Continuing with my quest for an on-screen mobile device viewer because manufacturers are too cheap to include cradles anymore, I offer Mobiola Remote Control for your consideration.
I am beginning to learn that the basic features for this type of application must include remote control of device from PC using mouse and keyboard. Other requisites include screen capture, video capture, save to clipboard, save to file and zoom. Mobiola offers a full screen zoom, which is nice for presentations.
All of these attributes are present in Mobiola, but there’s more. This program is unique in offering toolbars and keyboard panels that you can opt in and out. Note the icons on the left toolbar as follows from top to bottom: Copy to Clipboard, Screen Capture, Start/Stop Video Recording, Zoom Out, Zoom In, Full Screen, and Settings. The settings menu allows you to direct where screen shots and videos will be stored. The slider on the right allows you to set the resolution quality. Tabs across the top contain must of the same functions of the sidebar icons with the exception of a help menu that includes a tutorial.
Below, is a view of the octopus with all its tentacles retracted. I appreciate the keyboard for phone dialing from my desktop, but would not use it for text entry or SMS. It is much more convenient to use the computer keyboard.
While Mobiola does not integrate with Outlook as we saw with True Connect, it is certainly easy enough to conduct texting activities on the device in monitor view.
Perhaps one of the most welcome features of Mobiola is the multiple connectivity options. It is possible to connect Mobiola via the traditional USB sync method, but it is also possible to connect through your choice of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This is a first in my experience.
Another asset that Mobiola offers is the ability to demo your phone screen through Skype Video conference and record videos directly to YouTube with webcam driver.
Under the Tools tab, you can map the keyboard for 14 shortcuts for such functions as Call, OK, Left Softkey, Right Softkey, Menu, Push to Talk, Terminate and more.
Clearly Mobiola is endowed with a robust set of features. I would certainly give it two thumbs up for it has most of the functionality one would want or expect in a remote viewing application. However, there are some items that I would add to my wish list for future versions. I would like to see a restart button, the ability to edit the register, system information, a task manager, the ability to draw on screens, switch from portrait to landscape, and the option to use actual PDA skins.
Mobiola is reasonably priced at $19.99. You can get a copy or try it for free from the Website at www.shapeservices.com. Check out some of the other impressive programs while you’re there. One I intend to review for sure is an application that turns your pocket pal into a Webcam. Stay tuned for that one.
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