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Comment by dheerajvs | Hacker News Reader

> phones no longer have IR blasters

Plently of phones still do [0]. I've configured mine to operate all my devices at home.

[0] https://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?nYearMin=2023&chkInfra...

You just need a small Bluetooth-enabled box sitting on your coffee table near the TV that has an IR transmitter and a paired app on your phone that can send commands to the box.

Edit: I had only search and one did appear: https://www.amazon.com/PUCK-Smart-Universal-Remote-Model/dp/...

Universal remotes are still a thing, and much cheaper than that or a Flipper Zero.

yeah, but you have to be line of sight for a universal remote to work. the app enabled IR box means you can be anywhere within range. that does have its advantages. also, being in the kitchen while the remote is near the couch when your streaming platform of choice asks "Are You Still There?" means you can answer from the kitchen.

Seems much cheaper than "infrared blasters" used for home automation

In other words, Chinese brands still have IR blasters. I don't know I would trust Chinese-brand of phones though.

Why not? Most phones are manufactured in China anyways, and Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Oppo are major and very widely popular and used brands all over the world (outside of the US which is allergic to Chinese brands unless it's for cheap crap or to outsource manufacturing to).

Outside of the US is a problem when it comes to availability and usability. I’m not going to buy a phone that doesn’t play nicely with my carrier or receive regionally relevant support.

OnePlus is the only brand on that list that makes sense buying in the US.

(Personally I can see why the IR blaster was removed as a feature in US phones. I can’t think of a time I wanted or needed it. How often are y’all losing remotes? My current remote doesn’t even really use IR for anything since the streaming box is controlled by Bluetooth and connected devices including the sound system are controlled by HDMI-CEC. My phone already controls the entire setup via a remote app that utilizes WiFi/Bluetooth).

I don’t have a television, and I haven’t owned anything with an IR port since the 2012 MacBook. I have zero use cases for IR blasters.

I've always liked Xiaomi. At home, we have several of their phones, a vacuum cleaner, and some shoes (yes, shoes!). But a few months ago, my Chrome homepage changed to a Chinese search engine, and after looking online, it seems it was a Xiaomi error that affected quite a few people. Also, they include ads in their customization layer. This will be the last Xiaomi device I purchase.

In terms of functionality they're night and day compared to Western brands which seem to just enshittify their devices while raising prices. They're all made in China at the end of the day.

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