Technology is such a powerful thing. You build up a list of things the iPhone can do and then right when you think “that’s about it,” up pops another feature. For most regular users, the iPhone is a smartphone that texts, calls, connect to the internet, plays games, music, videos, video chats, etc. but then, for a few of us, it serves one more purpose.
The iPhone is often used as a remote control to connect with a lot of gadgets. You probably know that the iPhone can remotely control the music playing on iTunes (on Mac/PC), but then, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With the use of iPhone as a remote control, you can control a plethora of gadgets around you. From burglar alarm systems to your Xbox, the iPhone becomes the perfect universal remote control through specific apps. More after the jump!
10 Popular Things You Can Control with your iPhone
Here’s a list of 10 popular things you can control with your iPhone as a remote. Oh, note that this is just a “tip of the iceberg” list anyway. There are countless things you can control with your iPhone. We just drew up a list of ten here.
#1. Apple TV
Well, this is as simple as it can get. Apple’s Remote app lets you control your Apple TV from anywhere within the Wi-Fi range. This puts things in perspective as you can scroll through all the content on your Apple TV right from your iPhone, play/pause, FF and do much much more without having to look for the original remote again.
Even better, with iOS 11 or later, you can control your Apple TV right from Control Center on your iPhone.
#2. iTunes
On your Mac/PC, with the Remote app, you can control your iTunes library from iPhone. And by control, we don’t just mean play/pause/rewind/shuffle music. We’re talking about looking up the next song in the list, creating Genius Playlists right from your iPhone… yeah, we’re talking a full-fledged control here.
#3. HomeKit Enabled Devices
Controlling HomeKit-enabled devices is dead simple with iPhone. You can seamlessly control almost everything that exists in your paradise. From light, AC, ceiling fan, lock to thermostat, you will be able to fine-tune them right from your iOS device.
#4. Smart TVs
Samsung, Viera, LG, Sony, Panasonic and quite a bunch of other smart TV manufacturers release apps for the iPhone that turns your smartphone into a powerful remote. This benefits in two ways: you don’t have to keep using the remote anymore and you don’t have to worry about line-of-sight for the IR remotes. Because the iPhone remote works over WiFi, you are eventually controlling your TV from anywhere in your house.
#5. PowerPoint and Keynote Presentations
Apps like MyPoint and Keynote Remote enable you to control those jazzy presentations you make right from your smartphone. You carry your iPhone all the time with you, anyway, so why bother holding another tiny remote when you can get things done with what you already have?
#6. Desktop, Mac
Ah, this is where things get most interesting right. Well, VNC apps for the iPhone aren’t new and these have been here for long. You can use basic software like Team Viewer and then tie up your Mac/PC to your iPhone – and control it amazingly.
#7. Home Stereo
The home stereo scene is pretty defragmented but check out if your home stereo provides an app that lets you control music on it through your iPhone! Some players let you control music through Bluetooth but most modern stereo setups come with an app and with Wi-Fi support: well, that pretty much does it, right!
#8. VLC Media Player
The VLC Remote for iPhone is an awesome little app that helps you control the VLC player on your Mac/PC. There’s a free version which is pretty much enough to get thing rolling. If you use VLC a lot, this would complete the package.
#9. Xbox Media Center
I’m not quite sure if a lot of people use the Media Center on Xbox (XBMC) but you can control the XBMC directly from your iPhone using the official app.
10. Smart Speaker
Smart speakers have become a huge craze these days. Powered by virtual assistant, they are designed to not just entertain you with superb music but also read news, say jokes and call, send messages and more. Using your iPhone, you can spotlessly control your smart speaker like, Sonos One and HomePod.
That’s all, friends!
Stay tuned!
There are several pretty smart remote apps like AnyMote and SURE that can let you control a variety of things like DVD, set-top box, media player, air conditioning and more. If you are in quest of some handy apps to deal with a number of things, do check them out. Clearly, your iPhone is more than just a phone.
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