IR Blaster: Difference between revisions
Created page with "{{Infobox|title=IR Blaster Removal|image=ir_blaster_component.jpg|caption=IR LED and receiver - Cost: $0.35, Utility: Universal control|type=Feature Removal|component_cost=$0.35-0.50|companies=Samsung, LG, HTC, Xiaomi (removed)|peak_availability=2012-2016|current=Only Chinese brands (some models)}} '''IR blaster removal''' refers to the elimination of infrared transmitters from smartphones that allowed them to function as universal remote controls. == Overview == IR bl..." |
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{{Infobox|title=IR Blaster Removal|image=ir_blaster_component.jpg|caption=IR LED and receiver - Cost: $0.35, Utility: Universal control|type=Feature Removal|component_cost=$0.35-0.50|companies=Samsung, LG, HTC, Xiaomi (removed)|peak_availability=2012-2016|current=Only Chinese brands (some models)}} | {{Infobox|title=IR Blaster Removal|image=ir_blaster_component.jpg|caption=IR LED and receiver - Cost: $0.35, Utility: Universal control|type=Feature Removal|component_cost=$0.35-0.50|companies=Samsung, LG, HTC, Xiaomi (removed)|peak_availability=2012-2016|current=Only Chinese brands (some models)}} | ||
'''IR blaster removal''' refers to the elimination of infrared transmitters from smartphones that allowed them to function as universal remote controls. | '''IR blaster removal''' refers to the elimination of infrared transmitters from smartphones that allowed them to function as universal remote controls. | ||
== Overview == | ==Overview== | ||
IR blasters allowed phones to control TVs, air conditioners, stereos, and other devices. Despite minimal cost and space requirements, manufacturers removed them claiming "lack of use" while simultaneously investing in expensive smart home ecosystems. | IR blasters allowed phones to control TVs, air conditioners, stereos, and other devices. Despite minimal cost and space requirements, manufacturers removed them claiming "lack of use" while simultaneously investing in expensive smart home ecosystems. | ||
== Technical Specifications == | ==Technical Specifications== | ||
=== Hardware Requirements === | ===Hardware Requirements=== | ||
* IR LED: $0.15 | *IR LED: $0.15 | ||
* Driver circuit: $0.10 | *Driver circuit: $0.10 | ||
* Protective lens: $0.05 | *Protective lens: $0.05 | ||
* Board space: 4mm² | *Board space: 4mm² | ||
* Power draw: 50-100mW when active | *Power draw: 50-100mW when active | ||
* Total cost: $0.30-0.50 | *Total cost: $0.30-0.50 | ||
=== Capabilities === | ===Capabilities=== | ||
* Range: 5-10 meters | *Range: 5-10 meters | ||
* Frequency: 30-60kHz carrier | *Frequency: 30-60kHz carrier | ||
* Protocols: RC5, RC6, NEC, Sony SIRC | *Protocols: RC5, RC6, NEC, Sony SIRC | ||
* Devices controlled: Thousands of models | *Devices controlled: Thousands of models | ||
* Learning function: Copy any remote | *Learning function: Copy any remote | ||
== Timeline of Elimination == | ==Timeline of Elimination== | ||
=== Rise (2012-2015) === | ===Rise (2012-2015)=== | ||
* '''2012''': HTC One includes IR blaster | *'''2012''': HTC One includes IR blaster | ||
* '''2013''': Samsung Galaxy S4 adds "WatchON" | *'''2013''': Samsung Galaxy S4 adds "WatchON" | ||
* '''2014''': LG G3, Note 4 standard feature | *'''2014''': LG G3, Note 4 standard feature | ||
* '''2015''': Peak adoption - most flagships include | *'''2015''': Peak adoption - most flagships include | ||
=== Fall (2016-2020) === | ===Fall (2016-2020)=== | ||
* '''2016''': iPhone 7 never had it, Samsung keeps | *'''2016''': iPhone 7 never had it, Samsung keeps | ||
* '''2017''': Galaxy S6 removes, S7 retains | *'''2017''': Galaxy S6 removes, S7 retains | ||
* '''2018''': Samsung removes from S series permanently | *'''2018''': Samsung removes from S series permanently | ||
* '''2019''': LG removes from all models | *'''2019''': LG removes from all models | ||
* '''2020''': Only Xiaomi, Huawei retain (some models) | *'''2020''': Only Xiaomi, Huawei retain (some models) | ||
== Real Reasons for Removal == | ==Real Reasons for Removal== | ||
=== Smart Home Ecosystem Lock-in === | ===Smart Home Ecosystem Lock-in=== | ||
* Samsung SmartThings: $50-300 per device | *Samsung SmartThings: $50-300 per device | ||
* Apple HomeKit: Premium-priced accessories | *Apple HomeKit: Premium-priced accessories | ||
* Google Home: Subscription services | *Google Home: Subscription services | ||
* IR blaster: Controls everything for free | *IR blaster: Controls everything for free | ||
