RemoteBuddy
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Remote Buddy exemplifies the need for a universal remote
Pictured above, dear readers, is all the proof you need that a universal remote really is the best option if you have 4+ units that you use on a regular basis. This borderline-comical storage unit has enough room for four of your favorite clickers and one ice cold beverage, but oddly enough, there's no basket for holding your day-old tater tots or marginally stale Fritos. Still, it does boast a built-in panel that will automatically buzz a lost remote in case you misplace it, which totally makes up for any other oversights in design. Of course, we'd recommend putting the $59.98 that this costs towards a decent universal remote, but at least this piece is less embarrassing than the infamous Remote Wrangler.[Thanks, Juergen]
Remote Buddy 1.10 offers iTunes streaming to iPhone / iPod touch
I've long been a fan of Remote Buddy, which originally started as an Apple remote utility. Over time, however, it's developed considerably and some time back added support for controlling your Mac with the iPhone / iPod touch via a built-in web server. Version 1.10 takes this to the next level and offers iTunes streaming to your iPhone or iPod touch via wifi (among the changes). While there have been several ways to accomplish remote playback on the iPhone, Remote Buddy works particularly well with playlists and albums. In addition, the new version improves support for controlling playback to multiple Airport Expresses.Remote Buddy is €19.99 (~$31) and a demo is available.[via iPhone Atlas]
Remote Buddy adds iPhone support
We've mentioned Remote Buddy quite a few times over the last year as what was originally just an Apple Remote utility seems to gain features at a steady pace. First they added Wiimote support and now maker IOSPIRIT has announced iPhone compatibility. In some ways it's similar to Telekinesis which we mentioned before, in that it's basically a mini-web server that runs on, and gives you control of, your Mac through iPhone Safari. It generates little iPhone optimized web pages which give you access to several modules: Remote control (emulates Apple Remote to control Remote Buddy) Trackpad Keyboard Menu (browse Remote Buddy's menu) Music Now playing (in iTunes) Movies EyeTV Presumably, however, this "AJAX remote" would work with other web browsers as well. With these steady improvements Remote Buddy seems to set the standard for Apple Remote utilities.Remote Buddy is €19.99 (~$28) and a demo is available.Thanks, digitalintrigue!
Use an Apple Remote with older hardware
Iyaz Akhtar over at theappleblog points to a nifty little device from Twisted Melon called the Manta TR1, which enabled the Apple IR remote on any older Mac via USB. Just plug in the Manta to a free USB port and your old G4, etc. can rock with an Apple Remote, just like the newest Intel Macs. The Manta is meant to work with Twisted Melon's own Mira Apple Remote software, which we mentioned earlier. In addition, the Manta hardware supports IR blasting (to control other devices) but that functionality is not "used with Mira at this time." Check out Iyaz's original post for more info on RF Remotes.The Manta TR1 sells for $19.99, and Mira runs $15.95, or you can get them bundled together for $32 from the Twisted Melon store. Of course you'll also need an Apple Remote if you don't have one already; they run $29 from Apple.Update: chanting over and over again, "Manta"
Remote Buddy supports Wiimote
We've previously mentioned my favorite Apple Remote utility Remote Buddy, but the just-released RC1 adds support for the Nintendo Wiimote in addition to a variety of other supported remotes (including obviously the Apple Remote as well as offerings from Keyspan and Griffin). We've also previously mentioned several hacks, but this is (to my knowledge) the first commercial program to support the Wiimote as a useful input device.A while back I looked at several of the Apple remote utilities, but I finally settled on Remote Buddy as being the most flexible. It includes a variety of control sets for popular programs (e.g. iTunes, VLC, QuickTime Player), without compromising access to Front Row. Perhaps my favorite thing about Remote Buddy, however, is the keyboard and cursor emulation, which I often use to scroll on screen text when I'm leaned back and reading. Remote Buddy is shareware and runs 9.99 Euros (~$13) while in beta, but will increase to 19.99 Euros upon release (which is presumably coming soon given the release candidate). I definitely recommend it. What remote utility do you use?
Remote Buddy
Now that most Macs come with a remote, don't you wish you could do a little bit more with it? Now you can, thanks to Remote Buddy. This hand little application lets you control a number of items on your Mac through the magic of Behaviours, which are plugins for Remote Buddy.Check out their website for a cool video showing off some of the features. There is a 30 day demo available, while a full version will cost € 9,99 (usually € 14,99 but there is a sale if you buy before version 1.0 is released).
