IR blaster return?

[droidntn]

Is it returning in the S8?

 

[Jaycemiskel]

I don't believe so. Haven't seen it in any of the leaked pictures. That's probably gone for good.

 

[DominionRoofs]

If it doesn't, I won't buy. Its huawei for now on. Have it on my Mate 9.It's such an actual useful and convenient feature, I'm hooked.

 

[flyingkytez]

Nope. It's been gone, the S6 was the last to have it. Don't think they'll bring it back because not too many people use it. Kinda sucks because I like the IR blaster. Glad my V20 still has it.

 

[ChetManley762]

I have stuck with my Note 4 for this reason. I use the IR blaster everyday. It's great when you have kids who constantly lose TV remotes.

I'd gladly give up the rarely used heart rate sensor to get the IR blaster back on the S8.

 

[Sammuel1973]

I read somewhere last week the IR blaster may come back as the leaks show an extra sensor, could be for the face recognition feature though. We won't know for sure until 2 wks.

 

[DominionRoofs]

Nope. It's been gone, the S6 was the last to have it. Don't think they'll bring it back because not too many people use it. Kinda sucks because I like the IR blaster. Glad my V20 still has it.

No one uses it?? Hmm how the hell do you know.. Lol

 

[tcdude]

There is a rumor they may bring it back but I won't hold my breath. I also wish they would add fm radio

 

[Jaycemiskel]

No one uses it?? Hmm how the hell do you know.. Lol

Majority of people didn't use it. That's why it was removed. It wasn't worth it. I actually used it, but I don't see it returning.

 

[anon(5630457)]

It was a novelty feature. It isn't necessary anymore.

 

[droidntn]

It was a novelty feature. It isn't necessary anymore.

Most of a phone, other than calling, might be considered a 'novelty feature'.
I use my IR blaster every day.

 

[Jaycemiskel]

Most of a phone, other than calling, might be considered a 'novelty feature'.
I use my IR blaster every day.

Not really, you can base what's novelty off of what the majority of people use. Even though I used it, I knew it was a novelty feature.

 

[flyingkytez]

No one uses it?? Hmm how the hell do you know.. Lol

Samsung knows lol when you use the Peel smart remote app they could track how many people use it... Same reason why they removed the gesture features on the S4 (automatic eye scroll, air view, air gestures, etc. no one really used it). Also, it drives the total cost up higher for a device that's already too expensive.

The only way they'll bring it back if the majority people bashes Samsung just like when they removed the SD card slot on the S6.

 

[Sammuel1973]

Looks like last minute leaked manual doesn't say anything about an IR blaster.

 

[pjm1891]

Full spec sheet has leaked..Nothing about IR blaster, or stereo speakers. BT 5.0 though.

 

[Sammuel1973]

For those who are more tech savvy, check out this video on "Samsung Connect". Is it similar to the IR blaster as a way to use as a TV remote?

https://youtu.be/890M6nLhmbU

 

[washuai]

I only ever had ir blaster on my LG G4. It's definitely a handy feature. Replaceable batteries are better than battery banks and battery cases, too. I guess as more things get smarter, they'll connect another wireless way.

 

[ctown81]

Very few people care about the blaster away from the forums. Most overrated feature.

 

[badelhas]

Yeah but those who do value it very much.

 

[Sammuel1973]

Very few people care about the blaster away from the forums. Most overrated feature.

Most overrated? Why would you say that? Without it, I have to use the clunky remote control. It's seamless with my Note 4, all in one.