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- 80.1SAFETY SCORE
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Universal Remote – Roomie App Complaints & User Negative Comments 2024
Universal Remote – Roomie app received 49 complaints, negative comments and reviews by users. Have you ever had a bad experience using Universal Remote – Roomie? Can you share your negative thoughts about universal remote – roomie?
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Universal Remote – Roomie for Negative User Reviews
✓ Expensive, poor design and terrible supportDownloaded the app to try for a few days and found it clunky and full of bugs. Crashed several times during use and this was on a new iPad Pro. Reached out to the developer and was treated like an idiot as the problems were all my fault apparently. Short unhelpful messages from the developer and ended up with insults from him. Uninstalled the app and didn’t continue with the paid subscription which I think was a lucky escape. It’s developers like this that give the IT industry a bad name. I’ve been around long enough to know that you don’t treat customers like this developer does and you certainly don’t communicate to anyone in such a derogatory tone. Please do not fuel this developers self obsessed ego..Version: 7.2.0
✓ Functional but difficult to useWhile this app can actually control most devices, it is painful to configure and offers almost no control over the button layout. The user interface for setting up activities and commands violates almost every principle of good UX design — it will easily add hours to tasks that should take minutes. Simple commands are hidden in pop up menus in weird places, everything takes a million taps to complete a task, etc. I could forgive that… but the last straw was the complete lack of control over button layout. For example, the default for my A/V processor has a big volume control in the center, and a logo under it you can press to open a tray with every other command stuffed in it. Nothing else, tons of blank space to either side of the volume on my iPad. I can add custom buttons to the panel with the volume, but it gives zero control over position. It stacks them below the volume making the whole UI scroll rather than use all that blank space. Very frustrating. For how expensive this app is… it is something only the developer who wrote it could love..Version: 8.3.3
✓ Really disappointingThe new interface isn’t remotely user friendly, there’s no support available and customer service non existent. This app has great potential but it’s just wasted through ignorance and arrogance on the part of the developer. Appalling..Version: 7.1.2
✓ No luckI wanted to like this app. I badly need something like what it promises. Unfortunately it would not control my Anthem MRX 520 AVR. Without ability to control volume its pretty much useless. It does seem to work with AppleTV 4K very well and I did get it to power my Sony XBR TV just fine. This is the problem with all of these types of apps and remotes I think. There are just too many different devices out there and I realize its difficult to support all of them. All it takes is lack of support for one critical component and the utility of the product is severely diminished. In this case they claim to support my brand of AVR but it’s clear they don’t. I cancelled my trial subscription and spending several hours trying to get this to work..Version: 7.1.2
✓ Disappointed.I’ve been a long time customer. I’ve been through many upgrades. While I do like the interface it works half as well. Silly things like loosing connection to appleTv’s, the receiver not turning on or off. Have to force close multiple times. And yes I have gone as far as rebuilding the activities and firmware updates multiple times. Somehow through all of this my yearly fee doubled and I have to pay for another phone on my account to get it to work. I also was billed for another year of simple control which I upgraded from. Harmony remote may actually be less expensive in the long run........Version: 6.0.9
✓ Roomie is GloomyWho knows how good this software is because the training materials and support is terrible. A few others have said the same.Version: 7.1.2
✓ Latest version crashes immediatelyHave used this for many years and it has worked well. New version now crashes immediately. Have had to fall back on the older Simple Control. Disappointin!.Version: 7.0.0
✓ V5 was betterIt’s expensive, flakey and support is rubbish. As others have said, if you dare to criticise your forum posts will disappear. Also really object to buying a perpetual licence then getting scammed by being told it was perpetual for the version I bought which has been declared obsolete. New version is also knobbled to only work with companies IR to network devices, fair enough for a free app but not for a damned expensive one. All in all, it works just tolerably well but not a company you will enjoy dealing, customers are just there to be milked not supported or valued..Version: 6.4.5
✓ Run!I have been using Roomie Remote and Simple Control for years. I have a super simple set up, 1 Tv and 1 Apple TV. With each update it becomes harder to use. With this update a blank full screen gesture pad pops up when watching the Tv with no way to exit. Then you get to play the fun game of rotating your screen and trying to hit the room button as it whizzes by. I’ve turned gesture pad off, but it’s still pay more get less..Version: 6.7.0
