Graphical user interface and data transfer methods in a controlling device

A non-transitory, computer-readable media having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by a processing device of a smart device, perform steps comprising:

• receiving into the smart device data that functions to identify an intended target appliance;
• configuring a remote control application of the smart device to communicate commands to the intended target device identified by the data received by the smart device, the remote control application providing a main remote control user interface when the remote control application is caused to be invoked on the smart device and a secondary remote control user interface;
• wherein the remote control application is caused to be invoked on the smart device in response to a first predetermined input being provided to the smart device and, when invoked, provides to a display of the smart device the main remote control user interface wherein the main remote control user interface includes a first plurality of user interface elements whereby user interactions with the first plurality of user interface elements will cause the smart device to transmit commands for controlling functional operations of the intended target device;
• wherein the secondary remote control user interface is caused to be provided to the display of the smart device in response to a second predetermined input being provided to the smart device wherein the secondary remote control user interface includes a second plurality of user interface elements whereby user interactions with the second plurality of user interface elements will cause the smart device to transmit commands for controlling functional operations of the intended target device;
• and
• wherein the instructions cause the smart device to be responsive to the second predetermined user input to provide the secondary remote control user interface to the display of the smart device independent of the remote control application being invoked on the smart device.