Using Your Android Phone as a PowerPoint Remote Control
Introduction:
A PowerPoint presentation remote control is a convenient tool, and while inexpensive, it's easy to forget or find with a dead battery. In such cases, you can use your Android phone as a functional alternative. While you'll miss the laser pointer, other core features work perfectly. This guide works across Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android systems.
Overview:
This setup transforms your Android phone into a remote control for your presentation in just a few minutes. The following steps are demonstrated on a Windows computer and Android phone but are similar for other operating systems.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Step 1: Install the Unified Remote App on Your Smartphone
The Unified Remote app converts your Android phone into a universal remote. It can control Windows, Mac, and Linux computers and comes preloaded with support for 90+ programs, including mouse and keyboard functions, media players, presentations, and file management.
Action: Download and install the Unified Remote app from Google Play.
Step 2: Install the Unified Remote Server Software on Your Computer
To enable control, you must install the server software on the computer that will run the presentation.
Action: Download the Unified Remote Server from the official website and install it on your presentation computer.
Verification: After installation, ensure the server is running (its icon will appear in the system tray). Double-click the icon to open its status page (e.g.,
http://localhost:9510/web/) and check for any errors.
Step 3: Pair Your Android Phone with the Computer
A Bluetooth connection is required for communication.
Action: Ensure Bluetooth is turned on and set to discoverable on both your Android phone and Windows PC. Then, pair the two devices.
Step 4: Connect from Your Android Phone to Control the Presentation
Prerequisites Checklist:
Unified Remote App installed on the phone.
Unified Remote Server running on the computer.
Successful Bluetooth pairing.
Connection Steps:
Open the Unified Remote app on your Android phone.
Tap Menu > Servers and select your computer from the list.
Tap Menu > Remotes and choose the "Slideshow" remote.
This remote allows you to: Go to next/previous slides, start/end the slideshow, jump to a specific slide, and toggle fullscreen mode.
Additional Options:
You can also select other remotes for specific functions like basic mouse control, media playback, keyboard input, or power management.
Where to Get the App
Download the Unified Remote app from:
Google Play (Android)
Apple Store (iOS)
Microsoft Store (Windows)
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