HippoRemote

HippoRemote transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into a versatile remote control for your computer. It provides functions as a wireless keyboard, trackpad, and specialized remotes for various applications, including media players and games. This eliminates the need for traditional input devices, offering convenient control from a distance. Developed by RoboHippo LLC

HippoRemote Alternatives Visit Website

License: Freemium

Categories:

Remote Access Utility Input Device

Available for:

iPhone

About HippoRemote

HippoRemote is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive remote control experience for your computer using your iPhone or iPod touch. It acts as a powerful bridge between your mobile device and desktop, granting you control over various aspects of your PC or Mac from anywhere within your wireless network.

The core functionality revolves around its ability to emulate essential input devices:

Wireless Keyboard: Type directly on your phone's keyboard and have the input appear on your computer. This is perfect for browsing the web, typing documents, or interacting with applications from a comfortable distance.
Wireless Trackpad: Navigate your computer's cursor with multi-touch gestures similar to a laptop trackpad. This includes tapping, scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and two-finger right-clicking.

Beyond standard input, HippoRemote excels in its specialized remote controls for popular applications. Instead of relying on generic keyboard shortcuts, you get dedicated buttons and layouts optimized for playback control in media players like VLC, Windows Media Player, and iTunes, or for navigating presentations in PowerPoint or Keynote.

Key Features that enhance the user experience include:

Customizable Remote Layouts: Tailor the look and functionality of your remote controls to suit your specific needs and frequently used applications.
Support for Gestures and Multi-Touch: Leverage the natural touch interface of your iPhone for intuitive control.
Password Protection: Secure your connection to prevent unauthorized access to your computer.

HippoRemote simplifies tasks like controlling music playback while relaxing on the couch, managing presentations during meetings, or even using your phone as a gamepad for simple PC games. Its ease of setup and comprehensive feature set make it a valuable utility for anyone looking to enhance their computer interaction with a mobile device.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Versatile functionality (keyboard, trackpad, application remotes)
Highly customizable remote layouts
Intuitive multi-touch gesture support
Convenient pre-built remotes for popular applications
Password protection for secure connections

Cons

Customization interface can be complex for beginners
Remote desktop feature is a preview, not a full interactive display

What Makes HippoRemote Stand Out

All-in-One Remote Solution

Combines keyboard, trackpad, and application-specific remotes in a single mobile application.

Highly Customizable

Allows users to tailor remote layouts for a personalized control experience.

Intuitive User Interface

Leverages the familiar touch interface of iPhone/iPod touch for ease of use.

What can HippoRemote do?

Remote Desktop

Provides the capability to connect to and control another computer running Windows XP over a network...

Password Protection

Secure your PDFs with passwords to restrict opening, editing, printing, or copying content.

Application Monitoring

Monitors the performance and availability of specific software applications.

Wireless Keyboard Emulation

Type text on your mobile device and have it input directly into any application on your computer.

Wireless Trackpad Emulation

Control your computer's mouse cursor using multi-touch gestures on your phone's screen.

Customizable Remote Layouts

Create or modify dedicated remote control interfaces for specific applications to streamline control...

Review

HippoRemote presents a compelling solution for users seeking to control their computer remotely using their iPhone or iPod touch. The software effectively bridges the gap between mobile and desktop environments, transforming your handheld device into a versatile input and control tool.

The core strength of HippoRemote lies in its multi-faceted functionality. It successfully emulates the essential functions of a keyboard and trackpad, providing a reliable alternative to traditional peripherals. Typing latency is minimal for typical use cases, and the trackpad response is surprisingly smooth, supporting common multi-touch gestures that enhance navigation. The ability to use pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolling feels natural and significantly improves the remote browsing experience.

Beyond basic input, the inclusion of pre-built and customizable application remotes is a significant advantage. Instead of fumbling with generic keyboard shortcuts or relying on the virtual keyboard for complex commands, dedicated layouts for media players and presentation software provide intuitive, touch-friendly controls. Customization is a key feature, allowing users to create or modify existing remote layouts to match their workflow and frequently used applications. This flexibility caters to a wide range of user needs, from media consumption to professional presentations.

Setting up HippoRemote is generally straightforward. It requires installing a server application on the computer and the mobile application on the iPhone/iPod touch. The automatic server discovery feature simplifies the connection process, although manual IP address entry is available if needed. Password protection is a welcome security measure, preventing unauthorized individuals from controlling your computer.

The remote desktop feature, while not a full-fledged VNC client, provides a useful live preview of your computer screen on your mobile device. This feature aids in navigating and confirming actions, especially when you are not in direct line of sight of your monitor. The included gaming remote is suitable for simple games that rely on basic key presses, although it is not a substitute for a dedicated game controller for complex or demanding titles.

One area where HippoRemote could see improvement is perhaps in the complexity of the customization interface. While powerful, creating intricate custom layouts can require a bit of a learning curve. However, for users who primarily utilize the pre-built remotes or only require minor modifications, this is less of a concern.

Overall, HippoRemote is a robust and well-designed application that delivers on its promise of transforming your iPhone or iPod touch into a capable computer remote. Its combination of keyboard, trackpad, and specialized application remotes, coupled with strong customization options, makes it a valuable tool for various scenarios, from home entertainment to professional use.