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Why does the Nexus 5 does not have an infrared blaster?

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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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.

Will Galaxy Gear VR revolutionize the Mobile Industry?

Do you feel that Gear VR (Virtual Reality) will revolutionize the mobile industry in User's Viewing Experience and take a step further to Reality?
Will you be interested to buy one to experience this? Post your Comments & Feedback.
Moderators : If you feel, it is appropriate to move this Post to General Discussion Forum, Please do so.

I wouldn't use the term "revolutionary", as this comes way after the Oculus, Morpheus and even Cardboard. But I will say I am highly interested and welcome the idea with open arms. I have always joked that the Google Cardboard (which I own, and am very happy with my tiny experience) is the Poor Man's Oculus Rift. Now I feel like the Gear VR is the Rich Man's Google Cardboard, lol. The only thing that is pissing me off, is that I would take the Galaxy Note Edge over the Note 4, and it seems like Gear VR will work exclusively ONLY on the Note 4...not the edge...
I'm really hoping they change their mind (They would gain a lot more to allow Gear VR to work with the likes of the Note 3, Galaxy S4, S5, and S6)

I don't think there is any device currently using their cell phones as a source to experience VR. Is there any such models doing it so? If Yes, I stand corrected.

xda rocks said:
I don't think there is any device currently using their cell phones as a source to experience VR. Is there any such models doing it so? If Yes, I stand corrected.
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the 20$ Google Cardboard...? lol

It'll get it on its way maybe

Surly the price of the head gear would be fairly low, since all the tech is in the phone.... i mean the device is all passive right o_0?

The Gear VR appears powered BY the Note 4(touchpad and back button), and the VR does not appear to have a charging/pass-through port. Would have been nice to watch a movie, play games, etc while lying in bed, and not have to worry about the phone going dead. I hope something is done to remedy this.

it's an interesting concept. unfortunately, I think it's more gimmickie than anything else. If it's cheap, it may be an interesting tinker toy with the phone.
Think big issue, it'll have a limited install base and thus limited third party developer support.

It's just a gimmick and I still fail to see the benefits of all that VR glasses ? I mean I've got headaches from just putting that 3d Glasses a few years ago and now a full helmet ummm nope.

This site says $199 but I dont know if this site is reputable or where they got the price
http://venturebeat.com/2014/09/05/s...r-headset-will-cost-199-phablet-not-included/

I wonder how would 3D movies look on it. The resolution is excellent for this but I wonder how distorted the image will be? Will it look like a cinema screen?
EDIT: From this article - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ions-Samsung-Gear-VR/articleshow/41699899.cms - it seems to be disapointing: "However, there is a problem, and a major one at that. Gear VR shows very pixilated videos, even though the Note 4's screen has QHD resolution. The likely reason is that Gear VR's lenses focus on only a small portion of the screen to play the video and then magnify it up this portion only, thus resulting in a pixilated display."

The Gear VR isn't fully passive, looks to have extra Accelerator, Gyrometer, Magnetic and Proximity sensors for movement detection. I have an Oculus DK2 and I'm excited to try this device. As far as watching 3D video, that is not really what "VR" headsets are designed for. You would need some different lenses and a much higher resolution screen. Think about the experience like sticking your head in a dome fish bowl. To display flat video you would only be using part of the screen and the view angle isn't ideal. Now if you have video shot with a dome cam, that is cool, you can look all around the world as the video plays. Or if the 3D video is shot in a way that compensates for the edges of the frame being out of view. The Oculus DK2 uses a stock Note 3 screen and I would image the retail version of the Oculus will use the Note 4's screen from a production and cost perspective.
When playing a game or demo in a full 3D environment the resolution issue starts to disappear, your 96 (or 120 on the rift) degree field of view effectively turns into a 360 degree field of view. A good example of this is stare directly as some text on your monitor, don't move your eyes and tell me how much of the rest of the monitor is in focus? It will be very little if your eyes stay perfectly still.
I think the deciding factor for this device to succeed is the motion tracking and then secondly content. If the motion tracking is poor, everyone will just puke and throw this in the trash.

