The Peel smart remote has been around for a number of years now, and it started life way back on the Samsung Galaxy S4 as the WatchON app. This app came preloaded with the Galaxy S4 and marked the return of the IR blaster to smartphones, something that was thought to have been relegated to Nokia smartphones of the past. Samsung received high marks for this app so it followed up with its successor, Smart Remote, on the Galaxy S5. HTC also packed Peel into the HTC One M8 last year, labeled Sense TV, and wowed users with its functionality.
We even reviewed the standalone Peel Smart Remote app late last year for those that wanted a quality smart remote on phones that didn’t come preloaded with Peel but still have a phone with an IR blaster. Now it looks like soon to be owners of either of this Spring’s biggest flagship devices, the HTC One M9, Samsung Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge, will get the chance to experience the Peel Smart Remote app for no additional charge. The app will be preloaded on all three devices and will be called the same thing on each one; Peel Smart Remote. This marks a change for Peel as it has grown over the years from a customized version for each vendor to a universal app that can be used on any phone with an IR blaster.
Peel works by letting you turn your phone into a universal remote that controls your TV, set top box or other entertainment appliance control by an IR remote control. Peel also specializes in helping recommend things to watch including movies and shows, and will tailor recommendations based on your viewing history and preferences. Peel will then allow you to set reminders, program your DVR to record shows, and assign program favorites. Those looking to pick up either of Samsung’s two big Spring 2015 flagships or HTC’s One can look forward to arguably the best smart remote app to be packed into their phone from day one.