Display Devices

Recommended Displays

Whilst Courtscorer will work on a smartphone, for best results and readability at distance then a tablet will of course work best. We are adding and testing compatibility for more devices all the time, but currently a large, reasonably-modern Android (or Fire) tablet is your best bet. We are also developing a version for iOS/iPads, which will be released in due course.

Remote hardware

Recommended Bluetooth remotes

CourtScorer detects standard Bluetooth media and volume-key signals, so almost any Bluetooth device with media controls will work. Give it a go with your Bluetooth headphones if you have some or a smartwatch!
We recommend hardware with a real, clicky buttons you can find by feel, as touch-based controls and touchscreens usually aren't reliable or convenient enough to use mid-game. However, if you already have a pair of touch-sensitive earphones or a smartwatch to hand then they can be used to test the app and help you decide if you'd like to buy any more hardware.

The device types below all fit that criteria in different ways, depending on where you'd rather carry the remote.


Current Favourites: We are still testing a wide range of devices. However of those tested so far, we most like the Pollway earbuds and the Generic Media Remote listed below. If you don't choose something listed here, then please be aware that it may not be listed because we think it's not a good choice!
A

Sports earphones (with ear hooks)

Worn on the ear, the button is always in the same spot — useful if you'd rather not carry anything separate. Look for ear-hook models with physical buttons on the earpiece, not a touch-sensitive area. Since they're also your audio output, they'll speak the score too if you turn that setting on.

Ideally, your earphones will have all the buttons on each bud, so you only have to wear one - meaning that your hearing won't be too affected in the game. However, if you don't like the feel and possible blocking of sound, then try other options.

Frustratingly, suitable earphones with physical buttons are becoming increasingly hard to find as all brands move to cheaper and flashier, but significantly less-functional touch-sensitive models. So to help you track down something suitable, here are some options:

Pollway S1

Great for all high-movement workouts in general.

These are cheap and although you don't need good sound for the purpose of this app, they are surprisingly good for the price, so are great value earphones in any case.

Mostly discontinued direct, but you can still find them new on eBay. B&Q also currently sell them!

device
Verdict: Tested. Good Choice Volume and Play Physical buttons · Ear hook · Massive PLaytime · Hear Scores eBay - From ~£15 →
B&Q ~£20 →

Lenovo XT80

Similar to the Pollway S1s and available from a variety of sources. However, they are not as good, with harder-to-feel buttons and smaller batteries, so they don't last as long.

device
Verdict: IN TESTING. Not as good as Pollway S1 Volume and Play Physical buttons · Ear hook · Hear Scores Google ~£15 →
B

Clip-on media remotes

Small Bluetooth devices that clip to a waistband, shirt, or wristband. A wrist sweatband could work well too depending on the clip style, or take a look at these links for some examples: Amazon → Amazon →

Some of these devices are actually Bluetooth receivers, so you can plug in a speaker for hearing the scores too if you are a spectator or umpire.

The examples below give an idea of what features to look for, but this list is not exhaustive, both in terms of model or where to get them from.

We recommend small, lightweight options, so that they don't move around during gameplay:

Generic Bluetooth Receiver

A compact clip-on device for receiving/transmitting Bluetooth, but also with media controls, small enough to keep on a wristband.

device
Verdict: IN TESTING Physical buttons · Clothing clip · Can Connect to Speaker AliExpress ~£4 →

Generic Bluetooth Receiver

A clip-on device for receiving audio via Bluetooth, but also with media controls, Includes a handy LCD screen and on/off switch. This works well for functionality and feel of buttons. It is possibly a little heavy/bulky, although this is less of a problem if placed on the wrist rather than on clothing.

Verdict: IN TESTING. Good but a bit bulky. On/off switch means you have tot remember to turn it off or battery will run out. Physical buttons · Clothing clip · Can Connect to Speaker eBay ~£5 →

Vaorlo Bluetooth Receiver

A compact clip-on device for receiving/transmitting Bluetooth, but also with media controls, small enough to keep on a waistband. However, this device does not allow volume adjustments, so you cannot reset the match remotely in the app. NOT RECOMMENDED.

device
Verdict: NOT recommended - No volume control Physical buttons · Clothing clip · Can Connect to Speaker AliExpress ~£4 →
C

Wearable Speakers

These function as Bluetooth remotes, but with inbuilt speakers.

In general, we believe that these are too heavy and bulky for using during gameplay, but some are listed here because they could be useful for spectators or umpires:

HiFuture Pocket S Bluetooth Speaker

A small clip-on speaker built for outdoor use, with physical playback and volume buttons on the body. 5W volume.

device
Verdict: Untested. Possibly too heavy Waterproof · Clip-on · Physical buttons Amazon ~£16 →

B90 Wrist Watch Bluetooth Speaker

Better than clip-on speakers for keeping the device handy and still, but the physical buttons on this model are not distinct enough by feel, so not recommended.

device
Verdict: Tested. Not recommended - buttons aren't good enough Wrist wearable · Physical buttons Amazon ~£20 →

* Not every speaker's buttons send the same signal a remote would — some route their buttons only to their own onboard media chip rather than out to the paired device. If you want a speaker that also acts as your scoring remote, confirm its buttons control playback and volume on the tablet or phone itself, not just on the speaker.

speaker

Audible for All

If you'd like the score to be announced so everyone on the court can hear it, you have a couple of options: As an umpire you can buy one of the Bluetooth receivers listed in the "Media Remotes" section above and connect it to any portable speaker; Or if your tablet is capable of connecting to a speaker (either physically, or via Bluetooth) at the same time as it connects to your remote then you could connect the speaker to that and continue to control hte score from within the game. Turn on "Speak Scores" and CourtScorer calls out the count after every point.

Remotes that Don't Work

To help save you time and any disappointment, here's some Bluetooth devices that aren't suitable:

Camera Remotes

All camera remotes we've tested so far use proprietary connections to specific cameras, which means only the shutter button is detectable by your tablet or phone. In theory, a generic remote might have a mode for connecting as a generic keyboard connection, but we haven't found one yet that has a suitable casing for use with our app. This is a shame, as remotes like the one shown have a good watch-like setup.

device
Verdict: Not usable Physical buttons · Wrist strap

Very Simple Media Remotes

For a device to work, it will need to have controls for volume or track selection, not just play/pause.

In addition, if you want to be able to have full remote control, including resetting the match from your Bluetooth device, then the remote will need to be able to control both volume and track skipping. Some remotes only control track skipping, not volume and in this case you will need to reset a match by pressing the screen of your tablet. Ideally your remote will have separate buttons for volume and track skipping, but most, especially the small ones that are less bulky for good use here, will only have two buttons, and will transmit volume or track skip according to how long you hold the button, or if you press the buttons multiple times. In these situations, configure Courtscorer to control the score with whichever action is performed by the single button taps.

Note that touchscreen smartwatches should work if you already have one, just connect them in media control mode. In our tests, the touchscreen element is distracting and not ideal for mistaken or inaccurate touches, but we'd love to hear how you get on.