Apple’s standard Siri Remote for the Apple TV has never been particularly popular with users due to its small size and fiddly controls, which prompted third-party companies to create alternative options.
Last year we reviewed the Salt Remote, and now Function101 has come out with an alternative Apple TV remote that we thought we’d check to see if it’s better than what Apple offers.
The Remote button of Function101 is priced at $ 30, which is not too bad if you have a broken Siri remote or are just tired of using it (remember that Siri Remote is used in countries where Siri is available on Apple TV – in others, it is the same design, but without a Siri button and it is called the Apple TV remote).
/article-new/2020/08/function101remote2.jpg?resize=618%2C348&ssl=1)
The Function101 remote is a lot easier to find than the Salt Remote, which was only sold in Switzerland. The Remote button is available in the US and can be purchased online.
Design wise, the Remote button is larger, thicker, and produces more physical buttons than the Siri Remote, which is for the most part touchable. The larger design means it is less likely to slip between couch cushions than otherwise disappear.
/article-new/2020/08/function101remote3.jpg?resize=618%2C348&ssl=1)
It can be difficult to navigate with the touchpad on the Siri Remote, a problem that has been resolved with the Button Remote because it uses directional buttons to navigate instead of Apple’s swipes.
Because the Remote button on IR is used to control the Apple TV, it needs a direct line of sight to the box. If you have your Apple TV behind a TV or otherwise out of sight, the Remote button will not work, which is negative.
The physical buttons work well enough. There are navigation keys to navigate, an OK button to select items, a menu button to return to the previous screen (hold it down to go to the Home screen), volume buttons and media controls -playback.
Jumping forwards or backwards for 10 seconds with the Remote button is a major improvement over the Siri Remote that needs to be pressed on the edge of the touchpad. The button spacer has specific buttons for fast forwarding or rewinding content, which is a plus.
/article-new/2020/08/function101remote4.jpg?resize=618%2C348&ssl=1)
Of course, one main button that could be a dealbreaker is missing, based on how you use your Apple TV – there is no Siri button. If you regularly ask Siri to find content on ppApple TV or otherwise take advantage of the personal assistant, then you have no way to do so on the Remote button.
You can use the Siri remote next to the button remote, or use the remote app on an iPhone if you need to access Siri, but it will be more of a hassle than just getting a Siri button easily. For those who do not use Siri, as in countries where Siri is not available, the lack of a Siri button does not matter.
The Button Remote works on two AAA batteries like many other remote controls on the market, and it does not need to charge like the Siri Remote.
While it does not replicate everything that the Siri Remote can do, the Button Remote is worth checking out for those looking for an alternative. Let us know what you think about the distance in the comments.
.