✓ Can I give zero stars?Another long-time user who has bought every single version of the app, from the first one onwards. It used to be one of the very best apps on my phone. Now, the word “garbage” is not sufficiently insulting for this train-wreck of an app. It. Just. Doesn’t. Work. Except when it does. Then, it. Just. Doesn’t. Work. Again. It’s beyond frustrating. I’m not even sure I can come up with a stronger word to describe it. Basically, I have to relaunch the app pretty much every time I use it. The mute/volume button works only when it feels like it. It turns the TV on... occasionally. It controls my AppleTV maybe 10% of the time. The rest of the time, nothing. So after all these years of using just Roomie/SimpleControl/Roomie, I now need my AppleTV remote, Samsung TV remote, FireTV remote, plus the Denon app for my a/v receiver and the Apple Rote app, all next to me if I actually want to watch TV. And I absolutely *love* it when I tell Alexa to mute, and it turns the TV off. Brilliant!.Version: 6.4.0
✓ Pitiful. Don’t waist your time or money. Bait and switch.I was a happy user of Roomie Remote from 2012. Had purchased the unlimited license. ($$$). Spent the money on the hardware and loads of time passing the steep learning curve. Well they changed names to simple control and functionality stayed the same for a while. Then they stopped supporting the app all together. They developed a newer app marketed towards the home user. (called Roomie Remote again). This requires a whole new purchase. Since I had already invested a couple hundred dollars in hardware, stupid me bought the new app($$$) and began setting it up. -Application crashes periodically. -A whole new learning curve. -Horrible setup manual. (Vague) -No video tutorials. After spending hours setting up devices and activities and withstanding the crashes, I had a couple quick questions that should be easily answered by a knowledgeable representative. I emailed product support. What a joke. Incredibly rude and condescending. No support. Zero. I was told to read the setup manual again or hire an integrator. I definitely was not expecting that after spending this kind of money. Unless you have loads of time on your hands to perform trial and error type tasks within this software, stay far away. You will get absolutely no support from this company. Pitiful..Version: 6.1.1
✓ Subscription statusI have one but the app keeps asking for it and I have to tap “restore” every day! So annoying!.Version: 8.1.2
✓ Highly Capable App but Homekit Devices are limited on all plans but ProThis is a highly capable and reliable app that I have used for years, including the legacy Simple Control app. There is a pretty steep learning curve so be prepared to invest a fair amount of time up front to learn how to use it. The lengthy manual is informative and I found that to be the best way to gain an understanding on how to start with the app. Now for the paid subscriptions. If you use Homekit devices in your home and would like to be able to control them from within the Roomie app, you will likely need the $100 per year Pro subscription. This is why. Even though the Home Complete $60 plan says that it supports unlimited devices, pay attention to the 5 room limitation. If you have Homekit devices in more than 5 rooms of your home (as defined in the Apple Home app), you will only be able to see and control the Homekit devices in 5 rooms. If you add a Homekit smart plug to the sixth room and want to control it, the Pro subscription will be required. So while you may only have a total of 6 Homekit devices in your home and each is in a different room, you will have to choose which 5 you want to control from within Roomie if you select the Home Complete subscription for $60/yr. Most homes have more than 5 rooms where Homekit devices might be located, and if your home is like this, you will need to get the Pro $100/yr plan to control those Homekit devices from within the Roomie app..Version: 8.3.2
✓ Rhymes with puck offThis app: Give us your email address and then we’ll show you how the app works and whether it even uses IR to communicate with wired devices. Me:Ugh. Fine here. But I’m not actually logged in so don’t mail it. This app: Great. Now give us $90 and then we’ll show you how the app works and whether it even uses IR to communicate with wired devices. Me: ….Version: 8.5.4
✓ Needy and annoyingPrompts for feedback and a review every time I attempt to power a room. I run a primary instance on a headless Mac Mini, and every freaking time the app is updated it wants me to sign in to my apple account. The first I know of this is the whole setup stops working. Why? If there was an workable alterntaive I would have binned this app long ago. At present its best described as Hostageware..Version: 8.3.3
✓ Zero Customer SupportI have owned every single version of this app since its inception. Although it can be a very powerful app, their lack of customer support and documentation is beyond frustrating. Trying to contact support only leads to further frustration as you will receive a reply that is antagonistic at best! Actually beyond rude! How this company remains in business is beyond me!.Version: 6.2.0
