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Best Mobile Apps for your Media Center Software

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Are you looking for an app that will turn your phone into a media center remote control? Then you’ve come to the right place. Read on!

Media Center PC

Media center PCs have become more popular in the last few years. With the rising cost of satellite and cable TV packages, it only makes sense for users to integrate computers into their setup.

Now more than ever, it’s cost-effective for users to switch to a media center PC and still watch the shows they love. There are a few media center apps on both Android and iOS that make this easier than ever.

Not sure what a Media Center is? Read WHICH OPEN SOURCE MEDIA CENTER IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Just want to learn how to connect your laptop to your tv? Click here

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Xbox Media Center

XBMC Media Center (Xbox Media Center) is one of the most popular solutions for media center computer users. The experience of using XBMX is made considerably simpler with the use of a remote app.

Team-XBMC has brought an official, full-featured app named XBMX Remote to the Google Play store. It can install on any Android device and features the controls a user would expect, as well as library browsing.

Not sure what an Xbox is? Read “What is Xbox?“.

XBMC (Xbox Media Center)

A similar solution, sharing the same name of XBMC Remote, exists on the iOS App Store. It is made by a different developer but does offer basic remote features.

Despite the fact that it isn’t as feature-laden as its Android brethren, the presence of apps on either platform means that it’s easy for owners of any smartphone to get rid of cable or satellite and keep the shows they love without sacrificing convenience.

XBMC Remote

Boxee Remote

Boxee is another popular platform for owners of media center computers. The service features a custom platform and interface that makes using the service as easy to use as possible. A few apps exist on both Android and iOS to simplify the process.

An official app for iOS, simply titled Boxee Remote, turns users’ iPhone or iPod Touch into a remote control for the Boxee service. It simply connects over a local network to a person’s Boxee setup, and then allows for remote control of Boxee without the need for external hardware.

For users who don’t have a Boxee box or just want an extra remote, this is a terrific app. Although there is no official support for Android yet, a number of third-party solutions have shown up in the Google Play store. Boxee Wi-Fi Remote by Sunii Sadasivan is likely the most popular. It has a clean interface and is very reliable.

Boxee Remote iPhone

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Boxee for Ipad

Even though the Boxee app for iPhone is impressive in its own right, it still pales in comparison to Boxee for iPad, the iPad’s own unique Boxee app. While the iPhone app is limited in its function to acting as a remote control, Boxee for iPad takes the tablet and turns it into another portal for users to access their media center computer.

Videos can be streamed from the computer to the iPad at the press of a button. This includes streaming sources such as YouTube, but also extends to a user’s stored video collection.

The coolest part of Boxee for iPad might actually be in its ability to switch screens. Users of the app can start watching a video on their iPad and switch to their TV at the press of a button.

This function does require a Boxee box, but for users who have one, it’s an indispensable feature. Being able to switch screens seamlessly means no more arguing over the television. (Boxee vs Roku)

Cut the Cord

All of these apps, combined with a media center computer and the best mobile broadband deals, help to make content more accessible. In the past, consumers who wanted to watch all the video that they wanted were forced to choose between paying a lot for satellite or cable TV or dealing with complicated computer-to-TV connections.

These types of connections weren’t just complicated, but they were also complicated. With the apps that are available to turn smartphones and tablets into remotes and streaming centers, it’s now easier than ever to cut the cord.

Guest Post by  EJ Parfitt  who is a tech writer that has been writing for a short time now and has already picked up steam with several tech and sports sites . During his free time , you’re sure to catch him competing in local chess tournaments in downtown Fort Lauderdale FL.

As always, comments are welcome and encouraged. Cheers!

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Frank Moraes
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By Frank Moraes

Frank Moraes is Content Editor at HotDog where he oversees the creation and maintenance of articles. His focus is on sports and the regional programming issues that flummox streamers.

He has led the efforts to create pages that fully address problems fans have watching out-of-market NFL games. And he is responsible for the site's thorough coverage of the regional sports networks that are essential for fans of MLB, NBA, and NHL.

Frank got his PhD in Atmospheric Physics from Oregon Institute of Technology back in 1995. After that, he spent much of that time developing remote sensing technology including streaming video back in the days when most people were using VHS tapes.

Since that time, Frank has become a veteran tech writer who specializes in the nexus of entertainment and technology. It was natural that he gravitated toward the streaming industry. He started streaming early, back in 2007 when Netflix introduced "instant watch." Then Hulu started and he was hooked.

Outside his work life, Frank is a longtime cord-cutter. He streams pretty much everything while his library of thousands of Blu-rays and DVDs collects dust.

Frank currently subscribes to the following streaming services:

* Amazon Prime Video
* AMC+
* Curiosity Stream / Nebula
* Hulu / Disney+ / ESPN+
* Max
* Netflix
* NFL+ Premium
* Paramount+ / Showtime
* Peacock

He streams mostly on a Roku-powered TCL TV and a VIZIO with an Amazon 4K Fire TV stick.

Frank also writes about horror and other cult films at Psychotronic Review

Contact Frank with thoughts, questions, and story ideas at [email protected].

Frank's Work on HotDog.com:

4 replies on “Best Mobile Apps for your Media Center Software

Of the list you have given, I prefer the XBMC remote app precisely because it is the first thing that came out of your research. Surprisingly, it was fairly easy to install and using it is as easy as 1-2-3. For non-technical people like, XBMC sure did not give me any headaches. I have it on all my android devices (since I am a big android fan). Currently, I have an android phone and a tablet, if you get my drift. I also have my Xbox so I was attracted to that app on the Google play store. As always, you never fail to deliver HotDog.com with our dose of online reference to reducing cable bill costs. Thanks as always!

Hey Mikhail – thanks for checking back in. Xbox is a pretty amazing device. With Microsoft money, sky is the limit with that device.

With the obvious popularity of IOS and Android based phones, it does not come as a surprise to me why more and more apps are being developed to cater to the growing needs of the billions of users of these phones. I have my iPhone 5 and Note 2 and I make it a point to fully explore and utilize their almost endless capabilities. However, I did not know that we can use our phones as remote controls for our Media Center. If I had known a little earlier would have gone and used it. Thanks HotDog.com for compiling recommended apps both on IOS and Android to turn into our phones into media center remote controls.

P.S. Please post as many times as possible. I now have your site bookmarked.

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