IT MAY SEEM like the laziest (and unnecessary) thing to do, but using your smartphone to control your computer is a handier feature than you would initially think.

For the added convenience of controlling music playlists remotely, or cycling through videos without having to get up from your couch, they can be handy to have if you regularly use multimedia services like video and audio.

Normally for any of these apps to work, you have to pair it with a similar programme installed on your computer, but these are usually included in the tutorial when you download the app.

To start off, one of the most popular versions out there is Unified Remote (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) and depending on the version, either costs €3.99 or breaks them down into in-app purchases.

There are free versions to download for each OS, which lets you control 12-14 different programmes/services like Spotify (depending on whether you use Windows, Mac or Linux) but the full version allows you to control 40+ (again final number depends on what computer OS you’re using).

If you’re looking for a cheaper (read: free) version and only care whether it works for multimedia features, then it might be worth looking at Mote.io (iOS, Android).

By connecting to a Chrome app, it lets you control video and audio content from services like YouTube, Spotify, Tunein Radio and Google Play Music.

Ian Jennings / Vimeo

Again, it’s one for those who want the convenience of controlling music and videos remotely, but it will certainly come in handy for those who don’t want their smartphone taken up by music or video duties.

Unified Remote (Desktop; iOS, Android and Windows Phone)

Mote.io (Chrome, iOS, Android)

Read: Here’s how you can give your Android device an extra layer of security >

Read: What to keep in mind when using your phone as a WiFi connection >

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