Universal Remote Control - TV icon
Universal Remote Control - TV: Comprehensive Roku Companion App Analysis

by Asmus Smidt

4.7
IOSUtilities
This free iOS app transforms smartphones into full-featured Roku controllers with voice search, private listening, and media casting capabilities. Ideal for Roku device owners seeking enhanced streaming control.

Detailed Review

Universal Remote Control - TV by Asmus Smidt serves as a dedicated mobile companion for Roku streaming devices, positioning itself as an all-in-one control solution that extends beyond traditional physical remotes. The app bridges the gap between mobile convenience and home entertainment control, offering iOS users a comprehensive toolset for managing their Roku ecosystem from their handheld devices. The application's core functionality centers around replicating and enhancing the standard Roku remote experience. It provides touch-based navigation controls, keyboard input for text entry, and voice search capabilities that significantly streamline content discovery. Beyond basic remote functions, the app enables private listening through phone-connected headphones, allows media casting from mobile devices to television screens, and provides access to The Roku Channel's mobile content library. These features collectively transform smartphones into multifunctional entertainment hubs rather than simple remote replacements. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design with an intuitive interface that mirrors physical remote layouts while leveraging touchscreen advantages. The control interface maintains familiar button placement while adding swipe gestures and keyboard inputs that outperform infrared remote text entry. Real-world usage shows particular strength in scenarios where physical remotes are misplaced, when private viewing is preferred, or when users want to quickly search across multiple streaming services without navigating through on-screen keyboards. With no user reviews available for analysis, the application's 4.68 rating suggests generally positive reception, though the absence of detailed feedback makes specific user experience patterns difficult to ascertain. The high rating indicates satisfactory performance across core functionality, but the lack of review data prevents deeper insight into common user satisfaction points or recurring issues. The application demonstrates strongest value as a supplemental control solution for existing Roku households, particularly benefiting users who frequently misplace physical remotes or desire enhanced features like voice search and private listening. Limitations include complete dependency on Roku ecosystem compatibility and potential feature redundancy for users satisfied with standard physical remotes. Network reliability requirements and the absence of physical button tactile feedback may present minor usability constraints in certain scenarios.

Key Features

  • Voice-activated content search enables hands-free show discovery across streaming platforms using natural language commands
  • Private listening functionality routes audio through phone-connected headphones for undisturbed viewing experiences
  • Media casting capability streams photos, videos, and mobile content directly to television displays seamlessly
  • Touch-based remote interface replicates physical controls with enhanced navigation and text entry capabilities
  • Integrated Roku Channel access provides mobile viewing of free movies and live television content on-the-go

Why Users Love It

Enhanced remote functionality
Seamless ecosystem integration

Perfect for: Roku device owners seeking advanced control features

App Details

Developer

Asmus Smidt

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

9/7/2025