If you happen to have an Android or iOS device, such as a Google Nexus 7, iPod Touch, Samsung Galaxy S4, or iPhone, you might have wondered if it is possible to use it to control other devices, such as your TV, your gaming console, or even your computer. This brief tutorial will explain how you can easily turn your mobile device into a wireless mouse.
For the purposes of this tutorial, we will use an app called WiFi Mouse. It is not the only app that has this functionality, but it serves as a good example of what the technology can do.
1. Download and install WiFi Mouse on your Android or iOS device
2. Download and Install the WiFi Mouse Server on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer
3. Star the Mouse Server app
4. Configure your firewall to allow the app to connect, or manually allow TCP port 1978
5. Start the WiFi Mouse app on your device
6. Click the “Auto Connect” button. If this does not work, type in the IP address of your computer and click “Connect”
If all goes well, you should now be able to control your mouse pointer using your device as a wireless trackpad. You can use the virtual trackpad in portrait or landscape mode (better for widescreen devices). A single tap on the trackpad acts as a left click. A two finger tap acts as a right click, and a three finger tap and hold allows you to drag items. The trackpad also supports two-finger scrolling.
In addition to mouse functionality, you can also use your device’s onscreen keyboard to enter text on your computer. Furthermore, if you have voice input on your Android device, you can use your voice to send text to your computer. Assuming your device supports multitasking, you can always minimize it and use other apps. When you are all done, simply exit the mobile app.