=== Planned Obsolescence of Remotes === | ===Planned Obsolescence of Remotes=== | ||
* Smart TV remote: $30-80 replacement | *Smart TV remote: $30-80 replacement | ||
* Cable box remote: $20-40 | *Cable box remote: $20-40 | ||
* Universal remote: $50-200 | *Universal remote: $50-200 | ||
* Phone with IR: $0 additional cost | *Phone with IR: $0 additional cost | ||
=== Data Collection Prevention === | ===Data Collection Prevention=== | ||
* IR control: Completely offline | *IR control: Completely offline | ||
* Smart home: Tracks usage patterns | *Smart home: Tracks usage patterns | ||
* Voice assistants: Record commands | *Voice assistants: Record commands | ||
* Apps: Collect behavioral data | *Apps: Collect behavioral data | ||
== Manufacturer Excuses Debunked == | ==Manufacturer Excuses Debunked== | ||
=== "Nobody used it" === | ==="Nobody used it"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': Peel Smart Remote - 100 million downloads | *'''Reality''': Peel Smart Remote - 100 million downloads | ||
* AnyMote: 50 million users | *AnyMote: 50 million users | ||
* Mi Remote: 75 million active users | *Mi Remote: 75 million active users | ||
* Sure Universal: 30 million downloads | *Sure Universal: 30 million downloads | ||
=== "Takes up space" === | ==="Takes up space"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': Smaller than front camera | *'''Reality''': Smaller than front camera | ||
* Thickness impact: 0.5mm maximum | *Thickness impact: 0.5mm maximum | ||
* Location: Top edge unused space | *Location: Top edge unused space | ||
* Modern phones thicker anyway | *Modern phones thicker anyway | ||
=== "Confusing for consumers" === | ==="Confusing for consumers"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': One-button setup in most apps | *'''Reality''': One-button setup in most apps | ||
* Easier than pairing Bluetooth | *Easier than pairing Bluetooth | ||
* Grandparents could use it | *Grandparents could use it | ||
* Point and click interface | *Point and click interface | ||
=== "Old technology" === | ==="Old technology"=== | ||
* '''Reality''': Every TV still uses IR (2024) | *'''Reality''': Every TV still uses IR (2024) | ||
* Air conditioners: 95% IR controlled | *Air conditioners: 95% IR controlled | ||
* Set-top boxes: All use IR | *Set-top boxes: All use IR | ||
* Will remain standard for decades | *Will remain standard for decades | ||
== Use Cases Eliminated == | ==Use Cases Eliminated== | ||
=== Home Entertainment === | ===Home Entertainment=== | ||
* Control TV without finding remote | *Control TV without finding remote | ||
* Adjust soundbar from couch | *Adjust soundbar from couch | ||
* Navigate cable box menus | *Navigate cable box menus | ||
* Control DVD/Blu-ray players | *Control DVD/Blu-ray players | ||
* Manage projector presentations | *Manage projector presentations | ||
=== Public Spaces === | ===Public Spaces=== | ||
* Mute loud TVs in waiting rooms | *Mute loud TVs in waiting rooms | ||
* Adjust gym TV channels | *Adjust gym TV channels | ||
* Control hotel room AC | *Control hotel room AC | ||
* Change restaurant TV channels | *Change restaurant TV channels | ||
* Conference room presentations | *Conference room presentations | ||
=== Accessibility === | ===Accessibility=== | ||
* Elderly: One device for everything | *Elderly: One device for everything | ||
* Disabled: Always within reach | *Disabled: Always within reach | ||
* Visually impaired: Familiar phone interface | *Visually impaired: Familiar phone interface | ||
* Lost remote replacement | *Lost remote replacement | ||
=== Travel === | ===Travel=== | ||
* Hotel room control | *Hotel room control | ||
* No learning curve for new devices | *No learning curve for new devices | ||
* International compatibility | *International compatibility | ||
* No need to pack remotes | *No need to pack remotes | ||
== Financial Impact on Consumers == | ==Financial Impact on Consumers== | ||
=== Replacement Costs === | ===Replacement Costs=== | ||
* Lost TV remote: $30-80 | *Lost TV remote: $30-80 | ||
* Universal remote: $50-200 | *Universal remote: $50-200 | ||
* Smart home hub: $100-300 | *Smart home hub: $100-300 | ||
* Smart bulbs: $15-50 each | *Smart bulbs: $15-50 each | ||
* Smart plugs: $20-40 each | *Smart plugs: $20-40 each | ||
* Total ecosystem: $500-2000 | *Total ecosystem: $500-2000 | ||
=== What IR Blaster Replaced === | ===What IR Blaster Replaced=== | ||
* All remotes: $0 | *All remotes: $0 | ||
