The Mac mini makes a great media center computer. As a matter of fact I've got one mounted on the wall in my recreation/workout area above an LCD HDTV that's also mounted on the wall up high. So needless to say a wired keyboard and mouse is out of the question and while Apple makes a good bluetooth wireless keyboard/mouse, using my iPhone or iPod touch to control this Mac is much easier at times and takes up a lot less space. This is where an app like HippoRemote would come in.
A WiFi Universal Remote
Well not quite, but HippoRemote takes advantage of the built-in Screen Sharing capabilities of Mac OS X or the various VNC apps for Windows to allow you to control your computer right from the palm of your hand.
Easy and Secure Setup
Since the app is taking advantage of Mac OS X's (I'm a Mac user, yes it works on Windows too) built-in Screen Sharing, all I had to do was enable it in the System Prefs. This also allows you (forces you) to use a password to access the screen sharing. Again making it more secure so that not just anybody on your network can take control of things. Once I turned on Screen Sharing, the HippoRemote app was able to see my Mac over the network and login instantly.
It's a Trackpad, Keyboard and more
I love that there was nothing to install on the computer itself (one less app to keep updated), but this is a double edged sword. While you have the convenience of not having to install anything, this means that HippoRemote has no idea what's actually running on your computer.
However, HippoRemote does support Profiles! So once you're in the App you want to use, you can bring up the appropriate HippoRemote Profile which will give you the buttons and controls you need for that app! Cool feature.
So all the ones you would expect are ther like DVD Player, Front Row, Hulu Desktop, Boxee, etc.
Yep, there are some Windows ones too 
Logins are great!
Having to key in a user name and password on screen is a pain. Luckily HippoRemote supports creating custom Logins for the sites that you visit often. This way, you can just navigate to entertainment site of your choice and hit one button to log in. Speaking of Logins, it also remembers the passwords for the Screen Sharing computers that you use this with. So you don't have to key them in each time. This also means that the app can be used with multiple computers (not simultaneously).
Before you ask about controlling a computer over the internet, let me remind you that you don't get to see the display of the computer you're controlling via the app. So even if you do log in over the internet, you wouldn't be able to see what you're doing. If you need that capability, then check out the Mocha VNC app.
The Bottom Line
I really like the fact that at least on the Mac no additional server software is required. Just enabled the built-in screen sharing that's right in the OS. However, I must admit that I found the interface of the app itself to be less than intuitive. While it does work, it did take me a few minutes to figure out what does what. All-in-all it's good app that does what it says. Also because there is no server software installed on your computer the app has no way of knowing what's running. So this means that the interface can't change based on what you're doing (ie. playing a movie, using iTunes or Front Row). A little more polish on the UI (user interface) and we'll have a real winner here. But, don't wait! This app is really good in it's current form and solves the problem.
You can get HippoRemote here from the App Store:
They also make a Basic Version here:
HippoRemote
HippoRemote allows you to use your iPhone/iPod touch as a wifi wireless remote to control your Mac or PC. Great for media center applications.
- RoboHippo LLC
- Get on App Store
- $4.99
All info was collected on 22nd December, 2009 when the app was reviewed.
About Terry White
Terry is the co-author of The Best Selling "The iPhone Book" 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions. He has been active in the industry for over 25 years and is the founder and president of MacGroup-Detroit, Inc., Michigan's largest Macintosh Users Group, host of the Adobe Creative Suite Podcast and a technology writer - Terry White Tech Blog.
Hi Terry,
How do you feel this app compares to Air Mouse Pro (which I already own) or the numerous other mouse/remote control type apps available? Is it possible to create additional or custom profiles & buttons? Thanks!
Stefan
Hi Stefan,
I also have Air Mouse Pro and I like them both! However, I do really like that nothing extra has be installed on the host computer when using Hippo. You can create Macros for the apps, but not Profiles.
I have both also. Although it's nice that you don't have to install anything for HippoRemote, that means that it's a lot less capable than Air Mouse Pro. It doesn't support application notifications, which is an amazing feature in AMP. Also, it means that HR will always just be a trackpad app and the amount of features they'll be able to add down the line will be severely limited. I much prefer air mouse for those reasons and many others, but HR is a pretty nice app too.
Hi, I'm the developer of HippoRemote. We're currently beta testing the ability to create your own profiles. The beta is open to anyone – just email us. We've already got a number of user generated profiles available (like one for EyeTV).
Also, we do have our own host software that enables additional functionality. But we don't require you to install it, unlike a lot of the other iPhone remote apps. Many people don't need the extra functionality, so we don't force them to run yet another piece of software on their computers.
Thanks for the review, Terry!
Hi Terry,
First of all, sorry for other comments than Hippo, but as noob here i take the time to ask about one thing in your -very good- book, The iPhone Book-2nd.Ed. Well i tried to look for: How to transfer Ringtone to the iPhone? And did'nt found nothing about. I think you deserve some kind of excerpt were we can download to our PC/Mac in a step by step mode.
Many thanks for your excelent good exposure in The iPhone Book! A must have for anyone.
Happy New Year.
Kind Regards,
Ayres.
Ayres,
Here’s a method to do it right in iTunes:
http://tinyurl.com/6xgsm6
I tried both Air Mouse and Hippo Remote Pro.
AM really is unusable able. Yes it has the add bonus of knowing what my current program is but its really not designed as a HTPC companian. It’s more of a half way house between remote desktop and wireless k+M.
Also it force you the use certain words on the main menu, for example, it force you to have a “menu” button but dude that’s not how XBMC works. XBMC has a quit menu and a in-movie control menu but it no in navigation menu.
It’s a total mess. Hippo Mouse also has the weakness of not very customizable. As a matter of fact I can’t get the customization working for now. But it has enough build in menu to be usable.
I don’t think its better than my 5 buck cheap Chinese USB remote but I would use it alone side the USB remote.
All I want its 1) auto login without asking me which TV to control 2) a single control screen that has all the control and 3) Renamable buttons that I am all set.