Google has finally replaced the Android TV Remote app with the Google TV’s in-app remote. At I/O 2021, Google announced a new and better remote-control option for Google TV devices. Earlier this week, Google officially announced the new in-app Android TV remote for Google TV app, the Google TV app is coming to the 14 new countries. For the time being, the app is limited to US with the new in-app remote support. But there’s a workaround by which users can access the new Android TV remote, here’s how to get Google TV in-app remote in any country.
Android TV Remote app is the traditional way people use to control their Android TVs without physical remote control. The app was listed on both Google Play Store and App Store. But after announcing the new Google TV app and remote-control option, Google removed the old app from the play store.
Talking about the new Google TV’s in-app remote control, then the new feature allow users to control navigation of their Android TV or Google TV. The interface has a bunch of new options including the power on-off controls, volume controls, enhanced keyboard with new capabilities, Google Assistant, Swipe control / D-pad control, mute option, along with back and home button.
As I mentioned earlier, for the time being, the new in-app remote control is available in the US. But very soon, the app is making its way to these 14 countries.
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Spain
- Switzerland
- UK
Now let’s take a look at how you can get access to the new in-app remote-control of Google TV before official announcement.
How to get new Android TV Remote Control
The anticipated in-app remote control is finally available on both Google TV and Google Play Movies & TV app. But users need to update the Android TV Remote services app on their TV to the version 5.0 from 4.7, you can update the app via Play Store or third-party app store. Thanks to Reddit user (juzmafia) for sharing this workaround.
Note: Make sure to update Google TV or Play Movies & TV app to the newest version to access the new in-app remote control.
After installing the Android TV Remote service (5.0), find the TV Remote option in Quick Settings, if the option is not available then you need to tap customize or edit Quick Settings option. Once you see the TV Remote in Quick Settings, tap on it. It will open the new in-app remote within Google TV or Play Movies & TV app.
For first time, you need to pair both devices with each other, simply enter the pairing code showing on your TV screen. That’s it. Now you can start using new Android TV Remote Control from your smartphone.
According to the reddit user, you need to update Gboard app to version 11.0 or higher. While testing the new in-app remote, I checked the Gboard version on my Android TV, it’s already running on the v11. In case the new in-app remote is not working for you, then you can try updating the Gboard to the newer version on your TV.
That’s it, you can follow the above-mentioned steps to access the new Android TV Remote Control on your smartphone.
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