Here is a description of Peel that I found on an Android site from a while back. It starts with, “Do you hate your cable or satellite TV channel guide?” It seems that the guys at Peel do, because they built the ultimate remote application that just destroys the boring old-school listings. Peel Smart Remote is a free application in the Android Market that helps you find what to watch and controls your home entertainment devices.
The Peel Smart Remote app has been described as a second screen app. It should work with any device that has an IR port. That is any port which sends and receives infrared signals from other devices. It is a wireless type port with a limited range of 5-10ft.
The app is not new, it has been around for a while and in the past the company struck a deal with Samsung to include it on the Galaxy Tab 7 Plus. According to a press release from last week, it looks like the two companies have teamed up again, this time with the new Galaxy S5.
As long as it can send a signal to your TV or DVR, the smart remote app allows Galaxy S5 users to easily control their TV and DVR from their smartphone. In addition, it also works as a programming guide, where you can see a variety of information on your TV.
The new Samsung Smart Remote app replaces WatchON. This is the same application powered by Peel which came preloaded on six previous Galaxy devices including the Samsung Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note phone and tablet and Galaxy Tab 1, 2, and 3.
Bala Krishnan, co-founder and chief product officer for Peel, said, “We are excited to be a part of the new Galaxy S5 launch and to be a part of building a smarter and more enjoyable TV watching experience for all the next generation phones and tablets equipped with IR technology. Our commitment is to continually innovate our core application to allow Samsung, HTC, ZTE and others to bring these added benefits to their customers.”
As is mentioned in Krishnan’s statement, Samsung is not the only smartphone or tablet company to include the Smart Remote app. It is also preloaded on HTC devices such as the latest HTC One M8, where it is called “Sense TV.” Peel also has a preload deal with Chinese manufacturer ZTE and is currently working to get at least another half dozen smartphone providers.
If you want to watch TV while holding your tablet like the person in this image then I suppose that is fine.
Image via AndroidHeadlines.com
However, just how much information do you need? Since the IR port range is under 10 feet, it is not like you can be in another room, but then there is this fascination of having that “second screen” to do something with as you are watching TV.
As the press states, designed to enhance the TV entertainment experience, the Peel Smart Remote app on next generation Android devices is more than a remote control and more than just a simple TV programming guide.
As a universal remote control, the Smart Remote app allows you to control your TV, DVR or set-top box for cable or satellite TV, eliminating the need to have multiple remote controls. Personally, I have one remote that controls every device attached to my TV. However, as I have said in the past, we live in a generation of wanting all the information that is available while being connected all the time. This partnership definitely delivers on that.
Edited by
Alisen Downey 
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