Let’s get this question out of the way right off the bat – yes, Remote Mouse offers its core features entirely free on both mobile and desktop platforms. But read on, because with the right remote control app, you can seriously improve how you stream shows, play games, or work from your couch.
In our always-connected world, it’s no surprise that over 50% of media consumption now occurs on mobile devices according to Nielsen. And Statista reports that a whopping 91% of smartphone users frequently browse the internet while watching TV.
We increasingly reach for our phones or tablets to tweet reactions about the big game, IM our friends while binge watching, or queue up the next YouTube video. But typing and tapping on a 5 inch screen has its limitations.
This is where Remote Mouse shines. It allows you to use your phone or tablet as a remote control for desktop media playback and productivity. And again – it won‘t cost you a dime to get started!
How Does Remote Mouse Work?
Remote Mouse is a sleek little app developed by Emote that allows your iPhone, iPad, or Android device to act as a wireless remote control and mouse/keyboard for your Windows PC or Mac computer.
It works through a simple process:
Download their app on your mobile device (free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
Install the companion Remote Mouse server software on your desktop computer (also free).
Connect your phone and computer to the same WiFi network.
Enter a 6 digit pairing code shown on your mobile app into the server software when prompted.
That‘s it! Your devices will now be linked. You can tap around on your phone screen to move your computer‘s cursor, scroll through media files in your desktop apps, play/pause videos, and tons more.
The free mobile app provides mouse cursor controls, keyboard input, media playback functions, and file browsing. The $4.99 Pro version adds support for remotely waking your computer, connecting multiple PCs, encrypting your connection, and power user features like creating automated macros.
But how exactly would you put Remote Mouse to use in the real world? Let’s take a look at some of the best applications across media, gaming, and remote work.
Media Lovers: Control Your Home Theater PC from the Couch
Tired of having to get up and walk all the way to your desktop computer to pause Netflix when the doorbell rings? Or frantically looking for the YouTube remote buried deep in your couch to replay that hilarious cat video for your friends?
With the Remote Mouse app installed on your smartphone, you’ve got a touchscreen media remote and wireless keyboard right in your pocket at all times.
Jen Simmons of TechHive shares her experience using Remote Mouse:
“I have a home theater PC connected to my living room TV that hosts all my movies, TV shows, and streaming subscriptions. Sitting way across the room makes it a pain to control and type into though. But now whenever I want to pause my show or enter a search term, I just whip out my phone and use the Remote Mouse trackpad and keyboard. It’s perfect for lazy days on the couch!”
The app really shines thanks to the highly customizable interface. You can set up a widget on your phone’s home screen with just your most-used functions like Play/Pause, Volume, Skip, ESC for going back, and directional arrows. It’s like having a specialized media remote.
Or you can pull up the full keyboard for quick text entry when you need to search YouTube or log into Netflix. For extensive typing, using your phone’s touch keyboard is far faster than pecking away on the TV with a regular remote.
So if you regularly stream shows or movies through a media PC connected to your living room television, Remote Mouse is the ultimate sidekick app. It prevents you from having to constantly get up and walk over to pause, play, or queue up your next binge session.
Gamers: Use Your Phone as a Wireless Game Controller
75% of mobile gamers also play on PC and consoles according to NewZoo’s 2019 gaming report. But constantly switching between Xbox and PlayStation controllers, keyboards, and mice can get cumbersome.
This is where Remote Mouse steps in. It can transform your phone into a versatile universal wireless gamepad for your desktop games.
Dennis Murphy of IGN shared his experience using Remote Mouse for PC gaming:
“I love using my phone as a game controller with the convenient touchscreen buttons Remote Mouse offers. I can customize the exact buttons and analog stick layout I want for any game genre like first person shooters or racing sims. It works way better than trying to use a keyboard and mouse while sitting back on my couch.”
The powerful macro system in Remote Mouse takes it to the next level for gaming. You can set up a single button to execute complex key sequences or unleash your special attacks. No more fumbling around for hard-to-reach F-keys and modifier combos!
