Physical Device Buttons (Volume)

Hardware
1

Hi all -

I’m thinking about picking up a cheapie Android go-phone as a Home Assistant remote control. So, don’t add a SIM to it, just use it on WIFI at home. For me, this approach would be perfect if the physical volume buttons could send volume commands to Home Assistant, triggering an IR blaster.

So often, I’ll change the volume in the dark by just knowing where the volume button is on my IR remote controls, and it would be great to be able to do the same thing given this new approach.

BTW, I get it, why not just look at the screen, and change the volume from there. For me, I’m pretty good at changing the volume without taking my eyes off the screen. :slight_smile:
Does anyone know if it’s possible?

2

I don’t think that is possible.
Perhaps if you use tasker.

But why not just get a media remote?

3

I could do that, but then I lose a Home Assistant dashboard. I’d love to see the doorbell cam on my “remote control”

4

You might be able to use the volume sensor on the phone as your trigger for the automation.
It won’t work very good but it could be done with just HA.

5

FYI: I’m using an IKEA zigbee button for my media.
When music is playing it’s an easy way to change to volume level, (un)mute, next track, play/pause
When the TV is playing I use the same one (possible because of conditions) to also change the volume level, (un)mute, play/pause: this is even more intuitive then the TV remote.

6

Me too.
Now that we recently switched to the gen 2 I have not got done with all automations yet.
But in the past we could play and pause both chromecast and the DVD player with the same gen 1 remote.
And switch it to control the TV in the kitchen.

The gen 1 is not recommended since it has some issues with the spin thing, but the gen2 has been great