From time to time, you stumble across a tool which is particularly useful. This term can be applied to Remote Buddy, which is a remote control application for your Mac. Sound boring? Think of this scenario. Try and get hold of an old PowerPC based Mac Mini and then set this Mac Mini as an iTunes-based audio server. Next, buy one or two Airport Express devices and connect these up to your hi-fi, TV or even directly to your self-powered speakers. Next, grab a remote control - better still, an iPod Touch - and then install Remote Buddy. Remote Buddy will turn this iPod Touch in to a WiFi based remote controller for your audio, so you can connect to your Mac Mini, wirelessly, and control your audio tracks.

Remote Buddy will enable you to change the volume, move to another track and even rate each track whilst you are listening. This really would impress your friends as they'll have no idea how you can use your iPod Touch to control audio that's currently playing through your hi-fi!

25 Jan 2008