Why don't smart phones have an IR emitter?

[OUCaptain]

I can't be the only wanting a universal remote control app for my droid? It seems like overdue.

 

[zerocool84]

They used to but they were hardly used so they were taken out. I have FiOS so I can use my phone as a remote with the app but I see no reason to as I can control everything with my universal remote anyways.

 

[DivideBYZero]

It was primarily for data transfer, but was slower than hiring eight midgets holding lightbulbs to indicate bytes and then running between devices. Bluetooth and wifi supplanted it and therefore it was dropped a long time ago.

 

[rudeguy]

the better question is why aren't remotes bluetooth now?

IR is dead.

 

[zerocool84]

the better question is why aren't remotes bluetooth now?

IR is dead.

Probably because the license/hardware for bluetooth is much more expensive. I love the bluetooth remote for PS3.

 

[corkyg]

Probably because the license/hardware for bluetooth is much more expensive. I love the bluetooth remote for PS3.

Not really accurate. Only the Bluetooth brand name is protected. The specs are not.

http://www.palowireless.com/infotooth/knowbase/general/97.asp

BT is the real answer because it is a radio frequency signal and does not require LOS. IR must have LOS and is more range limited.

 

[s44]

Soon all your devices will be network-controllable anyway, but until then...

 

[SunnyD]

Soon all your devices will be network-controllable anyway, but until then...

This.