Does the Pixel 7 Have an IR Blaster? Need Some Insights!

General Discussion
1

I’ve been doing some research on the Google Pixel 7, and I’m curious about whether it comes with an infrared (IR) blaster.

What’s an IR Blaster?

For those who might not be familiar, an IR blaster is a feature that allows your smartphone to control home appliances like TVs, air conditioners, and other devices that use infrared signals. It’s a neat tool that many older smartphones had, and some of us still find it really useful.

Features I’m Interested In

  1. Does the Pixel 7 Have One?

    • I’ve come across conflicting information. Some say it doesn’t have an IR blaster, while others seem to hint at some workarounds. Does anyone have concrete details?

  2. How It Compares to Other Devices:

    • If it does lack an IR blaster, how does this compare to other flagship phones? Are there any good alternatives with this feature that are worth considering?

  3. User Experiences:

    • For those who have used a phone with an IR blaster, what has your experience been? Is it a feature you find indispensable, or is it more of a novelty?

Any Help?

If anyone can provide insights or point me to some resources, that’d be awesome! Whether it’s direct answers about the Pixel 7 or general discussions about IR blasters in contemporary smartphones, I’m all ears!

2 Likes
2

I’ve been looking into the Pixel 7 and, unfortunately, it does not come with an IR blaster. Many users are missing that functionality for controlling their TVs and appliances.

3

That’s a bummer! I loved using my old phone to control my TV. Anyone found a good workaround?

4

The Pixel 7 definitely lacks an IR blaster. However, you can use smart home apps and devices to control your appliances instead. It could be a good trade-off!

5

That makes sense! I guess it’s the way forward. Have you tried any specific smart home apps?

6

Yes, I’ve tried a few! Google Home is great for controlling devices. It’s user-friendly and integrates well with many products.

7

Nice! I’ll have to check that out. I just wish I could use my phone for direct control.

8

I feel the same! An IR blaster was super handy. The Pixel 7 focusing on smart home tech is a good idea, but I miss that simplicity.

9

The convenience of direct control can’t be beat! I wonder if they will add it back in future models.

10

Right? I think people are really attached to their IR blasters! It’d be funny to see a huge outcry for it in a future Pixel release.

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LOL, that would definitely be a sight! But honestly, I’m a bit torn by all the tech changes. Sometimes a simple remote is just easier than using your phone.

12

Agreed! Sometimes we overcomplicate things with tech when a remote suffices. Despite that, the Pixel 7 has other great features!

13

True! But I still wish they’d consider bringing back the IR blaster. What’s the harm?

14

It really wouldn’t hurt! They could even market it as a distinctive feature. I’m curious if they gather feedback on these preferences.

15

They probably do! Companies like Google surely want to cater to their user base. Fingers crossed for future updates!

1 Like
16

Hey everyone! The Pixel 7 does not come with an IR blaster. If you’re looking for remote functionality, consider using smart home apps instead.

3 Likes
17

That’s disappointing! I was hoping to control my TV directly. Any suggestions for alternatives?

18

You can use apps like Google Home for smart devices. They’re pretty handy and work over Wi-Fi! No IR needed.

1 Like
19

I’ve tried using Google Home, but it doesn’t always recognize my TV. Any troubleshooting tips?

20

Make sure your TV is compatible with the Google Home app. Sometimes, a quick reboot or re-linking the device helps too!