Yes, the Savant Remote requires the Savant App and a Savant Host. The Savant App runs on an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. You can download the free Savant App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
The Savant Host acts as the brain in your Savant Home, enabling the Savant App and the Savant Remote to communicate with Savant devices and supported entertainment devices you have added to your Savant Home.