Google Pixel 9: IR Blaster?

Hey guys! A question that's been popping up a lot lately is whether the upcoming Google Pixel 9 will feature an IR blaster. For those not in the know, an IR blaster allows your phone to act as a universal remote, controlling TVs, air conditioners, and other devices that use infrared technology. It was a pretty common feature on smartphones a few years back, but it's become increasingly rare these days. So, let's dive into the likelihood of the Pixel 9 including this blast from the past.

What is an IR Blaster?

Before we get into whether the Pixel 9 will have one, let's quickly recap what an IR blaster actually is. An IR blaster is a small infrared transmitter built into a device, like a smartphone or a tablet. It emits infrared light signals, which are the same signals used by traditional remote controls. This allows your device to mimic a remote, controlling anything from your TV and DVD player to your air conditioner and even some types of lighting. The beauty of an IR blaster is that it consolidates all your remotes into a single device – your phone. Imagine losing all those remotes down the back of the sofa – with an IR blaster, you wouldn't need them! It offered a level of convenience that many tech enthusiasts appreciated, especially back when smart home devices weren't as prevalent as they are today. For many, it was a killer feature that set certain phones apart from the competition. You could be in a restaurant, subtly change the channel on the TV above the bar, and watch the chaos unfold (not that I'm advocating for that kind of behavior, of course!). The practicality and sheer fun of having that kind of control made IR blasters a sought-after feature.

However, as technology has advanced, the need for IR blasters has diminished. With the rise of Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices and universal remote apps that work over the internet, the reliance on infrared technology has decreased. This shift in technology is a key reason why many manufacturers have stopped including IR blasters in their smartphones. It's a classic case of older tech being phased out by newer, more versatile solutions. So, while the idea of having a built-in remote control in your phone is still appealing to some, the demand for IR blasters simply isn't as strong as it once was. The manufacturers are focused in features that are more trending to users.

Why IR Blasters Disappeared

Okay, so why did IR blasters vanish from our smartphones? There are a few key reasons. First off, the rise of smart home technology played a huge role. Nowadays, most new TVs, streaming devices, and even air conditioners connect to your home's Wi-Fi network. This means you can control them with apps on your phone, using your voice with smart assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, or even remotely from anywhere in the world. No IR blaster needed!

Secondly, cost and space are always factors in smartphone design. An IR blaster takes up a small amount of space inside the phone, and manufacturers are constantly trying to cram more features into ever-slimmer devices. Removing the IR blaster frees up a little bit of room for other components, like a bigger battery or an improved camera. Plus, every component adds to the overall cost of the phone, and eliminating the IR blaster can save a few cents per device. It might not sound like much, but when you're producing millions of phones, those savings add up.

Thirdly, there's the issue of demand. As more people embraced smart home devices and app-based remote controls, the demand for IR blasters dwindled. Manufacturers responded by removing them from their phones, focusing instead on features that appealed to a broader audience. It's a simple matter of supply and demand – if people aren't using a feature, there's little incentive to keep including it.

Finally, software updates also contributed to the decline. Maintaining the software and drivers needed to support IR blasters requires ongoing effort from manufacturers. As older phones reach the end of their support lifecycle, updates for IR blaster functionality may cease, leading to a degraded user experience. This can be frustrating for users who rely on the feature, and it's another reason why manufacturers may choose to discontinue including IR blasters in their devices. So, while IR blasters were once a popular and convenient feature, a combination of technological advancements, cost considerations, and shifting user preferences led to their disappearance from most modern smartphones.

Pixel's History with IR Blasters

Google's Pixel phones have never actually included an IR blaster. Even back when the feature was relatively common on other Android devices, Google opted to leave it out of their flagship phones. This suggests that Google never saw the IR blaster as a core feature of the Pixel experience. Their focus has always been on other aspects, like camera quality, software optimization, and AI-powered features. It's also worth noting that Google is a major player in the smart home market with their Nest devices. They likely believe that the future of home control lies in interconnected devices that communicate over Wi-Fi, rather than relying on infrared technology. By focusing on smart home integration, Google can offer a more seamless and versatile control experience across a wider range of devices.

Given this historical context, it seems highly unlikely that Google would suddenly decide to add an IR blaster to the Pixel 9. It would be a significant departure from their established design philosophy. While it's always possible that Google could surprise us, it's best to assume that the Pixel 9 will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and forgo the IR blaster. After all, Google has consistently prioritized innovation in other areas, such as computational photography and AI-driven features, which have become hallmarks of the Pixel brand. So, while the absence of an IR blaster may disappoint some users, it's important to remember that Google's focus lies elsewhere.

Likelihood of Pixel 9 Having an IR Blaster

Okay, let's be real here. The chances of the Google Pixel 9 having an IR blaster are slim to none. Given that no Pixel phone has ever had one, and the trend in the industry is moving away from IR blasters, it would be a major surprise if Google decided to include one in their upcoming phone. Never say never, of course, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

There is always that small chance that Google could see a resurgence in interest in IR blasters and decide to cater to that niche market. Or perhaps they have a new innovation related to IR technology that they want to showcase. But realistically, it's far more likely that they'll continue to focus on the features that have made Pixel phones popular, such as their amazing cameras and their seamless integration with Google services. So, while the possibility of an IR blaster in the Pixel 9 can't be completely ruled out, it's definitely not something I'd bet on.

Alternatives for Controlling Devices

So, if the Pixel 9 probably won't have an IR blaster, what are your alternatives for controlling your devices? Well, the most obvious answer is smart home devices. If you have a smart TV, a smart air conditioner, or a smart set-top box, you can control it with apps on your phone or with voice commands using Google Assistant. This is the direction that technology is heading, and it offers a much more versatile and convenient control experience than IR blasters ever did.

Another option is to use a universal remote app that works over Wi-Fi. There are many apps available on the Google Play Store that can control a wide range of devices, as long as they're connected to your home network. These apps often have additional features, like the ability to create custom control layouts and automate tasks.

Finally, you could always just use the original remote that came with your device! I know, it sounds crazy, but sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Plus, you won't have to worry about compatibility issues or software updates.

While the absence of an IR blaster in the Pixel 9 may be disappointing for some, there are plenty of other ways to control your devices. Whether you embrace the smart home revolution, use a universal remote app, or stick with the trusty old remote, you'll be able to manage your entertainment setup without any problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the idea of having an IR blaster on the Google Pixel 9 might seem appealing to some, it's highly unlikely to happen. Google has never included an IR blaster on any of its Pixel phones, and the trend in the industry is moving away from this technology. With the rise of smart home devices and app-based remote controls, the need for IR blasters has diminished. So, while we can't completely rule out the possibility, it's best to assume that the Pixel 9 will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and forgo the IR blaster. Instead, focus on the many other great features that the Pixel 9 is sure to offer, such as its amazing camera, its seamless integration with Google services, and its innovative AI-powered features. And if you really need to control your TV with your phone, there are plenty of other ways to do it!

So, there you have it, folks! While the dream of an IR blaster on the Pixel 9 might be just that – a dream – there are plenty of other exciting features to look forward to. Keep an eye out for more news and rumors about the Pixel 9 in the coming months, and get ready for another amazing phone from Google!