With more than 140,000 apps in the iPhone App Store, finding task-specific apps or utilities for your iPhone or iPod touch (and soon iPad) isn't the hard part. The hard part is finding the best app for the job. That's why we're launching a new series here at Mashable, where we raid the App Store to find the best apps for a specific purpose. First on our docket: Remote Control apps!
Jan 5, 2013 - $4.99 RoboHippo iOS Version 3.4 Full Specs. HippoRemote Pro turns your iPhone and iPod touch into a Wi-Fi keyboard, trackpad, and.
The long-promised convergence of television and the Internet is finally coming. More and more consumer electronics devices come with features like WiFi and built-in support for Internet services. Tools like Boxee (even with the Apple TV) and Windows 7 Media Center make it easier than ever to connect your computer to your TV to enjoy online content.
Last summer, my personal project was creating the ultimate Mac mini HTPC, and in the end, it turned out great. However, one of the most frustrating (and potentially costly) factors of the whole project was finding a viable keyboard, mouse and remote setup. Controlling a computer from the couch is different than controlling it from a desk, and even though I found a lot of great software-based remote options (and a few hardware options too), it turned out that the best (and by far, most cost-effective) method for controlling my entire setup was right in my pocket.
There are literally dozens and dozens of iPhone and iPod touch apps that can control your PC (be it Mac, Windows or Linux), but after using and testing the big players in this field (and even the small ones), I've found five of my favorites. Check them out and be sure to leave your own suggestions in the comments.
*A Note: With one exception, all of these apps are multi-purpose, meaning they are designed to control more than one program. For that reason, some of the XBMC or Boxee-specific apps were left off my list.
1. HippoRemote Pro 2.0
Even before HippoRemote Pro 2.0 was released, this app had a permanent spot on my iPhone's home screen. The Pro version of the app is $4.99 and a less-feature rich basic version is available for $0.99 and a new Lite edition is available for free.
What makes this app so great is that it works with Mac, Windows and Linux, and acts not only as a viable trackpad/keyboard combo, but offers all kinds of app profiles (plus you can create your own) to control applications like Boxee, Windows Media Center 7, Hulu Desktop, your web browser, iTunes, and more. Plus, you can create macros, easily switch apps, wake up your device over LAN, and use international keyboards.
The new version of HippoRemote Pro also features an awesome Boxee plugin that adds the same kind of gesture control as the official Boxee iPhone app, as well as a built-in web browser (for checking the web, IMDB or Facebook) and Twitter client that lets you check your timeline, mentions and send tweets all from the remote application.
Check out this video the team made showing off the new HippoRemote 2.0:
At our house we use this on our Macs and Windows PCs and really, really love it.
2. Keymote
Keymote from Iced Cocoa is a Mac-only remote control that works by creating little application-specific keysets to control specific actions. Think of it like those macro-based IR remote controls (like the ones Sony used to sell before the Logitech Harmony series took over the market).
What sets Keymote apart is its built-in Keymote 'store' where you can download keysets from other users to use with your favorite apps. The interface is really nice and for users who really like to have key commands and shortcuts at their fingertips, Keymote is great.
3. Remote Jr.
Remote Jr. comes in two flavors, the full version for $7.99 or the lite version for $1.99. Remote Jr. Lite doesn't support Wake-on-LAN and doesn't have a keyboard or trackpad/airmouse, but will give you a taste of the app itself.
More than other remote control apps, Remote Jr. really is more of a fully-functional VNC (Virtual Network Computing) app. By this I mean you can view your computer's desktop, access specific elements or apps, and interact with them even when you aren't in front of your computer.
Most of the remote control apps just use WiFi to connect to your components or PC, which is great — but Remote Jr. can connect over GPRS/Edge or 3G, meaning you can access and control your Mac or PC even if you aren't at home. That's pretty powerful. There are other VNC apps out there (namely iTeleport: Jaadu VNC) that have more features, but they also cost a lot more ($24.99) and don't have the remote control and application switching interface built into them like Remote Jr.
A new version of Remote Jr. was just submitted to the App Store, and amongst other additions and improvements, it will bring audio streaming and Apple TV support. Apple TV support is a really great addition that I look forward to putting to use!
Check out this video to see Remote Jr. in action:
Remote Jr. is a great app for people that want a cross between a VNC app and a remote control, without having to buy both.
4. EyeTV
![Hipporemote Hipporemote](/uploads/1/2/5/0/125097610/701246881.jpg)
Elgato's EyeTV system is an absolutely fantastic way to turn your Mac into a DVR to record, edit and playback HDTV programming from over the air or cable.
