In the same way you use a remote control for your TV, you can also use a
phone or tablet to control your computer. How you do this depends on
whether you use an Android or iOS device. Using a remote control for
your PC is really handy if you play music or watch catch-up TV on it.
Here’s how to set things up on both types of device. Android
Android
Android
Install Unified Remote on your PC and Android
device to control Windows with your device
device to control Windows with your device
Download and install the free version of Unified Remote on your device. On your Windows computer go to www.unifiedremote.com/download
and click Install Version 2.11. Once it’s installed, click OK and the
software will create a connection on your computer that your Android
phone or tablet can access. If you see a warning from Windows Firewall
asking you to let Unified Remote through, click ‘Allow access’. Next, go
to your Android device and select your computer from the list of
servers and tap Remotes to see all the controllers available.
The Basic Input remote turns your phone or tablet into a trackpad and
keyboard for your computer. Where Unifi ed Remote really comes into its
own is as a controller for your music and videos. Th e free version
includes remote controls for VLC Media Player, Windows Media Center,
Windows Media Player, Spotify and YouTube. Use the Basic Input remote to
open your video or music software and then open the relevant remote
control. Th ere are controls for pausing and playing music and video,
skipping tracks and turning the volume up or down - just like on a TV or
hi-fi remote.
iOS
If you use iOS, you should download HippoVNC. On your computer go to this link
and click the blue Download HippoVNC link. Once it’s downloaded you’ll
need to extract the installer. By default this is placed in your
browser’s Downloads folder. Navigate to there, open the HippoVNC folder
and double-click WinVNC. Windows Firewall may warn you that Hippo is
requesting access, so click ‘Allow access’ to confirm.
Install HippoVNC on your computer to use your iOS device as
a remote control
On the next screen the only option you need to change is the VNC
Password. Enter a memorable password then click OK. The WinVNC icon will
now appear in your taskbar. Hover your cursor over this and make a note
of the IP address that appears. Next, make sure your iOS device is
connected to your Wi-Fi network then download and install the HippoRemote LITE app.
Tap ‘Add a Connection’, select the VNC option and enter your IP address
and password, then tap Done. A trackpad will appear on your screen,
which you can operate as you would your PC’s trackpad.
This feature is especially great for navigating music player or YouTube.
You can also use the keyboard to type web addresses or even to work on
documents. Tap Trackpad+Keyboard to open the keyboard. The Pro version
of HippoRemote has loads more features for controlling software, such as
an easy-to-use remote control for Windows Media Center.
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