The Sky Is The Limit With AirDroid

Here is an app that provides the best of both worlds: it can perform app operations REMOTELY and WIRELESSLY, via a web browser.

AirDroid is a free Android app that connects OTA on any modern web browser. The app was released two years ago and continues to gain popularity at a steady rate. The app is mostly commended for its ability to be able to carry out smartphone functions on the larger screen size of a PC.

The app features are also noteworthy for sharing and transfer capability between Android devices (smartphone or tablet) as well as between an Android device and a PC.

Getting started

The Android device requires Android OS 2.1 or later. A Wi-Fi connection is recommended on both the device and web browser. After installing the app, the app provides i) the IP address of the phone and ii) a Dynamic password. Both types of information must be entered in the web browser. Alternatively, you can also point the phone to web.airdroid.com and scan the QR code with the camera, which allows direct access on the browser. The user can now begin using the browser to remotely operate the phone. Those concerned about security on a public or shared computer, there is an option for secure connection through https network.

User Interface

There are two UIs for the app, the phone’s UI and the web browser UI. The UI on the phone is relatively simple, with focus more on functionality, whereas on the browser, the UI design is resembles the desktop.

Main features

• Music playback system with in-built music player
• View video through QuickTime
• Photo sharing access
• SMS/ Clipboard text
• Phone status, stats and memory information
• App management: install/uninstall, save and search apps
• Contacts
• File management: transfer, upload/download
• Screenshot functionality

 

Update: AirDroid 2

The previous version of the app required a common Wi-Fi network connection on the phone and the browser. The latest version AirDroid 2 however allows both phone and browser to run on different networks. Two important features have also been added to the Android app: its ability to retrieve a lost phone through its ‘Find My Phone’ service and remote camera access. Another interesting element is the number of pre installed game apps for the user to enjoy. An AirDroid account is required to access and download the Android Application Package (APK) for Android 2.