Peel launches an iOS smart-remote app for Dish & DirecTV subscribers

TV content recommendation startup Peel rolled out a version of its slick smart remote app for iOS devices, provided you already pay for TV service through Dish Network or DirecTV.

Until now, Peel has been primarily focused on providing its universal remote app for Android devices. The smart-remote app lets you set the programming guide to your local TV provider’s channel lineup, and lets you track only the channels you care about as well as makes recommendations on content you might want to watch.

If you still watch a lot of linear television content, this app can drastically enhance your watching experience especially because you can actually control your TV from it. And now this functionality is available to Dish Network and DirecTV customers with an iPhone.

Unlike the Android versions, your smartphone or tablet doesn’t need an IR receiver (the thing that allows a traditional remote to communicate with your TV set) to function as a remote control. Peel’s iOS app can sync with Dish or DirecTV set-top boxes that are on the same wi-fi connection. It won’t, however, be able to automatically control your TV set in general to do things like turn up the volume.

This isn’t the first time Peel has appeared on iOS. The startup originally had an app for the iPhone a couple of years ago, which got yanked as the company focused its efforts on Android instead.

The new iOS app is free and available now for those running a device with iOS 7 or higher. Check out the demo video embedded below for a closer look at the new app.