A keyboard and a mouse are not the most convenient options when you want to control your PC or Mac from the comfort of your couch without having to move too many muscles. A game controller might be the first thought popping into your mind, but did you know your smartphone can do the trick?
By taking the help of a few applications, you can transform your smartphone into input devices for your computer. For example, your phone can double as a mouse, keyboard, webcam, microphone, or even a second display. Read along to find out how you can set this up.
Install Remote Mouse to use your smartphone as a mouse, trackpad, and keyboard for your computer
The versatile touchscreen of your smartphone can morph into a virtual keyboard or spacious trackpad for your MacBook or PC without much effort. But, first, you need to download and install an application that makes remote control possible, such as Remote Mouse.
You can control your computer wirelessly via your smartphone, thanks to such applications. For example, with the help of Remote Mouse, you can make your smartphone act like a full-screen trackpad or let it display media controls so you can quickly access options like play and pause. After installing this app on your phone and computer, it will only take a few seconds for both your devices to connect, and then it will work automatically via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The home page of the application functions similarly to a basic trackpad. Swipe on the right edge of the screen to scroll or single-click to select specific items. You’ll also find a wide range of tools on the bottom like media player, touch keyboard, browser shortcuts, etc. Even tabs are dedicated to special keyboard keys like shortcuts to apps that are currently live on your desktop and function row.
While the application is free to use, you need to pay a premium to unlock its exclusive features. Also, to enjoy an ad-free experience.
Install DroidCam and turn your smartphone to a mic and webcam for your computer
Compared to the webcam on your computer or laptop, your smartphone’s camera is likely to be 10X times better. Fortunately, you can use the camera and microphone of your smartphone to attend video conferences or calls on your Mac or Windows PC. All you need is DroidCam, and your smartphone will be transformed into a webcam and mic for your computer. In addition, you don’t have to bother yourself with cables because DroidCam works wirelessly.
Besides these, DroidCam offers other notable features. For instance, it works silently in the background, so you don’t have to keep your smartphone’s screen turned on. It also augments voice input quality because it has excellent noise isolation features. If you are using the premium version of the app, you can even edit the different properties of your video, including contrast and brightness.
An alternative to DroidCam is Iriun. The latter is well-suited for Mac users, and it covers all the important tools you will need to transform your smartphone into a webcam. You can even wireless stream your phone’s back and front camera and transmit the microphone unit. In addition, this application prevents the smartphone’s battery from drowning by running in the background and dimming the screen’s brightness.
Install Duet Display application to use your smartphone as a second monitor
When working on your computer, your smartphone’s screen needn’t be idle. Install the Duet Display application to turn your smartphone into an external monitor. Then, you can leverage the additional screen and use it to expand your desktop. Therefore, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on getting an external monitor because your smartphone takes care of that for you.
Duet Display is designed and developed by ex-Apple engineers, and the tool delivers a retina display of sixty frames per second. In addition, the app guarantees zero lag so that you can enjoy a smooth experience.
Thanks to Duet Display, your phone will behave like a second monitor to your Mac or PC. You can operate it via the already connected accessories to your computer, or you can touch your smartphone’s screen.
What’s more, the app’s settings enable users to customize several performance properties. For example, you can prioritize battery life or screen resolution. Also, you can move windows between your computer and smartphone without a fuss.
Wrapping up
So, these are some of the applications you must download and install to easily transform your smartphone to input devices for your Mac or Windows PC. Thanks to these applications, you can wireless control your computer without getting up from the comfort of your couch. Everything is possible with these apps, from using your smartphone as a keyboard and trackpad to mouse and webcam.