Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 3:56PM | Noel LogMeIn? Not on your iPhone...
I've been a long time fan of LogMeIn and use it on a daily basis. I've known for a while that the LogMeIn Rescue+Mobile product had the ability to remote control handsets, but I've never really had a need to use it on a mobile device. Until now.
The launch of the iPhone 3G S has meant that execs are starting to compare it with the iconic BlackBerry Bold, and in some cases, switch to the iPhone completely since it negates the need for an iPod and a BlackBerry. This in itself means that there will be more iPhone related support requests, and the need to perform hands on support with the device.
If LogMeIn Rescue+Mobile could remote control the iPhone, it would be an easy justification to buy the software.
The bad news is that it can't.
After speaking with a LogMeIn tech based in the Netherlands, it was made clear that LogMeIn have approached Apple to do this, but Apple have refused. I commented that it would be interesting to know if LogMeIn had submitted an app through the App Store and if Apple had refused it, and on what grounds. I further stated that if LogMeIn users knew that the app would work and iPhone remote control was technically feasible, there would be uproar from LogMeIn users.
The tech very eloquently replied that there might be litigation issues with comments from LogMeIn about this.
I've been using LogMeIn Ignition on the iPhone to control other computers for about a month now, and I have to say it's a great product. Knowing that I can get to any machine on my account from the iPhone is a real time saver, and users see the benefits immediately. I don't think it takes a great leap of imagination to think that LogMeIn haven't developed an iPhone remote client app, and I feel that it would allow large organisations the opportunity to roll-out en-masse the iPhone handset knowing that hands-on support is just a phone call away.
I hope that Apple and LogMeIn can come to some sort of agreement in the future for this, as right now, it's the only thing keeping me from buying LogMeIn Rescue+Mobile.
Reader Comments (3)
Thanks for being a loyal LogMeIn fan, we appreciate your business. I wanted to clarify that while we would like to provide remote support for the iPhone, the current OS prevents background applications from running simultaneously. This limits the ability to provide remote support and remote control to the iPhone. We have had great reception to our Ignition for iPhone application, and will continue to explore ways in which we can add value to the iPhone experience as part of our relationship with Apple.
Thanks,
Lee Weiner
LogMeIn
Thanks for the comments Lee. I agree with you about the simultaneous application issue on the iPhone OS, but if a user has a problem and activates a 'LogMeIn listner' to become the running application, then surely you should be able to get to the handset? Or even using Push Notification to get the iPhone users attention that a tech is trying to reach the device?
I'm not a programmer, but these don't feel like insurmountable issues.
Ignition proves that LogMeIn can write great software for the iPhone. I just hope that you and Apple can develop a remote control client for the iPhone.
Hello
I can't say Logmein is the best solution for tech support or friends remote assistance as it
requires a way too many steps for the 1st run.
I suggest usign for this matter Ammyy Admin or TV which are quite easy and don't require
installation. Moreover they work behind NAT and there is no need in port mapping.Both are
free.
Looks like Ammyy works a bit faster. You can compare here:
http://www.ammyy.com
http://teamveiwer.com