Filed under: Software, iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
Non-Apple iPhone Keynote controllers
One of the coolest features of the just announced Keynote '09 is the corresponding $0.99 iPhone / iPod touch controller application (iTunes link) which allows you to advance slides, see your notes, and even see your next slide on your mobile device's screen so long as it's connected to the same wifi network. Once I had a look at it, however, I was surprised to discover that there were already several similar applications available in the iTunes store which work with Keynote '08 and even have quite a few more functions.I haven't had a chance to test them all, but there are at least four applications out there including (all iTunes links): Pointer Remote (which also works with PowerPoint) ($0.99), jfControl ($3.99), AirMote ($4.99), and Stage Hand ($7.99). Three of the four require installing a small helper app on your Mac which then interfaces with the iPhone app (AirMote is the exception since it uses the Mac's built-in VNC protocols). Of these, Stage Hand seems to have the most features, including some nifty ones like advancing directly to a particular slide, on-device timers, a highlighter, and a blackout/whiteout function. (Stage Hand presently has limited Keynote '09 compatibility, but they say they're working on it.)
Let us know in the comments what your favorite iPhone / iPod touch based Keynote remote control is.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Hungus said 12:06PM on 1-09-2009
Remote Buddy has been the first one to do this, actually .. in 2007, already!!
http://www.iospirit.com/
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Mark Howell said 12:20PM on 1-09-2009
Remote Buddy is the best. It doesn't just work for Keynote of course. It works for everything. It is well worth the $$$ to purchase.
The only problem with the Remote Buddy iPhone/iPod Touch "app" is that it is Web based instead of an actual application. The URL entry for Remote Buddy on the portable device can get a little hairy at times depending on what you have going on network-wise, but that's a minor problem considering great the product is. I wish IOSpirit would get around to making a full-blown portable application.
Finder said 12:28PM on 1-09-2009
While not for Keynote, this one is amazing for Powerpoint (which, let's be honest, more people still use. This one even shows the slides on the iPhone's screen. Not shabby! Looks like it's on sale for New Year's, too.
iPresenter – http://tr.im/ipresenter (iTunes Link)
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Dave said 1:14PM on 1-09-2009
Slightly OT, but I really don't think the iPod/iPhone is a good remote control. I use a Logitech presenter as it has actual buttons - I don't need to look at the thing to change slides or bring up the next bullet point. It's also got an integrated laser which is handy.
I know you can use the iPod for notes, which might be a good idea for some, but I don't like the idea of watching presentations where someone is constantly looking at his iPod instead of the audience.
Also, small point, but many people are a little nervous when presenting to large groups - sweaty hands and the glossy iPhone are just begging for an expensive and very public dropping.
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Jason Martin said 1:34PM on 1-09-2009
I see your points, and they make sense, but a practiced presenter would easily be able to overcome those obstacles. I think having the notes on the phone so I could subtly refer to them would be a big help (key word being "subtly").
Also, it seems that the gesture commands are simple enough that you wouldn't necessarily have to look at the phone to use them, especially simple tasks like advancing slides or activating effects. I've learned to do many tasks on the iPhone without having to look at the phone because I know where on the screen I need to touch. I don't think this would be much different.
Mike said 1:15PM on 1-09-2009
The ability to draw on slides similar to a tablet on the iPhone would be PERFECT.
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floe said 1:32PM on 1-09-2009
snatch is pretty nice. bought it like a month ago and is very very neat!
used remote-buddy for some time on my old htc phone but...snatch is my preference. its worth the money but targets a different market, i think
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vivek venugopal said 3:14PM on 1-09-2009
Another alternative is Keymote: http://manas.tungare.name/projects/keymote/
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Bill Tilstone said 3:18PM on 1-09-2009
I downloaded it and it doesn't work!!! Loaded and reloaded. (and I AM using KN9 fully paid for not trial version). Oh well, back to the old reliable Front Row remote ...
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SubGenius said 3:29PM on 1-09-2009
Almost every review on the AppStore for Keynote Remote has the same complaint..."Keynote Remote is not good solution because there isn't a WiFi network in many locations."
However, every Mac has the ability to create it's own WiFi network.
Simply select "Create Network..." from the Airport menu.
No need to carry an Airport Express and it can even be password protected.
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Bill Tilstone said 8:53AM on 1-11-2009
Did all that. iPhone with app running finds the MacBook but not KeyNote :-(
I'd like to use it because of the next slide preview functionality but looks like a case of too bad, Apple.
OMGBLAKE said 5:30PM on 1-09-2009
So, if I use airport to create a wireless network without even being plugged into ethernet, can I still use the Official Keynote controller?
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Jonathan Perkins said 5:59PM on 1-10-2009
You CAN create your own wireless network from your Macbook or MBP without needing any Internet connection - and still use controllers- just did it today!
epaminos said 7:21PM on 1-09-2009
I' ve tried them all and believe Pointer Remote is the best!!!
Apple's new app costs a lot for nothing!
I expected more from apple!!! There is no remote pointer, no highlighter, sliding after few scrolls gets tedious (not a single button press) and the transitions/effects are not shown on the iphone.
As I teach using presentations everyday, I 'd like to see more!!!
For example a full keynote viewer for the iphone, with tv-out support, so that I don't have to carry my macbook all time and no need exporting my presentations to .mov files with low resolutions.
I don't like exporting to images, as I lose the transitions and the effects!!! My lessons are given on a tv through apple universal dock, component cable and apple remote!
Please apple, full keynote viewer!!!
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Dan Sheerman said 7:44PM on 1-09-2009
Alternatively, if you're in line of sight of whatever your presenting with, the Apple remote works just fine for me...? Then you're all set to have notes to read from on the iPhone as well =)
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Jason S said 11:17PM on 1-09-2009
Umm.. what about:
- Touchpad Elite
- Mocha VNC
- Jaadu VNC
- iTap
- Wifi Touchpad
...
All of these can be used to control Keynote and a whole lot more. Personally I like the Jaadu VNC / Touchpad Elite interface the best (since it has gestures for next/previous AND you can slide the mouse around easily too), but YMMV.
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kenc29 said 11:21PM on 1-09-2009
I used to use the free version of Snatch. It's just a trackpad with a mouse button to click thru your slides remotely. It's nice because you can turn down the screen brightness really dark, which is good in a dark room when you are holding it in your hand.
I then bought the Stage Hand app, because it's incredible with its spotlight feature. Just great.
The iPhone Keynote remote looks fine, but it's between Snatch and StageHand, and is priced accordingly.
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thatsexytoddguy said 11:38PM on 1-09-2009
iTap is the best by far.
It is your trackpad in your hand. Not only is it great for keynote and PowerPoint, but its great for using expose or itunes or just about anything.
Plus the connection is easy. More simple than any app I have used.
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Tim said 2:21AM on 1-10-2009
Speaking of which, anyone notice that Phil did not use an iPhone to control his keynote? Seems like a missed opportunity for product placement :(
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DT said 1:26PM on 1-10-2009
Thanks for all your comments, I'll stick with the remote.
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