If you ’ve get a Mac that works with Apple ’s Remote — late Mac laptops , iMacs , and the Mac mini — you know you may use the Remote to control Front Row , as well as to perform introductory functions in iTunes , iPhoto , DVD Player , Keynote , and other applications . But would n’t it be nice if you could use that remote control to do more in those app — and to control other applications , as well ?
As it turn out , a phone number of third - company developers have created public utility company that rent you do just that ; among these utility are iRed Lite , PocketMac Remote , Remote Buddy , Sofa Control , and Telekenesis . But my current favorite is Twisted Melon ’s $ 16 ( $ 33 for three computers)Mira 1.2.8r2 ( ) . Not because it has the most feature ; it does n’t . Rather , because it ’s the easiest to typeset up and use .
( If you ’ve got a Macwithoutan Apple Remote and IR receiver , Twisted Melonsells the Manta TR1[$20 , or $ 32 in a bundle with Mira ] , an infrared receiver that plugs into the USB port of any Mac ; however , you ’ll still require to purchase ” target=”_blank”>Apple ’s $ 29 Remote or Sik ’s $ 20 Rex remote separately . Alternatively , Mira also figure out withseveral third - party infrared frequency receivers . )
Install Mira and it appear as a new pane in System Preferences . In Mira ’s principal cover you ’ll see , on the left , a number of default software configurations — over 60 in all , let in many of the most common Mac apps . ( A utilitarian feature is the power to hide constellation for applications not installed on your Mac . ) you’re able to also tally any other covering by clicking the plus ( + ) release below the list .
This may seem like a confusing raiment of options , but the actions fare ( pictured above ) is clear and apprehensible ; you ’ll be customizing your software configurations in no time . you’re able to also export and import configuration , so you’re able to deal them between Macs .
Mira also let in a few feature for managing the Apple Remote . For example , while the predilection acid is open , each push on the onscreen double of the remote will light up when you constrict the corresponding button on the factual remote , a useful feature for test your “ connection . ” And Mira will alarm you when your remote ’s battery is getting low . you’re able to also stop the distant receiver wholly , so that not even a paired remote can be used with your Mac .
As I noted above , there are other Apple Remote public utility company out there that provide more features ; for illustration , Mira ca n’t currently control the black eye cursor . There are also powerful solutions for controlling your Mac from a mobile telephone via Bluetooth ( Salling Clicker ) or from an iPhone over WiFi ( Remote Buddy ) . But if you ’re just look to get more out of your Apple Remote , Mira extend a well combination of features and ease of use of goods and services .
Mira 1.2.8r2 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher and is a Universal binary .
