Splashtop Remote brings PC experience to mobile devices
This weekend I discovered Splashtop Remote, an application from the makers of Splashtop OS made up of free desktop software and a paid mobile app for Android ($4.99) and iOS ($0.99). Jenn wrote about it on StreakSmart when it was demoed on the Dell Streak at CES 2011 and also covered it on GoodAndEVO as a way to watch Hulu and Netflix on your EVO, but I just tried it over the weekend.
For those that don't know, Splashtop Remote is a VNC/RDP client that allows users to access and control their computer (PC or Mac) remotely through a mobile device running iOS or Android. Users can watch movies (think Netflix, Hulu and Amazon), listen to music (Zune, Rhapsody, etc.), access all of their files and applications, and play PC and Flash games.
Setting up the desktop component, Splashtop Remote Streamer, required a bit of effort for me.
First, I installed Splashtop Remote from the Android Market on my Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Splashtop Remote Streamer on my home computer. The Splashtop Remote Streamer automatically detected my PC's IP address.
Next, I entered the IP address on the Tab and tried to connect.
No dice. A trip to Splashtop Remote’s help page provided me with instructions for connecting over 3G.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have success connecting by setting up port forwarding. Finally, by following the instructions for connecting using a Broadband Router, I was able to connect to my PC.
Splashtop Remote worked well over 3G and even better over WiFi.
Viewing is possible in both landscape and portrait mode, connections can be password-protected, and there's an option to mute your computer so that audio only plays on your mobile device.
I also tested the application on my Thunderbolt while connected to Verizon's 4G LTE network and the results were outstanding. For $4.99, Splashtop Remote is a great value for Android users.
[Splashtop Remote]
