The Craig CHT940DO Soundbar is a go-to choice for people looking for a high-quality yet budget-friendly audio solution. Its sleek design, combined with an impressive performance for its price range, makes it an ideal addition to TVs, gaming setups, and music systems. But here’s the catch—there’s no official Android app to control this soundbar. Curious to know why this matters? Let’s dive deep into what makes this soundbar a great pick, the potential benefits of a companion app, and what workarounds you can use until Craig Electronics steps up their game.
What Makes the Craig CHT940DO Soundbar Stand Out?
Before we talk about the app, let’s focus on why this soundbar is worth considering.
Key Features of the CHT940DO Soundbar
- Affordable Price: Perfect for budget-conscious users who want better audio without splurging on high-end brands.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: Supports Bluetooth, AUX, RCA, and Optical Inputs, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices.
- Compact Design: Its space-saving design fits perfectly under TVs or on small shelves.
- Decent Audio Quality: While it’s not going to blow your socks off like premium soundbars, the audio clarity and bass are impressive for its price.
Despite these features, there’s a glaring limitation—no official Android app to control the soundbar, which could significantly improve its functionality.
The Missing Piece: Why an Android App is Essential
In today’s tech-savvy world, a smartphone app for a soundbar is almost a necessity. Here’s why:
- Ease of Use: Imagine controlling your soundbar with a few taps on your phone instead of fumbling for the remote or walking over to the device.
- Advanced Settings: A dedicated app can offer features like custom equalizer settings, input switching, and firmware updates, which are hard to access otherwise.
- Convenience: For those who misplace their remotes (who doesn’t?), a smartphone app is a lifesaver.
Unfortunately, the Craig CHT940DO lacks this crucial feature, leaving users reliant on manual controls or the physical remote. Let’s explore what such an app could bring to the table.
What a Craig CHT940DO Android App Could Offer
Here’s a wishlist of features that a companion app for the Craig CHT940DO soundbar could include:
1. Precise Volume and Equalizer Control
An app could let users:
- Adjust bass, treble, and mid-tones for a personalized audio experience.
- Switch between presets for different modes like Movies, Music, or Dialogue.
2. Seamless Input Switching
With multiple input options, switching between them manually can be a hassle. An app could make this as simple as a tap.
3. Bluetooth Device Management
Managing multiple Bluetooth connections can be a pain. An app could:
- Show all paired devices.
- Allow you to switch between devices without re-pairing.
- Troubleshoot connectivity issues easily.
4. Firmware Updates
An app could notify you of available firmware updates, ensuring your soundbar stays up to date with the latest features and fixes.
5. Custom Sound Profiles
Want a bass-heavy setup for action movies but balanced audio for music? An app could let you save and toggle between multiple custom sound profiles.
6. Sleep Timer and Scheduling
An integrated sleep timer and scheduling feature would let users automate power-on/off times, ideal for nighttime listening or daily routines.
Why Craig Electronics Should Consider Developing an App
The lack of an official app puts Craig CHT940DO at a disadvantage compared to competitors who offer similar devices with advanced app control. Here’s why they should invest in an app:
- Enhanced User Experience: A smoother, more intuitive control experience could attract tech-savvy users.
- Staying Competitive: With brands like Sony and JBL offering app support, Craig Electronics risks losing customers to competitors.
- Future-Proofing: As smart home ecosystems evolve, app compatibility becomes essential for integration with platforms like Alexa or Google Home.
Current Alternatives for Android Users
If you own the Craig CHT940DO soundbar, you might be wondering, “What can I do in the meantime?” Here are some options:
1. Universal Remote Apps
Several apps on the Google Play Store claim to work with infrared-enabled devices. These include:
- Peel Universal Remote
- AnyMote However, success is hit-or-miss, and your phone must have an IR blaster.
2. Manual Controls
The soundbar has physical buttons for basic operations like:
- Power On/Off
- Volume Adjustment
- Input Switching While not as convenient as an app, it gets the job done.
3. Physical Remote
The remote provided with the soundbar is your primary control option. If you lose it, consider purchasing a universal remote that’s compatible with Craig soundbars.
What Users Are Saying
Many users love the CHT940DO for its affordability and decent performance but express frustration over the lack of smart controls. A common sentiment among users is that a companion app would elevate this soundbar from “good” to “great.”
The Verdict
The Craig CHT940DO Soundbar delivers solid performance for its price, but it’s held back by the absence of an Android control app. Adding such functionality would enhance user convenience, improve the product’s competitiveness, and future-proof it for integration with smart home systems. Until then, users will need to rely on manual controls or alternative solutions.
FAQs
1. Is there an official Android app for the Craig CHT940DO soundbar?
No, Craig Electronics has not released an official app for this soundbar.
2. Can I control the CHT940DO with a universal remote app?
Some universal remote apps may work if your phone has an infrared (IR) blaster, but results vary.
3. What are the alternatives to an Android app for this soundbar?
You can use the physical remote, manual controls, or a universal remote as alternatives.
4. Does the Craig CHT940DO support voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant?
No, this soundbar does not natively support voice assistant integration.
5. Will Craig Electronics release an app for the CHT940DO in the future?
There’s no official word from Craig Electronics on developing a control app for this model.
