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IT MAY SEEM like the laziest (and unnecessary) thing to do, but using your smartphone to control your computer is a handier feature than you would initially think.
For the added convenience of controlling music playlists remotely, or cycling through videos without having to get up from your couch, they can be handy to have if you regularly use multimedia services like video and audio.
Normally for any of these apps to work, you have to pair it with a similar programme installed on your computer, but these are usually included in the tutorial when you download the app.
To start off, one of the most popular versions out there is Unified Remote (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) and depending on the version, either costs €3.99 or breaks them down into in-app purchases.
There are free versions to download for each OS, which lets you control 12-14 different programmes/services like Spotify (depending on whether you use Windows, Mac or Linux) but the full version allows you to control 40+ (again final number depends on what computer OS you’re using).
If you’re looking for a cheaper (read: free) version and only care whether it works for multimedia features, then it might be worth looking at Mote.io (iOS, Android).
By connecting to a Chrome app, it lets you control video and audio content from services like YouTube, Spotify, Tunein Radio and Google Play Music.
Ian Jennings / Vimeo
Again, it’s one for those who want the convenience of controlling music and videos remotely, but it will certainly come in handy for those who don’t want their smartphone taken up by music or video duties.
Unified Remote (Desktop; iOS, Android and Windows Phone)
Mote.io (Chrome, iOS, Android)
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To go a step beyond this setup I advise anyone to buy themselves a chromecast device (about €40) best gadget I ever purchased. Plugs into a HDMI port on your TV and connects to your wireless network. From your phone/laptop you can then stream practically anything effortlessly. Works great with the mobdro app too if anyone has that installed (mobdro.com) also excellent with YouTube and plex or even sending your chrome tabs to your TV.
I bought a Chromecast a few weeks ago. Fantastic piece of kit. Haven’t looked at Sky since.
Best gadget ever CPM, have a chromebook also, 100 times better than any tablet.
Chief , just plugged mine in fess mins ago, best thing ever, €39 well spent,
Few
I find myself watching short clips on youtube now while the ads are on during a program
What do you use to stream? I bought one when they came out and I thought it was useless, not enough apps supported. Haven’t plugged it in in months. Had it improved?
Brian, you can now cast your (Android) phone screen, so anything you can watch on your phone you can now watch on your TV. I use the Netflix and YouTube apps mostly, they have inbuilt casting, so I don’t need to cast my phone screen, But for the likes of sites like Vimeo, that don’t have casting built in , the screen casting is perfect.
“have a chromebook also, 100 times better than any tablet.”
Interesting you should say that, I was reading an article (on Forbes.com I think) the other day about how Chromebooks are taking over from iPads in the USA as teaching tool, they’re a fraction of the price, they have a physical keyboard, and because everything is in the cloud, a student who breaks theirs can be back online, on a new one, in minutes.
YouTube and have a look at the app I mentioned earlier. Mobdro. If you’re going to download it make sure you download it from their website
My HTC has IR so you can use it as a remote by default
And use it in the pub to put on the Rugby. Or switch to the naughty channels and see who notices.
When I was a kid I used to take the TV remote control up to the shop my parents had bought the TV in, stand near the windows, and turn the volume on the display TVs right up to the top. It was low-tech but very amusing.
I used to go on my friends balcony with her remote and change the channel in the house behind her. God the giggles we had!
Chromecast all the way….
Remotely interested??
Or for WIndows just use Remote Desktop?!
You missed the point. Remote Desktop applications are great however all they give is a interface built for mouse and keyboard on your phone. This is not what you need when you are relaxing in the couch and just want to lower the volume.
Stick around & I’ll show ye how to turn your remote control into a smartphone….
Been doing this with teamviewer for ages now. Its not that handy. I really just use it to transfer editing projects and game save files from one place to another.
I use it to remotely change my friends youtube videos on ps3, from another room. Really amusing.
Or just use the Sky+ app. It’s free and you can use it remotely also to record etc.
With ZappIR you can control nearly any device so long as your phone has a IR beam.extra lazy!
If you have a Ferguson Ariva set top (does saorview and freesat) box you can get an android app to control it (one you have a network cable plugged into it)
iPhone remote app for Apple TV also controls your iTunes library on your laptop or PC.
I have speakers out the back from an amp on a PC and change music and volume from my phone.
I have managed to control my TV remotely using the Samsung Watchon App but cannot set it up to allow me to control the UPC box. Any ideas how I do this?
I use watch on for my upc box, set it up the same way as your TV. Its works great
Raspberry pi as a media player…. Job done.
I can throw my movie pictures and songs onto my tv via the Xperia
Other things you can do. Is make your own sonos type system with a few raspberry pi’s works great
The best App is splashTop, its a very user friendly, and u just need to download Live stream in.ur laptop and then download in ur smart phone, you can connect your laptop or pc anywhere in the world, make sure ur pc and phone has internet..
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