The world of smartphones has witnessed numerous innovations and advancements over the years. From the introduction of touch screens to the integration of artificial intelligence, smartphones have evolved significantly. However, amidst these advancements, some features have been phased out, leaving users wondering why they were removed in the first place. One such feature is the IR blaster, which was once a staple in many high-end smartphones. In this article, we will delve into the world of IR blasters, exploring their history, functionality, and the reasons behind their removal.
A Brief History Of IR Blasters
IR blasters, also known as infrared blasters, have been around for decades. They were first introduced in the 1990s as a means of controlling electronic devices remotely. IR blasters use infrared radiation to transmit signals to devices, allowing users to control them from a distance. In the early 2000s, IR blasters started to appear in smartphones, particularly in high-end models. They were marketed as a convenient feature that allowed users to control their TVs, air conditioners, and other electronic devices using their smartphones.
How IR Blasters Work
IR blasters work by emitting infrared radiation, which is received by the device being controlled. The IR blaster is typically located on the top or side of the smartphone and is usually accompanied by an IR LED. When a user presses a button on their smartphone, the IR blaster emits a signal that is received by the device, which then responds accordingly. IR blasters use a specific frequency to transmit signals, which is usually between 30 kHz and 60 kHz.
The Rise And Fall Of IR Blasters
IR blasters were once a popular feature in smartphones, particularly in high-end models. They were marketed as a convenient feature that allowed users to control their electronic devices remotely. However, over time, the popularity of IR blasters began to wane. Several factors contributed to their decline, including:
The Rise Of Alternative Control Methods
One of the main reasons IR blasters fell out of favor was the rise of alternative control methods. With the advent of smart home devices and voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, users no longer needed to rely on IR blasters to control their devices. These alternative control methods were often more convenient and easier to use than IR blasters.
The Limited Range Of IR Blasters
Another reason IR blasters fell out of favor was their limited range. IR blasters typically have a range of around 10-15 feet, which limited their usefulness. Users often found themselves having to get up and move closer to the device they were trying to control, which defeated the purpose of having a remote control feature in the first place.
The Cost And Complexity Of IR Blasters
IR blasters were also relatively expensive to implement, particularly in high-end smartphones. The cost of including an IR blaster in a smartphone was often passed on to the consumer, which made these devices more expensive. Additionally, IR blasters required complex software and hardware to function properly, which added to their cost and complexity.
The Removal Of IR Blasters
Given the decline in popularity of IR blasters, it’s no surprise that many smartphone manufacturers have removed this feature from their devices. In recent years, many high-end smartphones have been released without IR blasters, including flagship models from Samsung, Apple, and Google.
The Impact On Users
The removal of IR blasters has had a significant impact on users who relied on this feature. Many users have expressed disappointment and frustration at the removal of IR blasters, particularly those who used them to control their TVs and other electronic devices. However, it’s worth noting that many alternative control methods are available, including smart home devices and voice assistants.
Conclusion
The removal of IR blasters from smartphones is a reflection of the changing needs and preferences of users. While IR blasters were once a popular feature, they have largely been replaced by alternative control methods that are more convenient and easier to use. As technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more innovative features and control methods emerge.
What Is An IR Blaster And How Does It Work?
An IR Blaster is a feature that allows a device, typically a smartphone, to control other electronic devices using infrared signals. It works by emitting infrared light pulses that correspond to specific commands, such as turning on or off a TV, changing channels, or adjusting the volume. The IR Blaster is usually located on the top or side of the device and is used in conjunction with an IR remote control app.
The IR Blaster uses a technology called pulse-width modulation to encode the commands into the infrared light pulses. The pulses are then transmitted to the target device, which decodes the signals and performs the corresponding action. IR Blasters were commonly used in the past to control TVs, air conditioners, and other electronic devices, but their popularity has declined in recent years due to the rise of alternative control methods.
Why Were IR Blasters Removed From Modern Smartphones?
IR Blasters were removed from modern smartphones due to a combination of factors, including the decline in demand, the rise of alternative control methods, and the need to make devices thinner and more compact. With the increasing popularity of smart home devices and voice assistants, many users have switched to using voice commands or mobile apps to control their electronic devices, reducing the need for IR Blasters.
Additionally, the removal of IR Blasters has allowed manufacturers to make their devices thinner and more compact, which is a key design consideration for many consumers. By eliminating the IR Blaster, manufacturers can also reduce the cost and complexity of their devices, making them more competitive in the market.
What Are The Alternatives To IR Blasters?
There are several alternatives to IR Blasters, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, voice assistants, and mobile apps. Many modern electronic devices, such as smart TVs and air conditioners, can be controlled using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to control them using their smartphones or tablets. Voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, can also be used to control electronic devices using voice commands.
Mobile apps are another popular alternative to IR Blasters. Many manufacturers offer mobile apps that allow users to control their electronic devices remotely, using their smartphones or tablets. These apps often provide a more convenient and user-friendly experience than IR Blasters, and can be used to control a wide range of devices.
Will IR Blasters Make A Comeback In The Future?
It is unlikely that IR Blasters will make a comeback in the future, given the decline in demand and the rise of alternative control methods. While some users may still prefer to use IR Blasters, the majority of consumers have switched to using more modern and convenient control methods, such as voice assistants and mobile apps.
Additionally, the removal of IR Blasters has allowed manufacturers to focus on developing more advanced and innovative features, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that new and more convenient control methods will emerge, making IR Blasters even more obsolete.
What Are The Advantages Of IR Blasters?
IR Blasters have several advantages, including their simplicity and convenience. They allow users to control multiple devices using a single remote control, and can be used to control devices that do not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. IR Blasters are also relatively inexpensive to implement, making them a cost-effective option for manufacturers.
Additionally, IR Blasters can be used to control devices in areas with limited Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, making them a useful feature in certain situations. However, these advantages are largely outweighed by the decline in demand and the rise of alternative control methods.
What Are The Disadvantages Of IR Blasters?
IR Blasters have several disadvantages, including their limited range and line-of-sight requirements. They require a direct line of sight between the device and the target device, and can be affected by obstacles such as walls and furniture. IR Blasters are also relatively slow and can be prone to interference from other devices.
Additionally, IR Blasters can be inconvenient to use, requiring users to point the device at the target device and press the correct buttons. They also require batteries, which can run out of power if not replaced regularly. These disadvantages have contributed to the decline in popularity of IR Blasters.
Can I Still Use An IR Blaster On My Device?
It depends on the device you are using. Some older devices may still have an IR Blaster, while newer devices are unlikely to have this feature. If your device has an IR Blaster, you can use it to control electronic devices that are compatible with IR signals. However, you may need to download a third-party app to use the IR Blaster, as many manufacturers no longer provide native support for this feature.
If your device does not have an IR Blaster, you can consider using alternative control methods, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, voice assistants, or mobile apps. These methods are often more convenient and user-friendly than IR Blasters, and can be used to control a wide range of devices.