As a category, universal remotes have stagnated. With the exception of Logitech, few companies are making new universal remotes. With the rise of streaming devices, most consumers can now get what they need with the remote control that comes with their smart TV.

Still, standalone Roku and Fire TV devices are very popular, but there is one problem: they communicate with the remote control via Bluetooth, something most basic universal remotes lack.

To clean up your coffee table clutter, Philips has come up with an apparently simple and inexpensive solution for combining multiple remotes. Philips' Universal Companion Remote Control ($24.99) has a recess on the underside into which you can slide a Roku or Fire TV remote control.

So, for example, if you are watching cable TV, you can use the front of the remote to change the volume, switch channels, or set the DVR. The remote can be programmed to control up to four devices; if you want to use the Fire TV, just flip the remote over and the remote for that device is immediately available.

I'm not sure about the ergonomics of having so many buttons on the bottom of the remote and having to use the two buttons on the side to control volume, but this remote is an inexpensive solution to a simple problem.

Philips' universal companion remote works with Amazon Fire TV devices (2nd generation and later), as well as Roku Express+, Premiere+, Streaming Stick, and Streaming Stick+.

We are interested to see how this remote works in the real world and if it deserves a spot on our Best Universal Remotes list.

Be sure to check out our full coverage of CES 2020 for the latest news and hands-on with the hottest products being announced this year.