✓ Buyers be Aware 7-Day Trial is 3 Day Trial???When you go to subscription for $6.99/3 months it shows 7-day free trial and when you need to approve it shows 3-day free trial. I contacted their customer support and they claimed it was a bug and wouldn’t honor the 7-days. Customer service is rude and claimed I was abusive when I questioned them about the difference in days. Read the reviews I’m not the only one who experienced the rude service. Do yourself a favor and don’t purchase the app..Version: 6.4.2
✓ Great App but...With the latest update, the keyboard behavior for Appletv is messed up. Search by entering text then pressing “go” does nothing. The keyboard does not go away so nothing works. You have to open Apptv remote to go forward. I am afraid to contact them since for every problem the reply is “Not aware of this problem. Try to recreate activity again” If I have find better alternative to this, I would switch in heartbeat. It’s a good app but support is no longer great. And every update brings new set of problems..Version: 6.4.5
✓ Used to be awesomeI’ve had this app for several iterations - from Roomie to simple remote, back to roomie. I used to have it on multiple phones, iPads, and it worked mostly flawlessly, even with Alexa. It has been nothing but frustration since it went back to Roomie. With regularity, it “loses” my subscription and it takes a full evening to fix (17 arcane steps) and is not reliable so it must be repeated. It’s infuriating. It says it supports family sharing but the subscription can’t be shared among members even though Apple made a fix to support this so the issue is back on the developer. Again - I used to love this and recommend it but cannot do so any longer. It’s one step from being booted out of my house like Xfinity for non-performance..Version: 7.3.1
✓ Zero StarsIf you have standard devices, then maybe you can tolerate their app. It’s not very intuitive, it’s hard to program. It feels old. And if you have a support question, then good luck. Their documentation is hard to read from a mobile device, yet they require you to submit support tickets that way. Their technical support staff are smug, vague and generally unhelpful. I wouldn’t use this app if it were free. It’s been the most aggravating app experience ever. Don’t waste time on their 1-week free version. You’ll just end up frustrated like I am..Version: 6.2.0
✓ When it works its greatHave been using this for 3 years under Simple Control. Worked great. Went to move to new roomie remote and after it moved my old config in, power off activity stopped working. Submitted a bug report and was told not a bug, go hire an installer. Wrote back it worked and then it didn’t and waited for reply. In mean time looked at simple control setup and found roomie remote was missing all power off function in the room setup. Re-did config and now fixed. Reply back came and told me power off was missing and basic trouble shooting would have found such a simple problem, don’t bother them and find an installer for such stupid problems. If you get it to work you will love it, if it doesn’t work, good luck on getting any help, it won’t come from the app creator..Version: 6.0.6
✓ Zero SupportPoorly designed and lacks customisation previous versions had. Support non existent with an arrogant self obsessed narcissist..Version: 7.1.2
✓ App crashes on launch and sharing not workingI used previous versions of this app and only just upgraded to newest iOS. I was therefore forced into upgrading the app to latest version. Crashes on opening like others have reported and sharing the app between iOS devices and iCloud accounts is not easy despite what the developer claims. Support is non existent as developer simply ignores support requests and deletes anything negative posted to the forum. This leaves this the only medium for response. Expensive subscription and with no support not worth installing. I recommend looking at alternatives and perhaps the developer might realise that it’s the customer who is important..Version: 7.1.2
✓ Won’t stay open on iPhoneIt works great on my iPad but won’t stay open on my iPhone 12. I can’t submit a support ticket since you have to do it through the app. I’m on my 7 day free trial, but without it working on my iPhone it’s of little use to me..Version: 7.0.0
✓ Don’t update to 8.0.0!So they just released 8.0.0 and now you have to Sign In with Apple and comes up with a screen to create a new account and no other options. So no idea if my configuration would be restored so not going there. Classic Roomie screw-up, cue the raging cigar-chomped blaming his customers. Update: I have one device I didn’t update still have 7.4.0 and I’ll be able to restore old version from iMazing backup. Incredible they would release new version that just throws up a “create an account” page for existing users and no instructions for existing users..Version: 8.0.0
✓ Not what it was onceI’ve had this app from the original Roomie Remote, which worked good, then it went to Simple Control which eventually I had working flawlessly and integrated with Alexa. Now this new Roomie Remote is so garbage, Alexa works when it wants too, when I change the volume it take almost 10 seconds for it to actually change. Very disappointed, switching back too Logitech Harmony. Good luck.Version: 6.1.1
✓ Working on some thingsI am currently partnering with them on some issues. We will see..Version: 6.0.9
