Pause the movie, play the next track, set the alarm, shut the hallway light, fly the helicopter, battle the robots!?

It's crazy what you can control with your smartphone, namely iPhone/iPad. If you are not using your iDevice to control and manipulate features outside of it's touchscreen, then read-on for some inspiration.

Initially, it was iTunes. Controlling and selecting the playlist and albums, shuffling, skipping, to make music happen via your computer and home stereo, with the Remote App found in iTunes. Then, it was adding control over Apple TV (You can also navigate your Roku and other streaming boxes), accomplished, thanks to the Remote App.

Even with the addition of a modestly priced adapter, your iPhone becomes a universal remote and can control your TV via an infrared transmitter. It would be nice to have an infrared transmitter built in to the iPhone, but that task is accomplished nonetheless.



The control doesn't stop there. Thanks to companies like Belkin and the handy WEMO, if it plugs in, you can turn it on or off. This essentially makes any lamp, electronic or appliance app-controlled, at least in a power sense.



Now, let us not forget the real reason you have an iPhone - the games. Or, in this case, the toys. There are a slew of fun toys that your iPhone can control, and interact with. From remote controlled helicopters, to battle-ready robot tanks, the playtime functionality of the iPhone goes beyond what's contained within the tiny screen.


Air Hogs Heli Replay


Tankbot

It's not the gadgets, trinkets and toys that the iPhone (Android smartphones, as well) can connect with and manipulate, it's the fact that one device is so versatile, and can be adapted to the needs/wants of consumers.

I want my phone to start my car - DONE!

I need to make sure the garage door is open - DONE!