Filed under: iPhone, App Store, iPod touch
Logitech gives away free wireless mouse and keyboard (it's an app)
Peripheral manufacturer Logitech has released a free app that lets you turn your iPhone or iPod touch (or probably even your iPad, if you're Stephen Colbert) into a wireless mouse and keyboard. The free TouchMouse app [iTunes Link] is perfect for those situations where you've connected your Mac to a TV and want a way to control it from the comfy confines of your favorite couch.There are actually two components to TouchMouse; the iPhone app and the Logitech TouchMouse Server software. The latter comes in Mac OS X and Windows (XP, Vista, and 7) versions, and must be installed on the Mac or PC in order to "host" the virtual mouse and keyboard created by TouchMouse.
The "mouse" has three buttons for your "clicking" pleasure, and uses the majority of your iPhone screen as a touchpad. With the touch of a button, you can bring up a keyboard to type on your Mac or PC.
There are other apps that can do the same thing if you're not a fan of Logitech. Air Mouse Pro [US$1.99, iTunes Link] is probably the most powerful and popular Wi-Fi mouse in the App Store, while Rowmote Pro [US$4.99, iTunes Link] has a large and vocal fan following. If you're looking for free (and who isn't?), Logitech's TouchMouse app can give you a taste of remote control at absolutely no cost.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ChrisF said 8:40AM on 2-02-2010
Works very nicely with my macbook pro, however, I had a problem with an old G4 Powerbook on which the server application did not start, ie crash immediately - anyone else with that problem?
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thelongmile said 8:50AM on 2-02-2010
I got this a day or so after it came out and I have to say it works brilliantly. No issues with the server software at all and the program on the iphone works great. It supports a limited amount of multitouch, i.e. two finger scrolling and is VERY fast and responsive, so very pleased with this. Would be interesting to see if they expand it with some media buttons as that would enhance it no end. Used on a 3G S.
@ChrisF I've had no problems, but have you tried using something like amnesia to remove the app and it's library files, then reinstall?
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djidji.perroto said 8:56AM on 2-02-2010
Am I missing something or is this thing opening up my [unix] machine to whoever has an iPod touch on the local network?
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thelongmile said 9:00AM on 2-02-2010
from what I can see it opens a specific port set and "half" uses bonjour so to speak, though i can't see what port set yet
Mike said 8:57AM on 2-02-2010
I use an app called TouchPad (which I believe is about $5). It works flawlessly and requires absolutely no installed software - it's technically a VNC app, but much quicker and more stable since it doesn't transmit the display, only mouse and keyboard.
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Hilken said 10:26AM on 2-02-2010
TouchPad is actually $3.99 and we had great reviews from users. It also supports multi-touch (2, 3, 4 fingers gestures), has a keyboard an a Front Row remote. iTunes link: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/touchpad/id297623931?mt=8
Sorry for the comments hijacking!
T. said 9:07AM on 2-02-2010
The server install, while simple, is a kludge.
I'd rather go the VNC route. Mocha VNC Lite has a full screen keyboard button, and it appears the pay version has a full screen mouse button. I'm sure there's other VNC apps that provide the same keyboard & mouse functionality, and toss in the video as an additional bonus over Logitech's app.
It's just easier, and less to remember to update if you just check a box in Preferences to turn on apple's built in VNC rather than download a specialized server from a 3rd party.
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T. said 9:09AM on 2-02-2010
Mike beat me to it, and with a better VNC option as well.
Kev orng said 9:11AM on 2-02-2010
U.S. only. Boo!
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Mr Lizard said 5:14PM on 2-02-2010
Really? I'm in the UK and I downloaded it fine!
http://www.thecongo.co.uk/itunes_screen.png
(icon bottom left)
Travis said 7:15PM on 2-03-2010
Not available in Canada! Must be some Canadian content law. Or a patent. Or a CRTC regulation. Really. I can't imagine what reason could exist for it to be in the US and the UK store (and likely others?) and not the Canadian store.
Kev orng said 8:42PM on 2-02-2010
Why does Logitech hate Canada!?!
MC SE7EN said 9:46AM on 2-02-2010
Am I the only one who kept getting it so that no matter what I did it would act like the Command key was held down? After a minute of use, the Command key would just stay stuck on, even if I turned it off. Got rid of it.
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Marcos said 9:53AM on 2-02-2010
TouchPad Pro is a pretty good app for the same thing and just finds your Mac using Bonjour and controls it via VNC. No need to install anything on the Mac. In my opinion, a big advantage.
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Fortepianissimo said 10:17AM on 2-02-2010
Can anyone tell me which port I should poke open in my firewall? I installed both the iTouch server (on OS X 10.6.2) and the TouchMouse app on my iPhone. My iPhone can see the server but cannot connect to it.
Help!
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Justin said 11:31AM on 2-02-2010
My personal preference: Snatch. I may give this a look since it's free.
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Griffin said 11:44AM on 2-02-2010
Same here, the app finds my MacBook Pro but I cannot connect to it. But it works with my XP though.
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Brian said 11:54AM on 2-02-2010
i use and love Jaadu VNC. definitely not free but full-featured and rock solid.
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jonathan said 5:55PM on 2-02-2010
This is cool, but I'd like the same thing for my PS3. I don't use my comp on a TV very often.
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Liberty For ALL! said 12:39PM on 2-02-2010
Yes a VNC option is better, IMHO, and does not require ANOTHER separate process running on the Mac...
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