✓ Great app, terrible interfaceRoomie remote used to be great for its configurability. The recent versions have removed most of the customization resulting in an awkward set up process. This would be a 5 out of 5 if it brought back the WYSIWYG design..Version: 6.0.7
✓ Junk - no support, forums are worthlessCan’t change zone 2 inputs on Yamaha receiver when selecting Zone 2 on the device. Forum is worthless because people have been asking same questions for years and no response from the developer. Try to file a support ticket and they only accept app only support tickets when I don’t use Apple Mail…Goodbye Roomie. Not paying 50 a year subscription for broken app with no support..Version: 6.7.2
✓ Plans changes reduce features and increase price.Custom code functionality was available in all but the lowest tier is now only in pro subscriptions. I have 4 devices and am now faced with spending $100 to simply to support a single DAC with custom codes. I’ve used Roomie from the early days prior to the Simple Control fiasco. I’ve now canceled my subscription..Version: 8.3.2
✓ Everything is great until it is not!This review will be split in 2 sections: A) On the App and B) Support The App - I think it’s a great product and I have been using it since the very early days - 5-6 years (maybe more). Widely used and open integrations are great and seamless with a polished UI. Years of work went into the product and refinement is bar-none. Roomie outlived iRule (until acquisition) which was its only competitor and shines today as the only DIY IP Based remote. Power users have plenty to work with as well to define automations, etc... Here I probably would rate them a well deserved 5! However... Today, having a great product is not enough and support is equally important. I paid for the product a lot or a little like everyone else where support is included. Most things you can figure out yourself or get through forum - I am cool with that. Now, however, I am having an issue migrating to V6 of their product from V5 (and can’t take advantage of the previously paid-for licensing) and support is short of abrasive, disrespectful and unresponsive. Great product - 0 service. Will update the review if anything changes. Till then, enjoy 1 star ;) Sorry for the rant!.Version: 6.5.1
✓ Lifetime Subscription?What happened to the lifetime subscription?.Version: 8.5.4
✓ Doesn’t workThe old app works great new one not at all don’t upgrade..Version: 6.0.6
✓ Confusing Setup. Rude support. Lack of device support.I really wanted this app to work for me. I spent quite a while figuring it out, the setup is not intuitive. It didn’t support my receiver so I wrote s custom integration (despite their device integration API being almost impossible to find). But it only partially works. Reached out to support and they told me that contacting them will make it less likely that they will support my receiver. Crazy!.Version: 6.7.2
✓ Need support for other cable and Sat serviceWhy can’t you support at lease Xfinity ?? , for years it has just been direct tv and dish . Needs super for other cable networks ..Version: 8.2.1
✓ Beware not the most honest appI paid £9.99 for the app and a further £9.99 for a subscription. I wanted it to control my Atlona AV switch, which the app is meant to be compatible - it DOES NOT WORK. I would like my money back please.Version: 6.5.1
✓ Developer does not listen, he thinks his paying clients are all idiotsMany bugs in this. V5 worked well but the switch to v6 is not good at all. The worst thing about it is the developers attitude. If you try to put a bug report in via the app it’s totally ignored ( I’ve done this at least three times), so then if you try to ask a related question on his forum he deletes it, leaving this as the only place left to express frustration.... V6 simply doesn’t work well. I’ve restarted and rebuilt right from scratch several times and it’s still unreliable, whereas v5 was totally solid. Much of the time I have to restart the app to get it to work and then it’s fine for a day then it misses power on commands until I restart the app and then it’s good again. Also the sharing across iCloud accounts is totally hit and miss, whereas the previous version using a central Mac based controller was much more reliable. In short, stay away from this until he either learns to listen to his customers and recognises there are issues, or the product magically improves a lot..Version: 6.1.0
✓ Bit disapointingThe older roomie remote app was more customizable and looked better I dont know why they have made the new one so much like hard work.Version: 8.4.0
✓ SharingSharing between iPads is virtually impossible. If it does work I challenge somebody to write clear, precise and understandable instructions. So far the instructions I can find make no sense at all. I have loads of tech.. this is the worst explained program I use..Version: 7.1.1
✓ Good but not greatThe app is user friendly but it’s sharing capabilities are terrible, besides being too expensive for what it offers..Version: 8.3.0
✓ Terrible SupportI used this product for years and then after they upgraded the version to 8.X, the API stopped working for some activities. After numerous messages for assistance, their responses where very demeaning. Like I never used their product before or I was doing something wrong. Canceling my subscription. Hope their management sees this. Loyal customer for over 8 years..Version: 8.1.3