The EyeTV iPhone app is a $4.99 companion that not only lets you control your EyeTV system, but lets you set up recording, view your schedule and programming guide, and play back recording from your computer on your iPhone. You can even stream live TV over a 3G connection, a la the SlingPlayer if you use the free EyeTV Live 3G web app (the EyeTV app will let you watch live TV and record over WiFi without a problem).
When you consider the price of a SlingPlayer and the corresponding mobile app, it makes the EyeTV that much more of a bargain.
5. Snatch
Snatch is a $3.99 remote control app that is extremely similar to both HippoRemote and Keymote. You can control your Mac or PC (and Snatch supports all the way back to Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger).
![Cracked Cracked](/uploads/1/2/5/0/125097610/171291302.jpg)
It has a multi-touch trackpad, a keyboard and a remote control editor. You can edit and design the layout of your remote control, adding buttons to specific functions. You can also create a 'dock' of sorts for the applications that you like to frequently access.
One feature I like about Snatch is that you can see what apps are running and easily switch between them.
Snatch has a ton of fans, and while I still defer to HippoRemote or Remote Jr., it is a worthy player in the remote control space. Before buying Snatch, you can download the free Snatch Trackpad Test app to make sure it will work with your configuration.
Your Picks
Did I leave out one of your favorite remotes? How do you control your Mac or Windows PC with your iPhone or iPod touch? What features are you looking for in a remote control app? Let us know!
[Image credit: Tanais Fox]
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Description
WHAT IS HIPPOREMOTE?
Control your computer with a wave of your hand or a flick of your finger! Impress your audience at speaking engagements or just veg out on the couch.
HippoRemote Pro turns your iPhone and iPod touch into a Wi-Fi keyboard, trackpad, and remote control, making it the perfect pocket-sized controller for your computer.
HippoRemote works great as a clicker for your Keynote or PowerPoint presentation. Or to control your classroom's interactive whiteboard.
In addition, like a high-end universal remote, you can customize the buttons and tailor them to specific apps. This makes it an ideal remote control for your HTPC, whether it's a Mac mini running Plex, a Windows PC running Windows Media Center, or a Linux box running XBMC.
HippoRemote Pro also has a gamepad mode, letting you control your favorite PC games.
And because it all works over Wi-Fi, you get superior range and no line-of-sight issues compared to traditional remotes. No extra dongles or expensive adapters required.
REVIEWS:
'We really, really love it.'
— Mashable
“Pretty much the best iPhone wireless trackpad and keyboard you could ever want.”
— Lifehacker
'Hands-down, the best multi-purpose iPhone remote that I have found.'
— Christina Warren, TUAW
'Simply fuss free, and perfect for your living room Mac mini.'
— Pete Mortensen, Cult of Mac
'An absolute bargain.'
— Adam Turner, Sydney Morning Herald
'The best touchpad, best keyboard, WMC specific keys and the most functionality.'
— David Norman, Missing Remote
'I love HippoRemote!'
— Robert Heron, Tekzilla
FEATURES:
• App Profiles: Custom controls for your favorite apps. There are 60+ profiles in our profile library, supporting popular apps like Boxee, EyeTV, Spotify, VLC, Winamp, and more. Visit http://hipporemote.com/profiles for the complete list.
• Profile Editor: Tweak existing profiles, or create brand new profiles, with the built-in editor.
• Dropbox Support: Sync your profiles across multiple devices via Dropbox.
• Multi-touch Trackpad: Multi-Touch gestures up to 4 fingers, including 2-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom.
• Keyboard History: Remembers what you've typed before so you can autocomplete with a single tap.
• Thumb Scrolling: Makes precision scrolling a breeze!
• Auto App Switching: Launch or switch between programs with a single tap.
• Login Manager: One tap to auto-fill login information for your favorite web sites.
• Macros: Automate tasks by recording your own keyboard shortcuts.
• Pause on Call: Automatically pause what's playing when you receive a phone call.
• Proximity Sensor: Turn off the screen to conserve battery.
• Wake-on-LAN: Turn on your computer from your couch.
• Background Multitasking: Stay connected in the background for up to 10 minutes.
• Integrated Web Browser: Surf the web, update Facebook, check sports scores, and more, without switching apps and without interrupting what's playing.
• Boxee/Plex/XBMC GesturePad: Tired of buttons? Control Boxee, Plex, and XBMC with flicks and swipes.
• GamePad: Handles all your favorite PC games, including ones that require simultaneous keyboard and mouse input.
