Overview
RoControl is a React Native mobile app published on the App Store that transforms an iPhone or iPad into a full-featured remote control for Roku TV devices. It communicates with Roku devices over the local network using the External Control Protocol (ECP).
Key Features
- Automatic Device Discovery: Uses SSDP protocol to detect Roku devices on the local Wi-Fi network
- Dual Transport: WebSocket (ECP-2) for real-time control with automatic fallback to HTTP ECP
- Swipeable Remote: Intuitive touchpad with gesture-based navigation
- Smart Keyboard: Type searches, passwords, and URLs directly from your phone
- Channel Management: Browse and one-tap launch installed streaming apps
- Subscription Model: Monthly ($1.99) and yearly ($19.99) plans via StoreKit with 7-day free trial
Tech Stack
- Framework: React Native 0.82
- Language: JavaScript / TypeScript
- Backend: Firebase (Firestore, Cloud Functions, Analytics, Crashlytics)
- Communication: WebSocket (ECP-2 protocol with SHA1 challenge-response auth), HTTP ECP
- Device Discovery: SSDP over UDP
- Monetization: In-App Purchases (IAP) with server-side receipt validation
- UI: React Native Animatable, Swiper, Linear Gradient, Vector Icons
Architecture
The app uses a dual-transport mechanism: WebSocket connections for real-time, low-latency control with automatic fallback to HTTP when WebSocket fails. Device authentication uses a SHA1-based challenge-response handshake over ECP-2.