This is a suggestion for Directv streaming service

???

Apple and many Android devices already have a DirecTV Stream App. 

Hello there. We appreciate the time you shared this with us. Having DIRECTV STREAM, there's no need to use a box. Here is a link to check compatible devices. https://www.directv.com/support/stream/article/KM1200941

However, we have forward your suggestion to the right team so they can review it and determine the next steps. Thank you for choosing DIRECTV. Erika, DIRECTV Community Specialist

@kikiochoa13 

What do you mean by app remote?

An app to act as a remote for directv streaming using Appletv.  

Appletv remote doesn’t rewind and ffwd effectively.  I have the latest Appletv.  An app remote for directv streaming would be great.

Gotcha. Unfortunately, I doubt that will become a reality. If you want the full remote functionality, DIRECTV STREAM wants you to purchase their Gemini

Exactly what I don’t want, another box and remote.  Directv streaming should allow the Appletv remote to function the same way the Gemini functions.  Or discount the service.

I agree, the functions not being there could make it harder to use. I assume that’s one of their marketing schemes for the Gemini anyway. 

Perhaps it would be better if Apple made a better functioning remote.

I agree, however Directv streaming will get a lot of customers if they know they can download a remote app to run their service.  The reason I put this suggestion was to make Directv streaming aware of what I’d like as a new streaming customer.  I’ve had satellite for years and don’t ever want anymore mess of the boxes and remotes.  We will see how long I can last with the Directv streaming like this before I find something else.  Thanks for your responses.

Yup however the Appletv remote does everything it needs to, the directv streaming app doesn’t respond.  I’ve tried.

My last response was to bcbsncjlj

The app for Apple has always had issues compared to any of the true streaming devices. It seems to function much better with other services. I canned mine due to the remote and honestly the over price of the device.

Pair a remote with your AppleTV that has RW/FF buttons. A lot of users do this. e.g., customers who were Satellite now have remotes from DTV that can pair to the AppleTV. I've done it because the AppleTV remote's touchpad is garbage. I'm not sure if a generic one would work as well. This would be one of the recommendations. 

@bcbsncjlj  I'm not sure what you mean when you indicate an AppleTV is not a "true streaming device".  If it's not, then what is it? 

The AppleTV was considered the best device for the service in the early days - the issue on the older units was that the touchpad remote was an acquired taste that many people never acquired.  Having used it, I will agree that it is at minimum "touchy" - very easy to "mis-control", at least compared to a traditional remote.  Apple gave in, and the second gen 4K Apple TV (and later models) now come with a more traditional remote that features a circular d-pad like most of the competition.  You can get the new remote for older AppleTVs, but it isn't cheap.  As noted, you can also use third-party remotes or the Apple remote app on an Apple mobile device. 

DirecTV isn't going to develop their own remote for the AppleTV - that's outside their role.  And it's quite likely that even if they did, they couldn't offer any additional features though a "custom" remote than a standard remote for that device can offer - the platform will define what a remote can do.

A separate issue is whether the DirecTV app is properly handling the remote inputs it gets (or at least has available) from the underlying platform.  That is certainly something that is DirecTV's role, and they haven't always done it as well as they should.  I don't know in the specific case of the AppleTV version of the app - I haven't used it in a long time - but it is quite possible that they (either because of bugs or bad design) aren't doing what they should.

A first question is - are similar problems seen on both the touchpad remote and on the newer units with the conventional remote (or a different remote used on one of the older AppleTVs)?  If so, the issue would appear to be in the DirecTV app (whether a bug or an opportunity for an improvement).  If the problem only exists with the touchpad remote, then it is likely just a problem that the user is having with the remote and not an app problem.  In that case, it appears the only "solution" (while staying with that AppleTV) is for the user to learn how to use the remote better or get a different remote for the device.

However, if the problems exist regardless of the remote used, then it's something that DirecTV can (at least potentially) address.  If a specific set of issues - what was done on the remote, what happened, and what the user thinks should have happened, ideally on both the touchpad remote and a conventional remote - can be developed, then perhaps that can be provided to DirecTV as a specific problem report.  Just telling them "it doesn't work right" isn't too helpful, while providing specific details might be.  Might be - there's still no assurance that they will do anything, but it improves the chances.