FREE VERSION:
* Try the keyboard and trackpad for free with HippoRemote LITE.
* Upgrade to Pro for App Profiles and other premium features.
REQUIREMENTS:
* iOS 4.0 or greater.
* Wi-Fi network.
* Windows, Mac, or Linux PC to control.
SETUP:
* Visit http://hipporemote.com/setup to find step-by-step setup instructions for Windows, Macs, and Linux PCs.
* For Macs and Windows PC, we recommend installing our HippoVNC helper application.
* HippoRemote can also work by enabling Screen Sharing on Macs or installing a VNC server on Windows & Linux PCs.
SUPPORT:
* If you run into any problems, email us at [email protected]. We're quick to help!
* Please don't ask us questions in an iTunes review. We have no way of contacting you to respond to your issue.
Control your computer with a wave of your hand or a flick of your finger! Impress your audience at speaking engagements or just veg out on the couch.
HippoRemote Pro turns your iPhone and iPod touch into a Wi-Fi keyboard, trackpad, and remote control, making it the perfect pocket-sized controller for your computer.
HippoRemote works great as a clicker for your Keynote or PowerPoint presentation. Or to control your classroom's interactive whiteboard.
In addition, like a high-end universal remote, you can customize the buttons and tailor them to specific apps. This makes it an ideal remote control for your HTPC, whether it's a Mac mini running Plex, a Windows PC running Windows Media Center, or a Linux box running XBMC.
HippoRemote Pro also has a gamepad mode, letting you control your favorite PC games.
And because it all works over Wi-Fi, you get superior range and no line-of-sight issues compared to traditional remotes. No extra dongles or expensive adapters required.
REVIEWS:
'We really, really love it.'
— Mashable
“Pretty much the best iPhone wireless trackpad and keyboard you could ever want.”
— Lifehacker
'Hands-down, the best multi-purpose iPhone remote that I have found.'
— Christina Warren, TUAW
'Simply fuss free, and perfect for your living room Mac mini.'
— Pete Mortensen, Cult of Mac
'An absolute bargain.'
— Adam Turner, Sydney Morning Herald
'The best touchpad, best keyboard, WMC specific keys and the most functionality.'
— David Norman, Missing Remote
'I love HippoRemote!'
— Robert Heron, Tekzilla
FEATURES:
• App Profiles: Custom controls for your favorite apps. There are 60+ profiles in our profile library, supporting popular apps like Boxee, EyeTV, Spotify, VLC, Winamp, and more. Visit http://hipporemote.com/profiles for the complete list.
• Profile Editor: Tweak existing profiles, or create brand new profiles, with the built-in editor.
• Dropbox Support: Sync your profiles across multiple devices via Dropbox.
• Multi-touch Trackpad: Multi-Touch gestures up to 4 fingers, including 2-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom.
• Keyboard History: Remembers what you've typed before so you can autocomplete with a single tap.
• Thumb Scrolling: Makes precision scrolling a breeze!
• Auto App Switching: Launch or switch between programs with a single tap.
• Login Manager: One tap to auto-fill login information for your favorite web sites.
• Macros: Automate tasks by recording your own keyboard shortcuts.
• Pause on Call: Automatically pause what's playing when you receive a phone call.
• Proximity Sensor: Turn off the screen to conserve battery.
• Wake-on-LAN: Turn on your computer from your couch.
• Background Multitasking: Stay connected in the background for up to 10 minutes.
• Integrated Web Browser: Surf the web, update Facebook, check sports scores, and more, without switching apps and without interrupting what's playing.
• Boxee/Plex/XBMC GesturePad: Tired of buttons? Control Boxee, Plex, and XBMC with flicks and swipes.
• GamePad: Handles all your favorite PC games, including ones that require simultaneous keyboard and mouse input.
FREE VERSION:
* Try the keyboard and trackpad for free with HippoRemote LITE.
* Upgrade to Pro for App Profiles and other premium features.
REQUIREMENTS:
* iOS 4.0 or greater.
* Wi-Fi network.
* Windows, Mac, or Linux PC to control.
SETUP:
* Visit http://hipporemote.com/setup to find step-by-step setup instructions for Windows, Macs, and Linux PCs.
* For Macs and Windows PC, we recommend installing our HippoVNC helper application.
* HippoRemote can also work by enabling Screen Sharing on Macs or installing a VNC server on Windows & Linux PCs.
SUPPORT:
* If you run into any problems, email us at [email protected]. We're quick to help!
* Please don't ask us questions in an iTunes review. We have no way of contacting you to respond to your issue.