. But I believe passing on a phone like S7E because of a missing IR blaster isn't a great of a move, mostly because chances of flagship phones being released with an IR blaster are less likely to happen in the future so you would have to stick with either an old phone or a medium performance phone that still happens to be released with an IR blaster, but who knows maybe Samsung will bring it back again.
daLareid said:
I understand, that's why I said to each their own since we all have different approaches and from what you're saying I do understand how bothersome that can be, I genuinely hate sitting in my bed under the sheets and losing the remote. But I believe passing on a phone like S7E because of a missing IR blaster isn't a great of a move, mostly because chances of flagship phones being released with an IR blaster are less likely to happen in the future so you would have to stick with either an old phone or a medium performance phone that still happens to be released with an IR blaster, but who knows maybe Samsung will bring it back again.
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Thanks. I see your point. I still want an S7 edge, just was a little disappointed. Sure looks like a great phone.
DesignGrits said:
Never used it, waste of space.
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while it was a waste of space in your opinion there are several, like me who utilized it to the fullest. I still ordered the s7 edge but will have to transition to my note 10.1 2014 tablet to use now for ir blaster. I purchased the best remote app out there and have all kinds of macros set up for convenience. Below are just three that I have set up.
TV ON - turn on tv, dish hopper, audio amp.
TV Off - turn off tv, dish hopper, audio amp.
Kid- turn on tv, dish hopper, audio amp and change to disney.
I also have six different entertainment systems set up on this so I never have to look for a remote when I go into a different room.
Example. Kid passes out watching Frozen because that is about the only way I can get her to sleep. Instead of waking her while looking for remote I peek my phone in and turn off her tv and blu ray player.. Problem Solved..
They do serve a purpose and I was very upset when they took it off the s6+ and didn't bring it back... Especially when they are so cheap of an addon.
I'm pretty disappointed the IR Blaster has been taken out in the S7... I was using the IR Blaster with peel on my Note Edge pretty consistently and it was a real treat to have. if we were sitting on the dining table and I wanted to lower the TV (or change channel) it was convenient to have. I also loved peel and the ability it provided me with on choosing things I want to watch.
it will be missed... I'm curious what you guys think about them taking it out? Did you use it?
I did use it, mostly in work as we have a screen with our call stats that has to be manually turned on so it was easier for me to use my phone to switch it on. However, I'm not too bothered about it missing, it's not hard to walk over to the TV.
My TV's at home can be controlled with a Wifi remote so not much of an issue.
thrAlready a thread for this don't think we need another
http://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/s7-edge-ir-blaster-t3330910
Thread reopened as a poll rather than a sammy bashing thread for removing IR blaster
no. not disappointed at all. who the hell uses their phone to control their tv??? my uhd tv remote is ten times better than anything samsung can put on my phone.
No, I don't even have a TV.
The only time I used the IR blaster was when I was traveling in China and some hotel rooms have broken AC remotes.
I voted neutral. I see it as a potentially handy feature, but have never once used it on older phones. I have a Logitech Harmony remote for my tv/ps4 etc, so I just use that. I see some merit in the ability to use a phone, but for me I just couldn't be bothered and was happy with my current solution.
I do think it's a bit of a shame it went though, but ah well.
The only time I ever used it(or tried to) on my S6 was when we went skiing in the Alps last month. The tv in the apartment didn't have a remote so I smugly thought I'll show up my brother in law with his iPhone 6s Plus. Couldn't get the f*cking thing working as none of the codes would work on the Samsung tv they had. Needless to say I wanted to burn my phone there and then. So no, won't miss it at all!
My last phone had one, and other than to play with it when I first got the phone, I never used it. But I realize some people really like it, so I answered neutral.
At the risk of sounding like a mom, I'm not upset, just disappointed. haha
I used it for my tv/receiver when i got the lazies and didn't want to reach across the sofa
In certain instances it came in handy trying to set up some rokus that had no remote and wifi was not set up yet.
Also i'm a hobby photographer and ir blaster worked awesome with my canon.
I didn't realize this device didn't have it while all my phone's for the last 4-5 years have. Having kids who always lose the remote or at work when we can't find a remote in a teachers classroom (I'm an IT Tech for a school district) it was convenient to use my phone to get the job done.
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk
Yes I am disappointed. I guess Samsung will bring it back on the S8 series
nope, never used it.. but I can see why people are that was using it.
I'm glad they removed it! I'm sick of smart asses playing around with the TVs from their phones at bars and restaurants.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Really dissapointed cause used it for not only TV but also air condition, satelite, audio system and its worked well plus TV program with my favorites. Pity the feature is missing, IR blaster is so cheap so I don't get why Samsung removed it.
I had really liked it. very usefull for me
Not particularly. I only used it to prank my friends with TV Be Gone, so it's not a big loss.
Really upset, Used htc M8 before and the IR blaster was fun to switch TV, Media devices and all, but unfortunately S7 Edge has skipped the same. This is what the companies do... Skip some features in sequels so that people keep interest in upcoming models and don't loose interest in the previous one too.
For example S6 edge has a IR blaster but no memory card slot nor is it water resistant; whereas S7 edge omits the IR blaster and have the other 2 features.
Samsung is playing tricky game.....
Learn from LG!
I didn't have IR in any of my phones for the last ten years. So, i am neutral.
Nope.
A lot of fuss being made over nothing.
FM radio dissapeared years ago, I missed it a lot but not many folk gave sh it.
So it's horses for courses.
I'll miss hijacking the TV's in pub.
Sent from my Samsung Edge 7
Hi everyone i want to ask if there is a possibility of adding IR feature to Samsung S8 coming in 2017.