I think Virtual Reality will be great on the Galaxy Gear VR, but one thing that I feel a lot of people are overlooking and what I'm concerned about is the cancer/brain damage users would eventually get years down the road from extended use.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/cellphones
http://guardianlv.com/2014/05/brain-tumors-linked-to-cell-phones-study-suggests/
http://www.thewire.com/national/201...uld-actually-cause-brain-cancer-maybe/370818/
I know it's been a heated debate that extended use of cellphones can cause cancer, but think how much more we are prone to it by not only using our future Galaxy Note 4's for phone conversations, but also for the Galaxy Gear VR(just a few inches from our face). Anyone consider this ?
Don't get me wrong, I'm very excited for the Galaxy Gear VR, but since I also have a Playstation 4, I was thinking of just getting Sony's Virtual Reality Unit when it becomes available since the presence of a cellphone and its electromagnetic waves would be absent. Thoughts ?

xda rocks said:
I don't think there is any device currently using their cell phones as a source to experience VR. Is there any such models doing it so? If Yes, I stand corrected.
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Here's an alternative to the gear vr and google cardboard that lands around the middle of the two in quality/functionality, but really can't be beat for the price. ...btw, the site is legit, I purchase stuff from them frequently.

yes
yes ı do

iZack187 said:
I wouldn't use the term "revolutionary", as this comes way after the Oculus, Morpheus and even Cardboard. But I will say I am highly interested and welcome the idea with open arms. I have always joked that the Google Cardboard (which I own, and am very happy with my tiny experience) is the Poor Man's Oculus Rift. Now I feel like the Gear VR is the Rich Man's Google Cardboard, lol. The only thing that is pissing me off, is that I would take the Galaxy Note Edge over the Note 4, and it seems like Gear VR will work exclusively ONLY on the Note 4...not the edge...
I'm really hoping they change their mind (They would gain a lot more to allow Gear VR to work with the likes of the Note 3, Galaxy S4, S5, and S6)
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I don't think that you are getting why it is only being released on the Note 4. The Oculus technology basically relies on turning pixels on and off instantaneously. If you turn right for instance the entire screen much be redrawn to a new image, continuously. So you need a screen especially, and a processor, which can handle that kind of requirement. The Note 4's screen is the best on the market to do that. You just wouldn't have the same experience at all with the S5 (not even getting into how it is smaller), or even the iphone6. The edge wouldn't work I am guessing because of the bottom (or top) of your screen bending and looking just plain odd when used in a screen for one of these.
Until other devices come up to snuff on the specs that matter to using an Oculus type device, the experience would not be the same. You would have an experience for sure, you have one with the $20 cardboard version. But it will not be the same.

evolone said:
Here's an alternative to the gear vr and google cardboard that lands around the middle of the two in quality/functionality, but really can't be beat for the price. ...btw, the site is legit, I purchase stuff from them frequently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can also vouch for FastTech. I have bought all of my eCig supplies from them for a couple years.

I don't believe the phone is close enough to your face to have ANY impact even if you had a mobile connection on all the time while in VR.

Magnesus said:
I don't believe the phone is close enough to your face to have ANY impact even if you had a mobile connection on all the time while in VR.
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I hope that's the case. I guess I may be paranoid due to the cellphone waves coming from it since I'm sure I'd be wearing the Galaxy Gear VR for at least a good 30 minutes each session.

Just had to bump this thread. :good:

Upgraded from Gear 2 Neo and I don't Get It

I recently bought the Gear S2 after using my Gear 2 Neo daily for almost a year.
I used my Neo for:
- Occasionally taking calls via Bluetooth when my hands were otherwise occupied (e.g. carrying stuff).
- Occasionally controlling the TV via IR blaster
- Tracking my sleep habits, how much I was getting and how much tossing/turning I did that night
- Timekeeping
- Notifications
For reasons I can't really fathom, the Gear S2 only does the latter 2. I can't really understand why Samsung would remove those features from their flagship smartwatch line. What's more, I REALLY can't understand why this watch is getting ABSOLUTELY RAVE reviews across the board. It's almost like people didn't know the Gear 2 Neo even existed.
I guess it has something to do with the fact that sleep tracking, IR device control, and accepting phone calls via bluetooth are things MOST watches are incapable of for various reasons, so it's not much of a drawback from a reviewer's standpoint when those features are removed. As someone coming from the Neo to the S2, I have a hard time getting past the fact that I have an older, cheaper device that is far more capable sitting in a drawer unused. :/
Don't get me wrong, though. What the S2 can do it does do very well. The screen is gorgeous. The rotating bezel is brilliant. This version of Tizen is lightning fast and very intuitive. The "always on" feature is great, and notifications are handled much better. But I can't really escape the feeling that, while the Neo was a smartwatch, the S2 is just a $300 watch that can send text messages and receive email.
Am I missing something here?
Oh, and for some reason I can't get mine to vibrate when text messages are received. Calls only.

I sold my lovely Gear 2 in readiness for the S2 thinking it would finally get better app support and a better UI on top of the camera and ability to make and receive calls.
What a disappointment, apps are worse or as bad as the prior 3 watches, no camera or calling !!!

