New app allows iPhone to access, control Macs, PCs

TeamViewer GmbH has launched an iPhone app that allows users to remotely access the Finder view on a Mac. The screen-sharing app works in conjunction with the company's desktop software which provides a unique password. Entering the info into the iPhone app allows users to access the desktop interface via any Internet connection such as Wi-Fi, 3G or EDGE.

The app supports multi-touch gestures to replicate mouse clicks, right-clicks, drag-and-drop, scroll wheel and zooming. Users can switch monitors in a multi-monitor desktop setup, with each screen scaled down to fit the iPhone resolution. It can also replicate a complete keyboard, including special keys, while providing options to reboot or reconnect.

TeamViewer can track different computers, using a partner list to show the user who is available online or which computers are currently online. It works behind firewalls and proxy servers, using 256-bit AES session encoding alongside 1024-bit RSA key exchanges.

The app works with both the iPhone and the iPod touch running iPhone OS 2.2.1 or higher. The standard app is free for all non-commercial uses. A Pro version, geared for IT professionals to access numerous machines in a network environment, requires a one-time fee of $100.

by MacNN Staff