IR Blaster is very useful feature of android, i normally use this with my Canon 6D Dslr and secondary for TVs in hotels bars or conference rooms where staff hide the remote controls.
if it is not possible i will have to change to LG
i have sent an email to Samsung headoffice in Korea and also i wrote to president of South Korea Park Geun-hye. I requested her to have a look at Samsung's policy of adding/removing features from Samsung. I also requested her to force Samsung in adding Dual-sim to its flag ship phones, Samsung already have this feature in low end phones just need an extra bay in flag ship phones.
I just hope we will get back IR-blaster in upcoming Galaxy S8.
deleted
One person will not influence whether Samsung adds back the IR blaster..
Good luck, but I highly doubt they'll re-add the feature. They probably determined not enough people were using it to make it worthwhile
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Devhux said:
One person will not influence whether Samsung adds back the IR blaster..
Good luck, but I highly doubt they'll re-add the feature. They probably determined not enough people were using it to make it worthwhile
Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I agree it's a useful feature to have. Certainly more so than a heart rate Monitor!
I think manufacturers will increasingly leave it out, unfortunately in order to spec the latest and greatest ueber processors which no-one fully utilises anyhow.
I owned the s6 and s6 edge ....probably only used the feature once....I gave the s6 edge to my wife and she's never used it the feature (don't even think she knows it's there. I own the s7 now and really never miss the IR blaster feature...again this is just my input!
Sent from my SM-G930F using XDA-Developers mobile app
sheaky said:
Hi everyone i want to ask if there is a possibility of adding IR feature to Samsung S8 coming in 2017.
IR Blaster is very useful feature of android, i normally use this with my Canon 6D Dslr and secondary for TVs in hotels bars or conference rooms where staff hide the remote controls.
if it is not possible i will have to change to LG
i have sent an email to Samsung headoffice in Korea and also i wrote to president of South Korea Park Geun-hye. I requested her to have a look at Samsung's policy of adding/removing features from Samsung. I also requested her to force Samsung in adding Dual-sim to its flag ship phones, Samsung already have this feature in low end phones just need an extra bay in flag ship phones.
I just hope we will get back IR-blaster in upcoming Galaxy S8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sammy won't release it for sure I think
Contacting them is of no use at all. They will not even bother
I own s5 and IR blaster works beautifully
It would be really nice if Sammy releases IR blaster in S8. If they release it I would go for it
If not I will stick to s5
It was a feature
I would love to see the S8 made of materials meant to withstand a drop or 2, also the IR blaster was a nice feature. Why they can't make the phone as it was before just faster and smarter?
The features we all liked, removable battery, SD Card, IR blaster and waterproof was all achieved on the S5. "Premium feel" is for hipsters since 99% of the people puts a cover on their smartphones... so where is the premium feel? Making the S6 back of glass and repeat it on the S7 was the stupidest thing they did. They actually downgraded to the Iphone4 quality which everyone knew was a flawed design. The only people that criticized the impact plastic that the Sammy phones where made of where the ones that did not have one, I loved the fact that I have to only worry about the phone falling on its screen.
They learned about not taking out the SD card, I hope they learn about the rest after losing a lot of clients to LG, which still makes smartphones the smart way. Even do I love Samsung I feel very aggravated with their changes (not all of them, but most of them).
I want the IR blaster back!
On my S5 i ditched every remote i had to use my all-in-one phone remote Then when i got my S7 edge i installed my IR app, copied the remotes config over and *#[email protected], no IR blaster! I now have six remotes around my room and they always disappear. My phone never went missing like they do.
Im kinda hoping they bring IR back since they are meant be ditching the headphone port. Although my car has bluetooth for phone calls but not for music streaming so how how do i plug in my aux lead to my phone after the port goes? :/ Headphone ports are still needed. I dont want to pay 100 quid to replace something i already have! We arent Apple!!
*crosses fingers for IR and headphone to exist in S8
well offtopic but eventually i will sell my s7 some day... but i cant say the same for my note4
I want it back again too. and is not impossible, since Samsung give us back removable storage and water proofing.
lekou said:
well offtopic but eventually i will sell my s7 some day... but i cant say the same for my note4
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Click to collapse
I wanted keep my S5 as an all in one remote but i accidently toasted it when i set it up for BOINC. My IR went with it
I have recently set up an RPi for home automation (LEDs around my room and cooling fans for my PS). This has a web frontend so i might make a web remote and add an IR blaster to my RPi instead!
I wanted an S6 until I found out about the non-removable battery and the lack of an mSD slot. Then I wanted an S7 until I found out about the lack of the IR blaster. I'm not sure why they think making their phones shinier makes them better.
My S5 is a great phone. I use the IR blaster all the time with AnyMote, and it's not a feature I'm willing to give up. I'd definitely give up Samsung first. MicroSD slots are mandatory. IR Blasters, for me, also mandatory.
Well, technically S8 have a lot of IR stuff...proximity sensor, iris scanner, hertbeat sensor, face scanner(and almost all of them are in the front, so theoretically this can increase the frequency a lot if done right)...but i havent seen anyone make use of them to make an ir blaster unfortunately...
darkar25 said:
Well, technically S8 have a lot of IR stuff...proximity sensor, iris scanner, hertbeat sensor, face scanner(and almost all of them are in the front, so theoretically this can increase the frequency a lot if done right)...but i havent seen anyone make use of them to make an ir blaster unfortunately...
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To control them in any way that you suggest would require the drivers for them to be rewritten. They were never designed to be used in the way you want so the existing drivers won't provide the functionality for the software to control them in that way. They will be proprietary devices too so the task of reverse engineering it would take considerable time. Thats why no-one has bothered because there's too much effort and too little reward.