Virtual Network Computing (VNC) is not new on the iPhone. There are several popular apps like WebEx PCNow, Jaadu VNC and Mocha VNC that let iPhone users access their desktop computers remotely with their iPhones. But now, it looks like Apple wants to make VNC a core component of future iPhone models.
In a patent filed at the USPTO, Apple describes a technology that will help in remotely controlling cursor movements on an iMac or a MacBook, launch applications, control a printer, etc. Apple's patent also looks to integrate this with the existing voice controls which means that you may be able to remotely control your computer with just voice commands.
Elaborating on the actual possibilities, folks at PatentlyApple write:
"Tasks can include but are not limited to navigating user interfaces and file systems (including navigating user interfaces associated with applications and the operating system), invoking or launching applications or programs, functions and/or features associated with the controlled device or its peripherals, scrolling through lists, menus or browsers, text entry, collecting information (e.g., meta data, system configuration data), and any other activity that can be locally performed at the controlled device"
As a native feature on the iPhone, VNC can come pretty handy. For instance, you now don't even have to sync your important files in order to access them on the go. With the ability to operate remote systems, syncing files or storing them on your iPhone for anytime-access become redundant.
Cross-Platform data access seems to be one of the prime focus areas for Apple in recent times. You might remember our article last month about a patent filed by Apple that made cross-platform syncing simpler. With one another patent that makes cross platform data access easy, it looks like users will no longer have to worry about where their data is stored as long as they can access it anywhere they want to.
[via PatentlyApple]
nice, hope it comes free, as I use "logmein" and it cost $30 buck in the iPhone, and i didnt wanna pay that
, really good feature if it comes to reality.
I have been using Jadduu VNC for the last 18 months on my iphone, tied in with Tight VNC on my PC's.
This allows me to access any of my files wherever I happen to be via WiFi or 3G.
TightVNC is soo easy to setup and use and free to use.
it'll be nice to see it as an included app
One reason I don't like VNC is because you can't start up your computer if you are away from it. At least I don't think so. It would be cool if Apple was working on a way to do this through their app version although I'm sure they would limit it to Macs only.
u can do a remote login, but a remote startup? keep dreaming, thats some for start treck or some, not realistic, this is all software, to start a computer u need a hardware touch
Just a thought, what if you put your computer/mac to sleep/hibernate, set the wake on activity for the network connection (might possibly have to set a static ip), then when trying to connect via vnc it would essentially be a startup. Just need to think outside of the button
Sony Ericsson phones have had bluetooth remotes for years on their phones. My old one from 05 had 3 different apps on it – one for general navigation, one for media plays, and one for presentations. Apple is way behind. With the iPhone's tech, they could have the prog show the computer screen on the iphone, like a remote desktop. that would be cool.
Why else would they file a patent? VNC already exists. I smell another law suit.
what about WAKE ON LAN?
Remote startup = inet or iwol on the app store
via
Magic packet wake on lan
obviously you haven't heard of WAKE ON LAN feature… please google it
exactly they totally left out the best VNC app out of the list… Logmein.