Village Gamer

Samsung has expanded the versatility of its Android tablet product line in Q4 of 2011 and Q2 of 2012 by releasing four new budget-friendly tablets with built-in infrared blasters. Of course, such devices are only as good as the apps they run, and although the included Universal Remote Control App that comes with these tablets is quite good, users tend to either love it or hate it. TouchSquid Technology, a small, independent manufacturer of android tablets with built-in IR, has recently released an alternative remote control app for the Samsung Tab 2 IR Tablet.

The TouchSquid Universal Remote Control App has been available for generic Android devices using external IR blasters for a while now, but by making use of the built-in IR on the Samsung, owners of the Tab 7.0 Plus, Tab 7.7, Tab 2 7.0, and the Tab 2 10.1 now have more options to control their home entertainment systems without having to buy additional hardware.

Available in both home and professional versions, the TouchSquid Universal Remote Control App makes use of an extensive (and growing) library of commands for over 200,000 devices. With a simple setup process and an intuitive activity based user interface, it’s great for the average user. With customizable buttons, adjustable timings and repeats, programmable macros, and support for several external IR blasters and serial controllers, the TouchSquid App is great for power users too.

Perhaps more important than the versatility of this feature laden software is the unparalleled support offered by TouchSquid staff. Surprisingly responsive, they are always willing to help where they can. Grahame Shannon, company president and head of development, commented, “It’s the apps that make a tablet worth using. Without them, all you’ve got is an expensive paperweight. Our mission is to develop the best Universal Remote Control App on the market, and the only way to do that is by responding to user feedback.”

TouchSquid Technology Inc. is an emerging developer of Remote Control solutions for the home entertainment industry. Located in North Vancouver, its flagship product is the TouchSquid all-in-one infrared universal remote control tablet. The company has also developed a number of Android Apps, the most notable being the TouchSquid Remote Control App, for use with generic tablets in combination with an external IR blaster device.