* Setup time: Minutes | *Setup time: Minutes | ||
* Compatibility: Universal | *Compatibility: Universal | ||
* Maintenance: None | *Maintenance: None | ||
* Subscription: None | *Subscription: None | ||
== Market Manipulation == | ==Market Manipulation== | ||
=== Coordinated Removal === | ===Coordinated Removal=== | ||
* 2016-2018: All major brands remove | *2016-2018: All major brands remove | ||
* No technical reason cited | *No technical reason cited | ||
* Smart home push simultaneous | *Smart home push simultaneous | ||
* Consumer choice eliminated | *Consumer choice eliminated | ||
=== Upselling Strategy === | ===Upselling Strategy=== | ||
"Your phone can't control your TV anymore, but for $299 you can buy our smart home hub, plus $30 per smart plug, plus $50 per smart bulb..." | "Your phone can't control your TV anymore, but for $299 you can buy our smart home hub, plus $30 per smart plug, plus $50 per smart bulb..." | ||
== Environmental Impact == | ==Environmental Impact== | ||
=== E-Waste from Remotes === | ===E-Waste from Remotes=== | ||
* 5 remotes per household average | *5 remotes per household average | ||
* 500 million remotes disposed annually | *500 million remotes disposed annually | ||
* Batteries: 2-4 AA per remote | *Batteries: 2-4 AA per remote | ||
* Plastic waste: Non-recyclable | *Plastic waste: Non-recyclable | ||
* All preventable with IR phone | *All preventable with IR phone | ||
=== Resource Consumption === | ===Resource Consumption=== | ||
* Rare earth elements in remotes | *Rare earth elements in remotes | ||
* Shipping individual remotes | *Shipping individual remotes | ||
* Packaging waste | *Packaging waste | ||
* Manufacturing energy | *Manufacturing energy | ||
* Redundant production | *Redundant production | ||
== Current Alternatives == | ==Current Alternatives== | ||
=== Phones with IR (2024) === | ===Phones with IR (2024)=== | ||
* Xiaomi Redmi series (some) | *Xiaomi Redmi series (some) | ||
* POCO phones (some) | *POCO phones (some) | ||
* Select Chinese brands | *Select Chinese brands | ||
* No flagship phones | *No flagship phones | ||
* No US carrier phones | *No US carrier phones | ||
=== Workarounds === | ===Workarounds=== | ||
* USB-C IR dongles ($10-20) | *USB-C IR dongles ($10-20) | ||
* Bluetooth-to-IR bridges ($30-50) | *Bluetooth-to-IR bridges ($30-50) | ||
* WiFi universal remotes ($60-100) | *WiFi universal remotes ($60-100) | ||
* Smart home ecosystem ($500+) | *Smart home ecosystem ($500+) | ||
* All inferior to built-in | *All inferior to built-in | ||
== Consumer Resistance == | ==Consumer Resistance== | ||
=== Petition Campaigns === | ===Petition Campaigns=== | ||
* Change.org: "Bring back IR blasters" - 250,000 signatures | *Change.org: "Bring back IR blasters" - 250,000 signatures | ||
* Reddit r/Android: Regular request threads | *Reddit r/Android: Regular request threads | ||
* Samsung Members: Top requested feature | *Samsung Members: Top requested feature | ||
* OnePlus forums: Consistent demands | *OnePlus forums: Consistent demands | ||
=== Market Response === | ===Market Response=== | ||
* Chinese brands keeping IR = increased sales | *Chinese brands keeping IR = increased sales | ||
* Xiaomi marketing IR as premium feature | *Xiaomi marketing IR as premium feature | ||
* Consumer loyalty to IR-equipped brands | *Consumer loyalty to IR-equipped brands | ||
* Second-hand market for IR phones | *Second-hand market for IR phones | ||
== Technical Innovation Stifled == | ==Technical Innovation Stifled== | ||
=== Potential developments killed === | ===Potential developments killed=== | ||
* IR learning improvements | *IR learning improvements | ||
* Macro programming | *Macro programming | ||
* Gesture controls | *Gesture controls | ||
* AI-powered setup | *AI-powered setup | ||
* Cross-device synchronization | *Cross-device synchronization | ||
Instead we got: Expensive proprietary ecosystems | Instead we got: Expensive proprietary ecosystems | ||
== See Also == | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Universal Remote History]] | *[[Universal Remote History]] | ||
* [[Smart Home Lock-in]] | *[[Smart Home Lock-in]] | ||
* [[Feature Removal Timeline]] | *[[Feature Removal Timeline]] | ||
* [[Planned Obsolescence]] | *[[Planned Obsolescence]] | ||
* [[Consumer Choice Elimination]] | *[[Consumer Choice Elimination]] | ||
== References == | ==References== | ||
[1] Samsung Galaxy S4 WatchON marketing materials [2] Peel | [1] Samsung Galaxy S4 WatchON marketing materials [2] Peel | ||