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Play Games on Carpet
Apple TV 4 brings gaming capabilities into your living room. Although one can use a dedicated gaming controller, the Siri Remote is well suited for many games. The accelerometer and gyroscope make it easy to steer a race car. I always use the Siri Remote to play racing games, such as Asphalt 8.
Ideally, you should try to play games while seated. This reduces the likelihood of dropping the Siri Remote. Unfortunately, some games are best played while standing. I always play Asphalt 8 while standing, so I can be closer to my TV. Make sure to be standing on a carpeted area while playing games with the Siri Remote. If you drop the remote on carpet, it is far less likely to shatter. If you have hardwood floors, a small area rug can help protect your Siri remote. It will also reduce audio reflections, which can improve the audio quality of your TV or stereo.
Purchase a Protective Case
Protective cases for the Siri Remote emerged shortly after Apple TV 4 launched. These cases are typically constructed of silicone and cover much of the remote’s body, leaving the buttons and Touchpad accessible.
It’s important to be realistic about the protection a case provides. Just like with a smartphone, your Siri Remote can still shatter on impact, even if it is in a case. At best, the case will reduce the likelihood of your remote shattering when dropped. Given that many of these are inexpensive, they seem like a worthwhile investment.
Siri Remote cases vary in price, quality and construction. On the low-end, one can purchase an inexpensive Silicone case for $1.99. These cover the entire remote, with the exception of the Touchpad. The Touchpad, however, is constructed of glass. These cases may prevent shattering from some impacts, but they don’t protect the Touchpad. The silicone may also make the remote easier to grip, ensuring that it won’t slip out of your hands.
Higher end protective cases augment the size of the Siri Remote and protect the glass Touchpad with a protruding “bumper”. These basically turn your Siri remote into the larger, traditional TV remote that fits well in one’s hand. Apple loves to make things small and thin. Unfortunately, this makes it harder to securely grasp the Siri Remote. Griffin, Sakai, Akwox and others make these larger Siri Remote cases.
I personally don’t use a case with my Siri Remote and have no relationship with case manufacturers. If you are prone to dropping things, I highly recommend purchasing one of these larger cases.
Make sure that the case has a hole for both the front and back Siri microphone. Some cases cover up one or both of the remote’s mics.
Purchase a Wrist Strap
Wrist straps are another popular protective accessory for the Siri Remote. They usually plug in to the lightning port and are designed to wrap around the user’s wrist. Apple makes an official wrist strap for the Siri Remote. At $12.99, it’s the usual steep price one would expect from Apple. If it saves you from shattering your $79 Siri Remote, it is well worth it. That said, you can shop around and find a wrist strap for much less.
Unlike cases, wrist straps are intended to prevent dropping the remote while gaming. For example, if you are playing a bowling or racquet game on Apple TV 4, a wrist strap will prevent the remote from slipping out of your hand. A strap won’t prevent the remote from falling off a table. You could even drop the remote while trying to slip on the strap. (continue…)