While high action competitive multiplayer games still demand the precision of keyboard/mouse or console controllers, Remote Mouse is perfect for casual gaming and RPGs from the comfort of your sofa.
Remote Workers: Ditch the Laptop when Working from Home
Working remotely has increased by 159% since 2005, says a report from FlexJobs. But hunching over a laptop in bed or balancing one on your legs is far from an ideal remote work experience.
This is where Remote Mouse allows you to take advantage of your desktop computer’s power and full-sized monitor while controlling it comfortably from your couch or bed.
Mark Stevens of SmallBizGenius explains:
“As someone with chronic back pain, being able to control my desktop computer across the room with just my phone or tablet is a life saver. I can mount my monitor at eye level, use my nice external keyboard and mouse at my desk, thenRemote Mouse gives me the flexibility to work from anywhere in my home office.”
You can utilize the Remote Mouse trackpad to navigate your computer from afar, or use the mobile app’s keyboard when you need to type out emails and documents. For extensive writing sessions, you can even pair an external Bluetooth keyboard with your phone or tablet!
This allows remote workers to maintain an ergonomic desk setup for times they want to sit up straight. But also quickly shift to kicking back on the couch or lying in bed while still maintaining full remote access.
My Hands-On Impressions of Remote Mouse
After hearing about so many great Remote Mouse use cases, I had to try it out myself. I downloaded the mobile app on my iPhone and got the server software running on my Windows 10 desktop.
Connecting the two only took a minute or so, then I was up and running! Here were my experiences using Remote Mouse to control my media PC in the living room:
The touchpad accurately mirrored my mouse pointer position and clicks. Two-finger scrolling also worked smoothly.
Customizing the floating widget buttons was super convenient for media controls like play/pause.
Latency was minimal since I was on the same WiFi network. Definitely usable for most applications.
It took a bit to get used to not having physical feedback while clicking. But the software visuals help.
I loved being able to pull up the keyboard to quickly search YouTube without having to use the clumsy on-screen TV interface.
My shoulder thanked me for not having to hold my arm out to the coffee table for the remote anymore!
While it may not fully replace your mouse and keyboard for intensive computing, Remote Mouse nails convenient casual access. I’m definitely keeping it handy for media playback control and sofa-based work sessions.
Remote Mouse vs. Alternative Apps
Remote Mouse isn’t the only option available if you’re looking to control your computer remotely. Some of the top alternatives include:
Unified Remote – Offers similar media control and integration with smartphone sensors. However, the setup process is more complex compared to Remote Mouse.
TeamViewer – Extremely powerful remote control app, but more focused on remote tech support versus media and gaming uses. There is a noticeable lag.
Chrome Remote Desktop – Seamless experience between Chrome browsers, but lacks the customization and smartphone-to-computer control Remote Mouse enables.
AnyDesk – Provides Remote Mouse-like functionality but lacks mobile app support and has fewer specialty features tailored to media and gaming.
While the remote computer landscape certainly has other options, Remote Mouse provides the perfect blend of easy setup, low latency performance, and custom features purpose-built for home entertainment and work-from-home flexibility.
Remote Mouse Can Seriously Up Your Remote Control Game
After taking Remote Mouse for a hands-on spin myself and seeing rave reviews from other users, I’m convinced this is a must-have smartphone app for anyone needing to control their desktop computer from across the room.
It’s perfect for media playback while lounging on the sofa, turning your phone into a versatile wireless game controller, or working remotely with an ergonomic desk setup.
The free mobile and desktop apps provide enough core functionality for most users‘ needs. But power users can upgrade to the Pro version to remove limits and enable automation macros.
Compared to alternatives, Remote Mouse shines thanks to its painless setup, stellar performance, and customization tailored to consumer entertainment and accessibility needs.
So next time you need to pause your late night Netflix binge but can’t bear to uncover your legs from that oh-so-comfy blanket cocoon, be sure to whip out your phone and let Remote Mouse lend a helping hand! Convenience is just a tap away.