If you get a 3g model then it will have a speaker...therefore allowing for calls over bluetooth even if you don't have a sim card for the watch. On the sport models there is no speaker though. For the other functions like ir blaster, I guess they figured people don't use it as much and they had to cut something out to include new things like a different form factor, NFC, etc. Not defending, just saying they evolved to something else. Personally, I love my original gear s which basically has everything but the new round size of the S2.

Yeah it's pretty crazy our Gear 2's are the still the most capable smartwatches on the market.

Tends to happen when you strap a phone on your wrist instead of a watch.

JazzMac251 said:
...I have a hard time getting past the fact that I have an older, cheaper device that is far more capable sitting in a drawer unused. :/
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I don't understand. You say you have a more capable watch sitting in the drawer unused, yet you recently bought a new S2 that is less capable and you are using it. Why not return the S2, use your Neo and save $300 bucks. Just because the S2 is out now, doesn't mean that your Neo can't be used again.
I had a Moto 360 V1 and Gear Fit, I returned both of them after a while because I didn't like them for one reason or another. No point in keeping unused depreciating assets like phones and wearables IMO, it's not like a classic Bugatti or classic Rolex that you can pass on or will gain value.
As far as the S2 is concerned, I think it will outsell all other Gear watches combined easily. The general public just doesn't want the whole entire kitchen sink in their watches. This is evident by previously poor Gear sales. Sure, they will lose some previous Gear customers, but they are gaining many more. That's the way business works unfortunately, maximum unit sales for maximum profits. I will say though that the BT version of the S2 really needs a speaker and Google voice recognition.

supersoulfly said:
Tends to happen when you strap a phone on your wrist instead of a watch.
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Ha, you cannot stop the inevitable. That point that most of the posters in this thread are making, is that Samsung DROPPED a lot of features and that didn't go over well with a segment of Samsung smartwatch users. I was in the thread where they were saying the S2 was selling out in Korea.. Wow, I figured that was just plain sales talk or there must be users that don't care about the PAST features that were on past Galaxy Gear Watches. Gear 2 was nice, but I even went for the Gear S, I am fully independent of my Note 4 if I choose to be.. They have put the S2 out there without a speaker, and they downsized it..
People are not talking against the S2 just to be talking, that's for sure..
Back to your comment, why don't Samsung just make a PLAIN WATCH, and leave all Tizen, email, and small tech stuff that you can do on the S2 alone?

Get the S2 3g model if you want an independent experience. (why do people keep acting like this model doesn't exist and doesn't address most of the complaints prior S users have?)
As far as making a plain watch? I might consider wearing that before the monstrosities Samsung has put out before. Gear 2 and Gear S, lots of cool tech, but the only place I'd be seen wearing one is if I went to a Star Trek convention.

This thread reminds me of a book I read years back: "Crossing the Chasm." It's about the challenge technology companies have selling to different kinds of customers: technology enthusiastic early adopters vs. the pragmatic broader market. According to the author, Geoffrey Moore, the former are an important way to launch an product in a new space, but represent a very small market. The latter are a much larger market but are not going to buy a product until it reaches a level of maturity, refinement, and clarity of purpose.
I usually consider myself an early adopter, but I gotta say, I really like the S2, but I had no interest whatsoever in the Gear 2 or Gear S. But for those who like that sort of product, hopefully there will continue to be options in future.

I get that there's a lot of "can't please everyone" talk going on here, but here's why the removal of these features is kind of nuts to me:
The single driving complaint the public has with this type of wearable technology is that it's pointless. The iPad and the iPhone were brilliant because they were able to fill a niche solving problems in people's lives that they didn't know existed. People argue that the physical form-factor limitations inherent with smartwatches makes them redundant at best and extravagantly wasteful at worst. The problem is that this characterization is largely correct.
For smartwatches to break out of that mold, I think the key is for them to be as Swiss-army-knife as possible. Can't find the remote, got it. Can't answer call because its impractical (hands full, can't find phone, doing chores, etc), got it. Would like to evaluate sleep habits, got it. Need to make NFC payment, got it. Want to track your heart rate, got it. The second you start dumping features is the second you move the device even more into the realm of "$300+ dollar device to check your email". The rotating bezel is super cool, but the primary concern people have with smartwatches is that they're pointless, not that they need to be easy to use.
The point I was trying to make is that I was one of the few people for whom Samsung successfully created a product that actually DID fill a unique little niche in my life. As they're trying to expand their product base, it seems the last thing they would want to do is create a flagship device that has absolutely 0 appeal to someone that is already super into smartwatches anyway.
This is actually the first time I've ever upgraded a piece of technology to find it woefully inadequate to what I already had. As a technophile, that's a really strange concept to me. The technology in device is great - I love the hardware, the software, and the implementation. Unfortunately, this device really is a $350 way to read text messages on your wrist and that's all it is, which is why I'll be returning it ASAP.
Also, I have to say, it kinda looks feminine. I much prefer the squared off look of the Gear 2. That's just personal preference, though.

