Get More From the Apple Remote

ByMike Moffit

MacTreat #26

All Intel Macs (with the exception of the Mac Pro) ship with a small Apple Remote, which is intended to control Apple’s Front Row application. Over the weekend, Kali reported that Apple posted a tip that mentioned that you can use the Apple Remote to control your Keynote ‘08 applications. The problem is that Apple has never released a Keynote ‘08 – or any other ‘08 program. Right now we have iWork ‘06 (which includes an 06 version of Keynote) as well as iLife ‘06. Interesting…

Just so you know, the Apple Remote will definitely control ‘06 Keynote presentations from across the room on Intel Macs. The gist of the tip is correct.

You can also use the Apple Remote with other applications. For example, you can use it to control slide shows in iPhoto, QuickTime, DVD Player, and audio in iTunes. The latest version of VLC is compatible with the Apple Remote. You can also use the Apple Remote to control iPods that are docked in compatible iPod docks (all full-sized iPod docks have been compatible since 2006.)

There are also a number of third party applications that will allow configuration of the Apple Remote’s buttons. Check out:

Remote Buddy

Sofa Control

Mira

You can also use the Apple remote on to put Intel-based iMacs, MacBooks, MacBook Pros, Intel Mac Minis, Apple TVs or docked iPods to into sleep mode. Do this by holding down the Play/Pause button on the Apple Remote. You can then wake these Macs by pressing any button on the remote.

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