I’ve been fiddling around with a couple of remote control iPhone apps recently. These apps allow you to use your iPhone as a remote control and manipulate certain applications with predefined macros or by transforming your iPhone’s screen into a touchpad. I basically use these apps as a substitute for Apple’s remote control to control Quicktime, VLC, and Keynote; as well as performing simple tasks by navigating the mouse cursor with my iPhone, say perhaps, putting my MacBook to sleep. Nothing fancy — and just to be clear, these are not VNC applications.
Among all of the remote control iPhone apps I found on the iTunes App Store, only two are solid keepers. Read on to find out which apps I chose.
Best Remote Control iPhone App #1 — HippoRemote Pro
HippoRemote is a keeper because not only does it sport one of the best user interface with its white-on-grey theme, the setup procedure on a Mac requires no additional “server” application. Although on Windows, a small VNC application is required. I really like the fact that HippoRemote works out of the box with the Screen Sharing feature on Mac OS X. On the iPhone, it’s even easier. The app detects any computers in the local area network and connects to any one of them instantly. No fussing about with ports and IP addresses.
HippoRemote supports over 60 apps (full list here) among which are Boxee, EyeTV, Front Row, NetFlix, Plex, VLC, even Windows Media Center and XBMC.
Each of these profiles has a customised remote control interface designed to work perfectly with the app in question. In addition to that, you can program your very own macros to meet your personalised needs.
HippoRemote also features a cool multitouch trackpad that supports gestures and thumb scrolling. The virtual trackpad is very responsive and with adjustable tracking and scrolling speeds.
It also has an on-screen keyboard complete with modifier keys and F-keys for you to invoke Dashboard and Exposé. Sadly, I couldn’t get the app to increase/decrease the system volume. The function keys also didn’t seem to correspond with their shortcuts i.e. F12 still invoked the Dashboard when it should increase the volume, etc.
Interestingly, HippoRemote also enables you to turn your iPhone into a customisable gamepad — which is really cool and saves you from buying JoyPad.
In conclusion, HippoRemote generally a very well rounded remote control iPhone app — it functions well, setup is a cinch, and it looks good. The lite version has just about as many features as the Pro does minus Boxee/Plex/XBMC controls, app profiles, macros and several other features. If you’re looking for a simple remote control iPhone app, HippoRemote Lite will do the trick. The Pro version costs $4.99 and you get that little extra.
Best Remote Control iPhone App #2 — Rowmote Pro
Dr. Evan Schoenberg’s Rowmote was one of the very first remote control iPhone app that debuted on the App Store. It works marvellously and looks gorgeous — and you shouldn’t expect anything less from the lead developer of Adium, who also contriburted to Growl and Pidgin. Rowmote Pro is $0.99 and is available from the iTunes App Store.
Unfortunately, Rowmote Pro only works with Mac OS X and the Apple TV. If you run a Windows PC, return towards HippoRemote — that’s your best bet, seriously. If you’re a Mac user, read on.
Setting up Rowmote Pro is pretty easy. It comes with a server app that auto-starts upon login so it’s always enabled. There’s not much to configure. Enable your iPhone’s WiFi and connect to the same network as your Mac and you’re golden. You’re greeted with a lovely Apple-esque remote control interface.
At the top left, you’ll notice a circular icon with what seems to be an Apple button and a rather dated Mighty Mouse — tapping on that invokes the trackpad and keyboard, complete with modifier and F-keys. Again, it works beautifully, F11 and F12 decreases and increases the system volume as expected.
Rowmote Pro functions in pretty much the same way as the Apple Remote so using it feels quite natural. There are some additional features, obviously. Tapping on the applications button brings up a list of supported apps that Rowmote Pro can control, among which are eyeTV, Hulu Desktop, Logic Pro, mPlayer, OpenOffice, PowerPoint, Safari, Songbird; even XBMC, Boxee and Plex! The list is customisable so you’ll be able to select the ones you need. Along the top, you’ll see a reference to your Dock; with the inactive apps dimmed and active apps indicated by a blue light beneath the icon — very similar to OS X.
That’s not all. Rowmote Pro supports Wake-on-LAN — which means that you can put your Mac to sleep and wake it using your iPhone. It can also be installed on both generations of Apple TV, converting your iPhone into a universal remote control (almost) — instructions here.
Overall, Rowmote Pro is a very capable remote control iPhone app. Sadly, it’s limited by it’s Mac-only support. But it gets points for working with the Apple TV.
HippoRemote and Rowmote Pro are my preferred remote control iPhone apps due to their capabilities and ease of setup. What would your choice be? Do you use your iPhone as a remote control? I’m interested to hear what you use — voice out in the comments!
