Jaadu VNC

Rating:
MMMM 1/2 - Matters!

I spent one week with an app I’m still not sure I am pronouncing correctly, however I can pronounce “great” which is exactly what this app is. I once promised myself that I wouldn’t spend more than $10 on an app, however, temptation got the best of me.

Jaadu VNC is an application that lets you remotely control any Mac or PC running a VNC server. In addition to having control over the keyboard and mouse, you can actually see the the remote computer’s screen for total control from wherever you are.

After opening the application, Jaadu automatically detects any Mac on the local network running a VNC server using Bonjour. If your computer isn’t automatically detected, you can add it manually if you know its IP address. Once you connect, you’re “teleported” to your desktop where you have total control over everything, as if you were sitting at your computer. I was blown away by this.

Since the whole desktop is visible on your iPhone, things are a little small of course. Just like zooming in and out of Google Maps, you are able to pinch to zoom in on a particular area or spread you fingers to zoom out. To move around, you simply drag your finger in the direction you’d like to move. This actually moves the mouse cursor around your screen, but Jaadu uses its position to center your view on screen. It takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it you’ll never want to use anything else.

You can also view your computer in landscape mode, although there is a rotation lock in case you don’t want it to automatically rotate. If you don’t want to view your screen at all, screen viewing can be disabled and Jaadu can also be used as a remote trackpad and keyboard. Speaking of keyboard, Jaadu comes with a traditional keyboard including some other useful controls such as ESC, Back, Tab, and other Space controls. You also get F1-12 keys and a number pad.

Jaadu VNC is a wonderful app, and although I have never been in the situation to control my desktop from my iPhone, I use it quite often now. If you are looking for a good VNC client for your phone, I recommend you looking here. The one thing that may hold this app back is the price and perhaps security. This app is highly recommended though.

Price:
$24.99

Pros:
Great navigation controls
Landscape mode is wonderful with a convenient lock
Easy to connect

Cons:
Just a little pricey compared to some VNC clients
No SSL secure connection
Unfortunately no auto-correct options for keyboard typing