✓ Loses Subscription OftenMaddening in that I’m subscribed & too often it will tell me I’m not. Restore purchases does not work..Version: 7.4.0
✓ Don’t buy thisIt’s a lot of set up that doesn’t work very well at all it will not give you a remote for your TV using your iPhone or iPad it’s a scam it’s a rip off.Version: 6.3.1
✓ Fooled AgainLoved the original Roomie Remote - all the way up until the original one-time lifetime purchase was rendered useless when they quit supporting newer equipment basically forcing us to “upgrade” to their new improved Simple Control. But that was certainly no upgrade - it was/is horribly laggy and devoid of key features like the video scrubbing bar that made Roomie awesome - and don’t even get me started about the hub that was required to run multiple devices. Was excited when the new Roomie was released - the perfectly misleading promo picture shows a scrubbing bar like the old app had so immediately paid to “upgrade” once again (this time voluntarily and enthusiastically). Only to find out the supposedly new app is EXACTLY like Simple Control. Still laggy AF and absolutely no sign of a video scrubbing bar. By now am very of being slapped in the face by these people..Version: 6.0.6
✓ Do Not Buy! Scam!This app has become a joke. When it started it was great but with every update it has gotten worse and more expensive. Not sure what I paid for but I will be getting refunded immediately. Had issues upgrading from v5 and when I contacted support, they were dismissive and rude. I’m offended by this company that I once thought made a good product. Save yourself the headache and find a different solution. Roomie Remote doesn’t value their customers and refuses to help them past a draft email then blaming others for it not working. Unprofessional and a borderline scam. Thanks for nothing Roomie Remote. You just lost a loyal customer of 6 years..Version: 6.2.1
✓ TvOS 15 NOT compatible for all, disregard the app update descriptionI upgraded my Apple TV to tvOS 15 after the latest update, which indicates that it is now compatible. The app now provides no control of my Apple TV. I was essentially told by support that I am at fault for not reading their support forums before updating, even though the app description clearly states that it is compatible with tvOS 15. Apparently it works for some people, but all..Version: 7.0.0
✓ Worst support you’ve ever dealt withThey change the app every other year, and you have to purchase it every time. I can deal with that (even though it feels dishonest as they sell an unlimited plan), but what’s worse, is their support. Read feedback on their old app, Simple Control, or before that, the same app with this name. Go look as AVS forums for honest feedback. The team that runs this app treat their customer terribly. They filter their official forum (you cannot post without every single post being reviewed), and if you ask for support, they talk down to you, demean you, and are awful. In numerous cases, they’ve blamed me until I’ve shown them screenshots of their manual, or said the issue was on my end, only for them to later admit that their app isn’t compatible. In 100% of the cases, they are disrespectful. My biggest advice, is don’t get yourself involved in this echo system. While the app itself is good (providing you want to never stop paying for it), you’ll get zero support. You’ve even warned. And I hope the devs take the to heart (I’m looking at you Will)..Version: 6.4.2
✓ No way to try without signing up for subscriptionOffer a timed option in the app without subscribing so we can test if it will work. I’m not signing up for a subscription to access a trial..Version: 8.5.3
✓ Once again it has broken my setupWho runs this product? I cringe every time there is an update, and this one is no exception. My volume controls for my denon receivers have all stopped working. Please for the love of the universe, stop making unnecessary changes. You are not going to replace HomeKit or google, pick your product area and your key customer and make them love your product. I expect that your goal is to to retain customers like me who have complex av systems and multi person families who benefit from ease of use of tech. If this is the case, you should be looking at existing configuration to find the most common components, setups, and integrations and then regression test simulated versions of them before you release new software. Seems to me you are testing new setups from scratch, and maybe that works fine, but you are always breaking your more tenured customers setups. I have managed to simplify my life in one system down to an appletv running everything, including on/off and volume - motivated by being able to stop using roomie. So for that system I have achieved a roomie-free situation that is perfect. For my theater, there is a lot more going on and it helps to have roomies ability to integrate and automation controls. Unfortunately instead of being excited about roomie, I spend time like a clever squirrel trying to find another path and look forward to the day I can finally fire you, and stop paying hundreds of dollars a year..Version: 8.5.0
🙂 Universal Remote – Roomie Positive Reviews
Universal Remote – Roomie works most of the time. If it is not working for you, we recommend you excersise some patience and retry later or contact Universal Remote – Roomie.
⛔ Universal Remote – Roomie Problems