JazzMac251 said:
I get that there's a lot of "can't please everyone" talk going on here, but here's why the removal of these features is kind of nuts to me:
The single driving complaint the public has with this type of wearable technology is that it's pointless. The iPad and the iPhone were brilliant because they were able to fill a niche solving problems in people's lives that they didn't know existed. People argue that the physical form-factor limitations inherent with smartwatches makes them redundant at best and extravagantly wasteful at worst. The problem is that this characterization is largely correct.
For smartwatches to break out of that mold, I think the key is for them to be as Swiss-army-knife as possible. Can't find the remote, got it. Can't answer call because its impractical (hands full, can't find phone, doing chores, etc), got it. Would like to evaluate sleep habits, got it. Need to make NFC payment, got it. Want to track your heart rate, got it. The second you start dumping features is the second you move the device even more into the realm of "$300+ dollar device to check your email". The rotating bezel is super cool, but the primary concern people have with smartwatches is that they're pointless, not that they need to be easy to use.
The point I was trying to make is that I was one of the few people for whom Samsung successfully created a product that actually DID fill a unique little niche in my life. As they're trying to expand their product base, it seems the last thing they would want to do is create a flagship device that has absolutely 0 appeal to someone that is already super into smartwatches anyway.
This is actually the first time I've ever upgraded a piece of technology to find it woefully inadequate to what I already had. As a technophile, that's a really strange concept to me. The technology in device is great - I love the hardware, the software, and the implementation. Unfortunately, this device really is a $350 way to read text messages on your wrist and that's all it is, which is why I'll be returning it ASAP.
Also, I have to say, it kinda looks feminine. I much prefer the squared off look of the Gear 2. That's just personal preference, though.
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Agree with everything you wrote except for the part where you said you think the watch looks kinda feminine. ?
Sent from my SM-G925P using Tapatalk

supersoulfly said:
Get the S2 3g model if you want an independent experience. (why do people keep acting like this model doesn't exist and doesn't address most of the complaints prior S users have?)
As far as making a plain watch? I might consider wearing that before the monstrosities Samsung has put out before. Gear 2 and Gear S, lots of cool tech, but the only place I'd be seen wearing one is if I went to a Star Trek convention.
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, Gotta give the Star Wars Crack was a good one.
However, if the S2 was so much a winner, we wouldn't be having this conversation. Instead we all would be breaking or necks to get one. As you can see that is not the case. A lot of users that WOULD be breaking their necks to get on are instead turned off by the new design and features.
You can't ignore that, just read some of the comments.
Since I am a Samsung Fanboy, I will wait for the S3 and Note and see what happens!
I am a Star Wars fan, now I'm addicted to Guardians Of The Galaxy.

I'll gladly sale my gear 2 neo to anyone reading this.
IR blaster went away on phones and watch, just didn't make the cut for usability. I played with ir for the first day to show off then never used it again myself.
Camera in a watch was another one. Apple watch will sale a **** ton without these features for more money. It's not needed by enough people.
Speaker, u just bought the wrong model, but they should have put it in all models. I agree on that part.
Other problems are app issues and tizen is always gonna behind google wear, they are trying to swim upstream and I'm afraid they will never catchup in shear amount of apps.

The 3G model is not coming to all markets the UK being one.
Samsung is just a Apple sheep soon as the Apple watch fan boys like the whole making and taking calls Samsung will do the mother of U turn and the S3 gear will be out this time next year if not earlier.
My Gear 2 was great battery and did the notification basics and handy calling features but the lack of apps was a killer and here we are again the same crap this time 1000 apps at launch.

I think the Neo was a massively underrated device and I'll be keeping mine.
That said, the additional functionality versus the S2 were largely novelty items for me... it's core functions of time, notifications and step tracking were all I used on a daily basis. I can understand the frustration if you used these regularly.
The form factor (s2 is a beautiful watch in its own right) and the bezel navigation are worth the price of admission IMO.

I agree with JazzMac about the S2. I have had the original "Galaxy Gear", Gear 2, Gear S, and then picked up a Gear S2. After 2 days I returned it. Loved the round form factor and rotating bezel, but realized I wanted at least the receive & talk capability on the watch. I would wait for the 3G version. I have had the 3G version for about 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. Does almost everything I want, has great battery life, and I enjoy the freedom of leaving my phone for runs and other quick trips and still being connected.

S7 edge has no IR blaster!!!! What

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
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.

Are you upset the IR Blaster is gone

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.
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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