You just bought a television and in the sea of keys (on some remotes there are very few), you find shortcuts to depending on which applications and functions. In my case, with two televisions with Sony Android TV, Netflix and Google Play are fixed and although I am subscribed to Netflix, Google Play is indifferent to me and I do not use it. this got me thinking Can you take advantage of that key that is inoperative for me? And yes, there is a more than interesting solution… and free
A function that allows you to assign any function to the keys of your remote control. And explained so that there is no room for doubt. If you are subscribed to HBO Max, Disney+… or any other service and your controller does not have a dedicated key, with this system you will make with the push of a key you can access the platform (or function). We start with the explanation.
In this case, I have used a television with Android TV and you can do the same if you have a device with Google TV, be it a television or a set-top box. Even on the Chromecast with Google TV or with an LG TV with webOS you can remap the keys to assign any function. Let’s see all the steps.
In this case and as an example i used google play key that I do not use to access Disney +, although I could have chosen any other.
The process is very simple and you first need to download an application such as Button Mapper from the Play Store. It is a free app although we can win some functions if we donate a coffee to its creator. However, with the “free” mode you have more than enough.
Once installed on your device, what it does to remap the keys is to click on “Add Buttons”. You can choose from a drop-down menu whether to add new functions to the buttons on the remote but also choose which apps you want to use with which button.
A new panel opens in which you will see different options. By default, the checked action is the factory default. You can choose between using a single press, double press or long press as a method to access a new function.
You will now see a new screen in which you must activate the box “Personalize” to enable this feature.
When it comes to customizing, we will see how a new window is displayed in which to select between the actions proposed by the application, with a list that is quite generous. You will see actions, applications (this is the one that interests you), shortcuts… You will click on “Applications”.
You will see that A list is displayed with all the applications you have installed. If you are a Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max subscriber… you will see them reflected. Same with Spotify, Tidal… whatever app you have installed.
I I have selected Disney+ for testing with the Google Play button. You can choose to activate it with a simple touch, with a long touch or with a double click. That’s a matter of taste. I have also used Apple TV + and HBO Max with different types of pulsation as you will see below.
At this point, you may be interested in resetting functions at a certain point or also stop or activate the operation of the application if you only want to use it from time to time.
From there, just go back and test to see what works. In the three videos you see on these lines You can clearly see the change in functionality. Also, when you are not interested and you want to recover the normal function of the remote, you just have to delete the button or even easier, deactivate the action that you have added within the application.
The application, as we say, is free, but some features can be unlocked by making a donation to the creator with one of the three amounts that appear among the options. It is up to each user to determine if he is interested and, if so, what price he considers appropriate to pay.
Button Mapper
- Developer: flar2
- Download it at: google play
- Price: Free
- Category: Personalization
If you have an LG with webOS, you can too
LG allows through webOS the creation of a quick access system. It is one of the many tricks that you will find on the platform. In order to assign a function or action to a specific key on the remote control, these are the steps you must follow.
To take advantage of this function you have two ways. The first requires that long press the number 0 button to access the edit mode of all the quick accesses, from where you can assign the ones you want to each number. From there with the cursor you must click on one of the numbers that appear on the remote control. A list of channels and Apps to assign will appear.
It is the first method, since there is another. If you are inside an app such as Netflix, for example, just press and hold a number that does not have a shortcut assigned, webOS will ask if you want to assign it to the app you’re currently using. An even faster method than the previous one.
Is about create a shortcut using a number key and thus open certain applications. For example, if you are watching TV and you press and hold 1, you will be able to access a specific application through the quick access function.