An Old Favorite: iTeleport; VNC Done Right
by Tim Chaten
October 27, 2010
A VNC client app for iOS, iTeleport, has some amazing features that really take advantage of the platform.
VNC is a protocol used by computers to access them remotely. It allow access to a computer's screen, including cursor and keyboard control using another device. There are some limitations to VNC. The big ones include no audio, and very slow video playback. Beyond those limitations, it is pretty amazing technology. One great thing about iTeleport is the developers have made it very simple to setup on Mac or Windows. The app uses your Google account to access your Mac or Windows machine anywhere in the world. What this means is that over 3G, with practically zero configuration, I can access my Mac mini at home.
There are many unique and cool ways to use iTeleport. The first way is to use it to access webpages that include Flash. The developers have put a ton of thought into making your desktop operating system touch friendly. The app includes a touchscreen mode, and includes an onscreen button to show or hide the keyboard. There is also easy access to the function and command keys. The app will even run in the background so you can jump in and out of the app (this functionality will be available for the iPad in November).
The app is also fantastic for discovering machines on a local network. For instance I can actually VNC into a hacked Apple TV to view and interact with it from my iPad. Any VNC server running on the local network can be discovered.
I also use iTeleport on my iPad to turn it into a mobile workstation. I accomplish this by pairing a Bluetooth keyboard with my iPad and by hooking it up to an external monitor. As expected, the Mac or Windows screen will appear on the external monitor. The makers of iTeleport have gone beyond a simple display output and enabled the iPad to become a huge giant trackpad and your Bluetooth keyboard will also work as your keyboard.
The thought that went into the app is evident here. There are two versions of the app available; an iPad-only version for $19.99, and a universal version for $24.99. Though the universal costs more, I’d recommend buying that one so you can run it on all your iOS devices. Who knows, maybe in the future the universal version will run on the new AppleTV, only time will tell…
Are you using iTeleport? I’d love to hear how in the comments.
