Smart Remote - Easy TV Control
Overview
The market for mobile-based remote control applications has grown significantly as physical remote controls are often misplaced, broken, or lack convenient text-input options. Smart Remote - Easy TV Control, developed by Figuredin, is designed to turn an Android device into a virtual control hub for smart TVs and streaming players. These applications establish socket-level connections over the local area network (LAN) using protocols like Simple Service Discovery Protocol (SSDP) and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) to identify and connect with smart TVs on the same IP subnet.
An in-depth analysis of the application's distribution and structure reveals patterns that differ from official hardware accessories. The package name is specifically styled to mimic the official Roku remote platform, a developer strategy known as search-term optimization. This approach is designed to capture organic search traffic from users searching for official remote tools.
User reviews and technical evaluations show that the app requests highly invasive system privileges. Unlike standard remote apps that only need local network access, the app has been reported to request permissions that allow it to modify system settings, create persistent home screen widgets, and alter the default app launcher layout. Users have noted that upon installation, the application can take over the device's home screen, block access to settings, and make uninstallation difficult.
This invasive behavior, combined with full-screen interstitial ads that trigger every few seconds, has led the security community to classify the app as potentially unwanted adware rather than a standard remote utility. These aggressive practices prioritize generating ad impressions over maintaining a stable and usable user experience.
Pros & Cons
Standard Remote Functions: Provides typical control features, such as volume adjustments, menu navigation, and power toggling, when connected.
Local Network Discovery: Uses automated WiFi scanning to find compatible smart TVs without requiring manual IP entry.
Virtual Keyboard Input: Includes an on-screen keyboard that simplifies text entry for search queries and passwords compared to physical remotes.
Encrypted Data in Transit: Encrypts connection packets over the local network to protect data from interception.
Alternative Backup Controller: Serves as a functional backup option when a physical TV controller is lost or broken.
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Aggressive Ad Interruptions: Displays persistent full-screen ads that disrupt core navigation tasks, such as changing channels or adjusting volume.
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Invasive System Overlays: Modifies device home screen layouts and installs unwanted launcher widgets without clear user consent.
- ✕
Resistance to Uninstallation: Uses system overlays that can block access to the standard Android uninstallation interface, forcing users to use the device settings menu to remove the app.
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Deceptive Packaging Practices: Uses a package name designed to look like official proprietary software to attract downloads.
Download
Get it on Google Play 
Get it on App Store FAQs
Is Smart Remote - Easy TV Control the official remote application for Roku devices?
No, this is a third-party application developed by Figuredin and has no official affiliation with Roku Inc..
Why did my phone's home screen layout change after installing this app?
The application requests extensive system-level permissions upon installation, which it uses to alter the default launcher layout and add persistent widgets without user input.
Can this application control a smart TV without a WiFi connection?
No, the app relies on a shared WiFi connection to locate and communicate with the TV over the local subnet. It does not support direct Bluetooth or infrared connections unless the hardware supports them.
How do I uninstall the app if the home screen uninstaller is blocked?
If the app's overlays block standard home screen uninstallation, users can go to Android Settings > Apps > Smart Remote, force stop the application, and then select "Uninstall" directly.
Does the application collect and share sensitive user data?
According to its Google Play declarations, the app does not collect personal content but may share device identifiers and activity logs with ad networks to serve targeted ads.
Hot Reviews
Many users warn that after installation, the application took over their device's user interface, rearranged their app layouts, and made it difficult to find and open other apps.
Reviewers point out that full-screen advertisements load every few seconds during use, interrupting basic remote commands and making the app frustrating to navigate.
A common complaint is that the app fails to discover or pair with compatible smart TVs, even when both the phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network.
A few reviewers note that if a user manages to navigate past the ads, the core remote functions operate as intended for basic TV control.