Unfortunately, theSwitchbot Universal Remotewith Matter is a bit jumbled and didnt introduce simplicity for me.
It also supports controlling Fire TV, Apple TV, and SwitchBot Bluetooth devices.
It supports up to 50 devices in total.
Price and Availability
The SwitchBot Universal Remote retails for $59.99.
On its own, without a hub, however, not all features work.
Thats not sarcastic either.
Yelling out for Siri is handy, but not always convenient.
Neither is constantly needing to pull out my phone and open an app.
Unfortunately, right from the get-go, there were signs that this product was going to be trouble.
A secondary, albeit useful, unit to add to the mix that can show the indoor temperature.
Thats putting it gently.
The digital instructions through SwitchBots app cant be enlarged and can be hard to read in places.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
Plus, there are just a lot of steps to follow and try and keep track of.
Well, you might use it to control an Apple TV box or Fire TV unit.
With a hub in tow, you might add four Matter commands to the remote.
Universal Remote can control Infrared appliances such as air conditioners, TVs, lights, fans, and projectors at home. It also supports controlling Fire TV, Apple TV, and SwitchBot Bluetooth devices. It supports up to 50 devices in total.
So my Universal Remote is only controlling two smart devices.
I didnt have anysupported machine.
Also, SwitchBots own products, which it now has many, can be controlled with the remote.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
I liked the feel of the Universal Remote, but not more than Apples newest Apple TV remote.
I wouldnt opt for SwitchBots remote instead of the first-party one.
Its large and chunky, but its not overly heavy.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
It has a 2.4-inch LCD screen that I found to be bright and spacious enough.
The screen isnt overly impressive, but it gets the job done.
The screen isnt touch-sensitive, which I actually prefer.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
Any on-screen text corresponds to physical buttons just beneath it.
Even though the screen isnt touch-sensitive, the circle can be.
you’re able to slide your thumb around it, instead of clicking.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
By default, that functionality is turned off.
I tried it and it worked fine, but I eventually turned it back off.
The remote’s buttons are clicky enough and laid out well.
Tyler Hayes / How-To Geek
At first glance, it could be any cable box remote control.
I dont think its design hampers any functionality, but it also doesnt enable any.
Despite being a rig for the entire home, its not a controller that begs to be carried around.
Similarly, Alexa and Google Home support are said to be coming in the future as well.
The remote is continuing to get software updates to rid it of bugs too.
Wait until the features are released.
Battery Is a Highlight
The best feature of the SwitchBot Universal Remote is its battery life.
That consolation prize is not enough to save the remotes total functionality, however.
When I did test recharging the remote, the USB-C port at the bottom powered it up quickly.
Should You Buy the SwitchBot Universal Remote?
It can be a bit confusing to adjust Matter controls after the initial setup, too.
Pointing the remote at IR devices is limited.
