Gmote

Gmote is a superb program. From previously owning a iPod Touch 2G for over a year and having been used to using the superb software AirMouse during that period I have gotten used to controlling my Computers Media collection from afar. I was hoping for another similar program to allow me to do this on Android.

Gmote turns Android into a remote control for a computer, allowing users to run movies and music at a distance. It supports all of the standard remote control features such as play, pause, rewind, volume controls etc. It also has a built-in file browser that lets you select what to play.

Gmote is infact, in my opinion, far better than AirMouse even though it’s a free Application. I would infact be happy to pay up to £4.99 to use this product once it’s a bit more polished with a prettier UI. But you can’t fault it’s current achievements!

Initial Impressions

Not a very pretty application. But in theory it would be one of the must haves for any PC user.

Application Indepth

The Gmote program itself is a fairly simple concept of connecting to your Computer over Wifi, or even 3G if your Router allows it, and sends back and forth information between the two devices. However you should note that to run Gmote you need to install both the application onto your mobile device as well as a special installation onto your Computer (You can find this at http://gmote.org).

When using this program myself I was able to completely ignore the TCP and UDP port however on the Gmote site their are numerous FAQs to help anyone with an issue. Furthermore via the Desktop counterpart containing a quick and option to find out your local IP it was very easy to have it up and running.

As you can see while the UI isn’t that impressive the concept behind the application is. The program allows you to view and explore your entire computer directory (You can add handy shortcuts to Video directories) and it’s as easy as pressing a video and as long as your PC can play the video normally then it will open into the Gmotes own Java Video player.

Once again the UI let’s this amazing application down slightly by not having onboard controls for the PC player or a timeline bar enabling you to pinpoint a spot to go to. Otherwise however it makes your mobile into an amazing controller with practically limitless possiblities!

There are a few other beta features such as streaming the video to your mobile, I myself couldn’t get this to work and nor do I see it being useful since I feel if you have a computer surely the screen on there will be bigger than on your mobile device. Furthermore a keyboard and touch pad are included in the program along with a browser for finding videos on Youtube etc!

Closing Comment

A superb application which everyone with a PC should want to get. It’s currently free and in my opinion if the UI was sharpened up and it enabled you to use your own media player this would easily be worth $4.99