What it does
TV Remote is a mobile application designed to replace the physical remote control for smart TVs. It allows users to connect their phone to a TV on the same Wi-Fi network and gain full control over navigation, volume, channels, and playback. The app also includes advanced features like a trackpad interface, direct access to streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, and the ability to cast photos and videos from the phone to the big screen.
Where it shines
The app's strength lies in its comprehensive feature set and functional design. The setup process, while direct, is clear about its requirements, such as pairing with a PIN code (00:33). The remote itself is highly versatile, offering a standard D-pad, a responsive trackpad for easier navigation on web-enabled TVs (01:09), and a numeric keypad (01:11). This multi-modal approach ensures it can handle nearly any task a physical remote could.
UX highlights
- Clear Permission Gating: If local network access is denied, the app presents a helpful, blocking screen with instructions on how to enable it in settings (00:08), preventing a broken user experience.
- Multi-Modal Controls: Users can instantly switch between a D-pad, trackpad, and number pad, tailoring the control scheme to the task at hand.
- Quick Launch Buttons: Dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV at the bottom of the remote provide one-tap access to popular streaming services.
- Integrated App Launcher: Beyond the remote, a dedicated tab (01:35) displays all installed apps on the TV, allowing users to launch them directly from their phone.
- Effortless Pairing: The device discovery and PIN-based pairing process (00:25 - 00:40) is straightforward and mirrors the familiar experience of connecting Bluetooth devices.
- In-App Rating Prompt: The app uses a custom, non-intrusive modal to ask for a star rating (00:50) before potentially triggering the official App Store prompt.
Monetization & growth
The app employs an aggressive, upfront monetization strategy. Before a user can connect to a TV or access any features, they are presented with a paywall (00:11). This screen offers a 3-day free trial that converts to an annual subscription, alongside weekly and lifetime purchase options. This approach filters for users with high intent, ensuring that anyone who proceeds past the paywall is serious about using the app. The purchase is handled smoothly through the native iOS subscription sheet (00:18).
Who it’s for
This app is for anyone who has lost their physical TV remote, finds it cumbersome, or wants more advanced control over their smart TV. Its primary users are likely those with modern smart TVs (like the LG webOS model shown) who want the convenience of a remote on the device they always have with them. The screen mirroring and casting features also appeal to users who want to share media from their phone with others.
Notes & opportunities
The immediate paywall is the biggest point of friction. While it effectively qualifies leads, it may deter users who want to confirm the app can find their TV before committing. The app could test moving the paywall to after a successful connection is made to prove its value first. Additionally, the user is prompted to allow tracking after connecting (00:29) without a warm-up, which might see lower opt-in rates compared to a screen that explains the benefits first.