Turn Your iPhone or iPod Touch into a Remote Control for Your PC

An article by Bilal    3 Comments

Wouldn’t be easier if you could control your PC from your bed. You do not need Infrared Receivers/USB Gadgets and remotes for this purpose. Instead all you need is your iPhone or iPod Touch and a wifi connection to your PC.

What You Need:

• PC (The Software is available for Windows, Mac and Linux. This tutorial covers Windows)
• PC HippoVNC server software. (Linux users can use the included VNC server software)
• HippoRemote Lite app. (Available from the Apple App Store)
• A WiFi router.

Installing the HippoVNC Server

Download the free HippoVNC Server file. (Link Included at the bottom). Choose a folder to extract the file.

And run the WinVNC.exe file.

You may get a Security Warning. Click Allow Access.

Important Step: In the Settings Page, enter a password for the VNC.

Now you will need to obtain the IP address of your host machine. This is only needed if you do not have iTunes installed on your PC. Easiest way to find your IP address is by hovering your mouse over the HippoRemote Lite icon int he System Tray.



Note: If you have iTunes installed, HippoRemote can automatically detect the IP address.

Running HippoVNC as a Service

If you want  HippoVNC to run every time your PC boots, you can run it as a service.  To run HippoVNC as a service, right click on the System Tray icon and select Install Service.

Now connect your iPhone/iPod Touch to your WiFi network. Then open the HippoRemote Lite App and select Add Connection.

Type in the IP Address for host and the password you entered earlier on the HippoVNC Settings window. Tap Done when finished.

You should now see your computer’s IP address appear under Saved Connections. Select it to connect to your PC.

HippoRemote Settings screen will pop up where you can make certain adjustments such as tracking and scrolling speed. Tap the Trackpad button at the top left to switch to the trackpad.

Note: Some options, such as setting macros, are only available in the full (commercial) version of HippoRemote.

Now you’re ready. To move the cursor on the computer screen, flick or drag your finger across the trackpad.

The buttons at the top act as right and left mouse buttons. Simply tap them for right and left mouse clicks.

Selecting the Keyboard button will bring up the onscreen keyboard mode to enter text.

The Split Screen button will give you both the keyboard and trackpad at the same time.

Conclusion

HippoRemote application is a cool way to Control your PC. Just make sure your computer screen is big enough for you to see while you far away sitting on your bed. Works like a charm for me (24″ Wide screen here) when i am watching TV shows/Movies and need to put on next one from my bed itself.

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