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How to turn your iPhone into a keyboard and mouse

In just a few steps, you can turn your iPhone (or any iOS device) into a keyboard and mouse to control your computer from a distance.

Sharon Profis Vice President of Content
Sharon Profis is a vice president of content.
Sharon Profis

Screenshot by Sharon Vaknin/CNET

The ultimate Internet-connected TV accessory isn't Roku. It's not Apple TV, and it's not Boxee.

It's something you probably already own: a computer.

With an inexpensive cable (like this one for Mac), you can mirror your computer on your television, giving you complete access to any Internet streaming services or local content on your hard drive.

Many newer laptops even include HDMI out, giving you full 1080p mirroring. Older machines would have to rely on DVI or VGA out with an accompanying audio-out cable.

But once you hook up your computer to your TV, the setup can be cumbersome.

TouchMouse, a free iOS app, lets you control your computer (and in turn, your TV) from a distance, giving you the freedom to surf the Web from your couch.

The application can also be used as a PowerPoint remote when giving a presentation.

  • Connect your computer to Wi-Fi and download the Touch Mouse Server on your computer (PC or Mac) from Logitech.com/touchmouse.

  • Connect your iPhone to the same Wi-Fi hot spot and download the Touch Mouse app (iTunes link). When the app launches, your computer will be listed. Tap to select it.

  • Now you're ready to control your computer with your iPhone. Watch the video to learn some basic gestures, and get the full list of functions on Logitech's Web site.

Watch this: Turn your iPhone into a keyboard and mouse