Did you know there are Kindle Fire apps that will turn your Fire into a DirecTV, Roku or Onkyo stereo system remote control? Those dedicated, touchscreen remote control devices can cost hundreds of dollars, but these apps run anywhere from free to just a few dollars.
DirecTV Remote Pro – avg review rating 4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $2.98. From Amazon:
Control your DirecTV receiver through your [Fire] – Use a variety of remote functions, including Slow Motion – Three remote layouts to choose from – (PRO) Closed Caption macros & create your own custom macros – Search Assistant – Rearrange and rename your receivers, favorites and macros. (Menu > More) – See more about the current show, movie or song by searching on IMDb, AllMusic.com, Google and Amazon (‘On Now’ > More) – Option to lock the app to portrait or landscape mode regardless of device orientation – Create shortcuts to remote buttons, favorites and macros right on your home screen! (FREE ADD-ON in market) – Plus many more features!
RoByte Roku Remote – avg review rating 4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $1.99. From Amazon:
RoByte turns your Android smartphone or tablet into a remote control for your Roku streaming media device. It scans, finds, and connects to your Roku automatically with virtually no set up.
The app is easy to use, featuring a clean design, D-pad or swipe-pad navigation, auto-device scanning, customizable widgets for your home screen, and more. Change channels easily or search by voice or keyboard. Multi-language support for English, Spanish, Korean, German, French, and Bahasa Indonesia.
Onkyo Remote – avg review rating 4/5 stars, currently free. From Amazon:
Onkyo’s Remote App allows owners to integrate wireless audio stored on an Android device into their Onkyo home network system. The app operates over a wireless LAN and enables a range of remote control functions, such as volume and tone control and input selection.
Functions: • Wirelessly streams music stored on an Android device • Operates general remote-control functions (e.g. play, stop, power on/off) • Controls multi-zone audio • Selects input source, network source, and radio station • Adjusts tone control, listening modes, and speaker volume • Displays content information
Note that the DirecTV and Onkyo apps work with specific models of DirecTV boxes and Onkyo stereo equipment. Click through on the links to read the full details on each app’s product page.
Will the wonders of technology—and your Kindle Fire—never cease?