iPhone/iPod Touch As A Home Theater Remote Control

I like to stream music from my office’s iMac to an Airport Express in my living room. Until today, I was using an RF ATI Remote Wonder (basically, a traditional remote control). But Remote Buddy’s amazing new interaction with the iPhone blows this set-up away.

Using AJAX (via iPhone’s Safari), the interface allows total VISUAL control over playlists, albums, artists, etc…basically, it’s an amazing iTunes remote control. I’ve used it over both WiFi and Edge connections with quick response. Laying in my hammock outside, playing wireless DJ is an almost luxurious experience with the iPhone’s stunning display. In addition, you can control which speakers Airtunes streams to should you be using an Airport Express like me.

Setting it up is simple…just run RB on the Mac you want to control. Password is optional in the Preferences.

Remote Buddy’s developers have a wonderful, interactive page detailing the new full remote functionality…I just plan to use it with iTunes. But it’s worth checking out as a ridiculously attractive HTPC remote for VLC, Front Row, Quicktime, DVD Player, etc.. There’s a fully-functioning 30 day demo period to check it out…after that it’s a not-inexpensive 19.99 €.

P.S. For complete remote control over a Mac with an iPhone (file browsing, media streaming over the internet, & much more), I cannot recommend Telekinesis enough. It’s freeware (from the developer of Quicksilver, no less) and still in Alpha.