iThingy app – JumiMouse+

A couple of years ago, I downloaded an app for my iPod called JumiMouse+. I found it because I was looking for a remote desktop app to control my laptop, and although this wasn't exactly what I was looking for at the time, it turned out it was better than what I wanted.

In order for the app to work, JumiMouse+ requires a server application, JumiController, to be running on your PC. It can sometimes be problematic connecting the iPod to the PC, but this is usually the fault of the firewall or your router. This app works both internally and externally, meaning your iPhone could be in the same room or in China and it will work just the same.

A few months later, JumiTech released an app called JumiTap, later branded JumiRemotes, which is now integrated into JumiMouse+. This allowed the user to create their own remote controls for specific applications, or download user-submitted remotes from JumiTech's gallery. Essentially, this means you can plug your laptop into your TV and run Windows Media Center using the remote control I made for it. Or you could play VisualBoyAdvance with a Game Boy controller rather than the keyboard. Or you could present a PowerPoint presentation without the need to go and press a button on the laptop after every slide.

I've spent a fair amount of time designing the three remotes I mentioned above, plus remotes for Spotify and Windows Live Photo Gallery. There will be more in the making when I get some free time!

   

That’s the VisualBoy Advance remote on the left, and the PowerPoint one on the right.

There are so many uses for this app, and best of all, it's free! (Though to get rid of the ads you should consider buying JumiMouse+) If there is not a remote to suit your needs, it's not too difficult to make one yourself if you're technologically minded.

JumiTech have released JumiRemotes for Android, if you're that way inclined.

If you want to find out more, visit www.jumitech.com or go to my other blog at djjumi.blogspot.com, where I’ve made a semi-useful remote to control the Windows 8 start screen.