1. Does SmartGUS work on all Macs?
   
   SmartGUS works on all Macs with Apple, Intel or PowerPC processor. Two models are available: USB Type A and USB Type C (some MacBook and iMac have only USB Type C ports).
   
   The Macs with Apple M1/M2/M3/M4 CPU do not activate the Apple infrared receiver driver (although included in the system). The Apple Remote can be used with the SmartGUS, thanks to the AppleRemote utility (see section 9).
   
    

2. Which OSX or macOS is compatible with SmartGUS?
   
   SmartGUS works with Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma and Sequoia.
   
   From Catalina, the remote control handling is slightly different, the applications must be updated:
   
   - Apple applications are already updated: OK with volume control, Music (ex iTunes), Quick Time Player, KeyNote...
   - Some non-Apple applications are updated: OK with Kodi, Plex, Audirvana, VLC V3.0.9...
   - For other applications the "AppleRemote" utility (see section 9), has been updated for Catalina. It allows to manage the remote control for the applications not yet updated or with applications not managing the Apple Remote.
   
   For Macs with Apple M1/M2/M3 CPU, see section 1.
   
    

3. How to check that the Apple Remote works?
   
   Point the remote control towards a camera, a mobile phone or a webcam. Looking at the screen, filming the front of the remote, a purple light should flash when you press a remote key. Warning, some camera have an infrared filter (iPhone or other, also check with a TV remote control for example).
   
    

4. How to verify that the receiver is recognised by the system?
   
   Receiver connected, Apple Menu, "About This Mac", "System Report...", in the "Hardware" section, select "USB", in the "USB Device Tree", you should see "Infrared Receiver" (resize the window to see all the items). Use "File", "Refresh Information" if the receiver is connected after the window is displayed.
   
    

5. How do I check that the receiver is enabled and that the pairing is correct?
   
   Only on Macs with non-Apple processor (Intel, Power PC): Apple menu, "System Preferences...", "Security & Privacy", "Advanced..." (after unlocking the lock), check that "Disable remote control infrared receiver" is not checked. Click "Unpair" if available, to disable any previous pairing with another remote control (or an unexpected pairing: the remote control may inadvertently change the pairing code if some buttons are pressed simultaneously for 5 seconds). The new remote control can be paired to avoid unwanted interactions with other Apple remote controls.
   
    

6. Kodi works with the remote but the other apps don't. What is the solution?
   
   Only on Macs with Intel processor: if Kodi is set to be started by the remote control, other applications can no longer use it. This option must be invalidated in Kodi: "System / Settings / System / Input device / Allow remote control to start Kodi".
   
    

7. The Apple remote works with the volume setting, but not with Music. How to fix it?
   
   Only on Macs with Intel processor: go to the Apple menu, "System Preferences...", "Security & Privacy", "Advanced..." (after unlocking the lock), and check "Disable remote control infrared receiver". Restart the computer, come back to the previous settings and uncheck this option.
   
    

8. Tips for increasing the operating range?
   
   The infrared receiver lens is near one side of the SmartGUS opposite to the LED. By plugging the USBC in the other direction, the range may be different, depending on the materials close to the Mac.
   The battery level of the remote control also affects the reception range.
   
    

9. How can I use the Apple Remote with applications (e.g. Preview, Photos, streaming sites), or systems (Mac with Apple M1/M2/M3/M4 CPU) not supporting it?
   
   The AppleRemote utility is available and simulates keyboard keys with the Apple Remote.
   
    

10. Is it possible to update the firmware of the SmartGUS?
    
    Yes, the SmartGUS can be updated with the last firmware, already provided on SmartGUS from December the first, 2019. The update application is available here.
    
    On first launch of the updating application, right click (or 'Control' + click) on 'UpdateSmartGUS_V1.1_2019_12_01.app', select 'Open' on sub-menu, then select 'Open' in the dialog box. Repeat action if 'Open' button is not present in the dialog box.
    
    Firmware SmartGUSV1.1 2019/12/01
    
    - Management of "Enable/Disable infrared receiver" from the "System Preferences" (Intel or Power PC CPU).
    - Full compatibility with the special cases (Play, Center and repeat during suspended receiver state).

 

 

For more information, please contact us.​