Turn your phone into a remote control for PC It's no longer science fiction: today you can move the mouse, type, control the volumechange the song, advance the slides, or even turn off the computer without getting up from the sofa. Furthermore, there are solutions for View PC screen on mobile and to control the computer via Bluetooth, WiFi or through the Internet, according to what you need.
The connection between our smartphones and our computers is getting easier every day. The new operating systems are better adapted to this connection, in addition to having apps that fulfill these functions. Among the latter we find Unified Remote, which allows you to use your mobile as a remote control.
Unified Remote: your universal remote control
Unified Remote use a program on your computer and an app on your phone so that, through your smartphone, you can control your other device. Have a free version and a paid version with which to unlock more functions in one go.
The first will be install the program on both machines. From your phone, you must scan for nearby servers and select your PC To begin using it, there is a manual mode and an automatic mode for doing this. Additionally, you can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth as it suits you.
- Install the server on Windows, macOS or Linux and the app on Android.
- Open the app and it detects the PC automatically or you can add it manually.
- Choose the type of connection (WiFi or Bluetooth) and authorizes the pairing.
- Access the controls: trackpad, keyboard, multimedia, power and more.
Once you do, you will have at your disposal a series of Controls in your terminal. Depending on whether you have the free or paid version, you will have more or fewer functions. Among the basic ones, we can simulate a trackpad that allows us to function as if it were a laptop mouse; as well as directly have available multimedia controls To skip forward, backward, increase the volume, pause a video or song. You can also open keyboard from the bottom and, if your keyboard supports it, use voice dictation to write on the PC. Many controllers feature a persistent bottom bar with shortcuts to mouse, keyboard and multimedia so you don't lose control while switching sections.
These controls are the foundation of the Unified Remote business, hence many are available only after a $ 4-5 payment depending on where you live. Not only will you unlock more controls, but you will have the opportunity to make your own. There is also the option of having a floating control Available on all screens. The function of screen mirror It's designed for viewing and interacting with elements, although if you need very smooth video, software from remote Desktop A specific response will be better.
Videographer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sis7hXVES0U
The key to convergence
The idea of ​​convergence is one that is very much alive today. Programs like Unified Remote respond to this need for access our devices while using another, to be able to have everything at our fingertips.
We normally rely on things like notifications to connect through programs like Pushbullet. Cortana on Android allows us to perform similar tasks if we have Windows 10. Unified Remote navigates in the opposite direction, allowing us control our PC from our smartphone, and even mirroring the screen on our mobile. It is one of those applications that can get us out of a hurry, something that is important to keep in mind.
The development of this application still activewith regular updates. If you want to try Unified Remote, you can download its program for PC from their website and its app for Android through the following button:
App:
Other ways to use your mobile phone as a PC controller
Native control with Microsoft Remote Desktop
Windows offers Remote Desktop in their professional editions. Just go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop and enable it. From Android, install the app. Microsoft Remote DesktopAdd the team name and connect. To access out of home you need to configure the Forwarding of ports on the router and, for security, use a custom port and a strong password.
Chrome Remote Desktop (Google)
With Chrome Remote Desktop You can access PC apps and files from your mobile device or another computer. Configure it in remotedesktop.google.com/access with a PINTo help someone else, use remotedesktop.google.com/support to generate a one-time code and confirms each 30 minutes to maintain the session. On mobile there are two modes: Touch panel (with pointer) or tactile (direct touches). On Linux you can choose the desktop environment creating the session file in your home folder and defining the corresponding Exec command.
- Problem solving: allows outgoing UDP, incoming UDP responses, TCP 443 and TCP/UDP 3478 in the antivirus.
- Managed environments: In work or educational networks, access may be limited by the administrator.
Full remote control applications
TeamViewer stands out for its Wake-on-LAN, black screen for privacy, permanent access, remote printing y file transferThe navigation adapts very well to the mobile screen.
AnyDesk It's free for personal use, very light and intuitive: a tap is equivalent to a left click and a long press to a right click. It allows transfer files and, on some devices, also control the mobile phone from the PC.
VNC Viewer It offers simultaneous connections and a strong encryption, with trackpad-type control and a unique password per session.
GoToMyPC It's a subscription service, compatible with Windows and macOS, with AES-256, multiple authentication and integrated antivirus. Supreme It's very easy to set up, and it has a trial version. 21 days and payment plans. ShowMyPC It has levels such as Access Home (from 5 Euros) up to options of 99 euros / month. Mikogo facilitates meetings for up to 25 users with free trial.
Controllers for gaming and multimedia use
Max Remote turns your mobile phone into a virtual controller with profiles like SNES, NES, N64 or PS3Install the app and the server (Windows, Linux, macOS), connect them to the same WiFi and create your own button designs.
PC Remote (Monect) works by WiFi, Bluetooth or USBRegister on your PC and mobile device, then tap Connect and choose layouts by game type (horizontal or vertical) or design your own.
Trackpad type alternative: Remote Mouse
Remote Mouse transforms the mobile phone into mouse, keyboard and touchpad multi-touch gestures, writing by voice (if your keyboard supports it), system shortcuts and panels Specialized features: multimedia, web, app switcher, power options and clipboard synchronization. allow ensure the password-protected connection, control the volume with the physical buttons and connect by WiFi or Bluetooth.
Bluetooth control when WiFi is unavailable
If you don't have internet or a router, you can control the PC via Bluetooth Remote link or with the Unified Remote itself. Activate Bluetooth on both devices, pair your phone with your computer, and select your PC in the app. Remember that the typical range is... about 10 meters, ideal for rooms or offices.
Long-distance remote control
To control the PC from another city, uses internet-based solutions such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop o Microsoft Remote Desktop (with open ports). The experience depends on the latency and the bandwidthFor demanding games, a stable connection and appropriate image quality settings are recommended.
Access to files without full PC control
Resilio Sync synchronize folders with technology P2P y AES-128, without cloud, with mode read only and operation offline. Alternatively, Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive They allow easy access to documents, photos, and more from your mobile phone.
With all these options, it's easy to choose the tool that best suits your needs: Unified Remote It shines to control your PC like a universal remote; if you need full remote access, consider RDP, TeamViewer, AnyDesk or Chrome Remote; for games and multimediaMax Remote or PC Remote are excellent; and if you just want sync filesResilio Sync or the cloud are sufficient.