« back to "All Android Tests"
» to app at AndroidPIT
» App Center

Media Center Control – A remote control option for the Windows Media Player

by luhu on 9/10/12 9:00 AM

Tested version: 163
Latest version: 164
Requires Android: from 1.6

Add this app to my profile

Add this app to My Favorites List

QR Code QR Code

Summary

Honk if you're sometimes too lazy to get up off the sofa to do anything, even turn down the volume of the music that's playing.
I say: let your freak flag fly and take advantage of clever applications such as Media Center Control, an app that acts as a remote control for the Windows Media Player / Center for Windows computers. With it you can remotely control playback of music, videos, radio stations and even photo albums.

Find out more about our app of the week after the jump.

 

Features & Use

Section rating:

Test device: Samsung Galaxy Nexus 4.1.1

Before being able to run the app you will have to set up the server on your computer. This turns out to be nice and easy: simply download the software and follow the instructions. It takes but a few minutes in total.

Once this is done you will be able to access various media formats via the main screen (music, videos, streaming radio, photos). Hit music and you have the option to select albums, artists, genres or folders to search for specifics or simply playback.
Playlists can also be played back as well as saved using the buttons below.
Another useful feature: the volume bar at the top of the display. Simply swipe or tap to regulate the volume.

Remote TV control for the television option of the Windows Media center is another option. Check out the current programme as well as upcoming ones—the app functions as a sort of TV guide. If you're watching telly on a TV screen that's hooked up to your computer, this app provides you with a full-fledged remote control.

The same is true for all other media options harboured in the Windows Media Center. Because the app is well set up, it's pretty self-explanatory, which is why I won't go into specifics.

Check the settings for a few personalised fine tuning options. Have your say in how the screen is meant to look, the size of the volume display, activate direct playback, display the stop button and/or sidebar, drag and drop, TV search terms and more. I couldn't think of anything this app is missing.

Should you wish to switch off the app app as well and simultaneously shut down your computer simply select a time or choke the connection to an external monitor. A very convenient detail.

Bottom line:

I like Media Center Control very much overall. It's a great means for remote controlling every aspect of the Windows Center.

A few details, such as notifications or playback navigation via widget wouldn't go amiss, but overall the app's scope is great.

 

Screen & Controls

Section rating:

Media Center Control is set up in a rather basic manner: a black background and a bunch of lists.
The app could be made to be more user friendly by enhancing the size of the search bar, pause and skip buttons, as these were clearly not designed for people with large fingers.

Aside from this, the app is easy to navigate and relatively intuitive to use.

 

Speed & Stability

Section rating:

Media Center Control did not disappoint in terms of speed or stability. The only times there's a brief hesitation is when the app is loading song lists.

Price/Performance Ratio

Section rating:

 Media Center Control is our app of the week and thus can be downloaded for EUR 2.49 instead of EUR 4.99 for a limited time only (09/10/12-09/16/12).

Comparable Apps

No comparable apps are currently known to us. If you happen to know one, it would be great if you could get in touch with us.

Report comparable or similar apps

Developer

User picture User profile
Markus Gehlhaar en

Germany

I'm a developer from germany.

Top App:

Media Center Control
Do you ever wanted or tried a Windows Media Center/Player remote app? Then Media Center (...)

More Apps:

Media Center Control
You must be logged in in order to become a fan of Markus Gehlhaar.
Good
Features
Screen
Speed
Price
Market Rating:
AndroidPIT User Rating:
Own Rating:
Log yourself in!
Copy badge
Ad

Bookmark / E-Mail

Click on an icon to bookmark this test report.
» Send this article via e-mail

Screenshots

Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot

All Test Reports

Sep 10, 2012 5:46:11 PM

hi guys how r u>>>>>>>>>>>>

Market Comments

A Google User, Apr 17, 2013
Buyer Beware So I attempted to install on a Windows 7 Professional X64 bit Operating System and it would not install without getting an error. I ran Registry Optimizer, System Mechanic, RegCure, Defraged my drive, checked for bad sectors on the hard drive, ran Windows Update, ran Winzip Driver Updater, ran Virus / Trojan / Spyware scans yet the software would not install on my computer. All the checks on my computer indicated it was running optimally with no issues at all and I have no issues installing other softwares. Unfortunately I had already paid to install on my Android phone but without the client on my PC it's useless. Customer support is non existant so buyer beware.
A Google User, Feb 20, 2013
Pretty good Would like to see a epg grid for the channel guide. Other than that. Perfect.
A Google User, Feb 4, 2013
Solid App So far so good, a bit tricky to set up the my movies add on for Windows media centre but once up and running it works really well! Would like to see a larger, nicer looking now playing screen with high res album art
A Google User, Jan 21, 2013
am i missing something here am i missing something here, i want to download to my tablet but i have to have my pc as a server!! All i want to do is play wmc videos on my android.
A Google User, Jan 20, 2013
A very useful WMC controller I love the functionality, the only drawback is I'd like to be able to edit the layout a bit to remove some of the features I'll never use, such as shut down pc at x minutes. Other than that, works wonderfully and the pc program isn't a resource hog.
A Google User, Jan 10, 2013
Wow! This is a truly superb app. I can't understand why some people are not able to use it. I found it so straight forward to set up; took me about 2 minutes. It does everything it promises and does it much better than I expected. One thing which would make it better - streaming PC to tablet/phone. Win8 Pro / ASUS TF101
A Google User, Jan 6, 2013
Ripped off! $7 wasted for an app that crashes on my system and where the author offers no support even after multiple requests. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY.
A Google User, Jan 5, 2013
Media Center Control Great App for Windows Media Center had some problems getting it to go in and out of standby but is now working great well done to the developers of this all I need now is to be able to turn on and control the T/V and surround sound which would need some sort of wireless to I/R interface ?
A Google User, Dec 31, 2012
FANTASTIC! Chose this app due to reviews and it did not disappoint! From download to setup took less than five minutes - win8. New to the app but I haven't seen a WOL feature. If its in there I would give it 6 * ; ) but if not, it would be a great addition to this app.
A Google User, Dec 28, 2012
Does the job perfectly. If only wmc worked as well as this! Worked ok on my s2 but on my nexus it positively flies.
A Google User, Dec 15, 2012
Not Good Volume control doesn't work. Useless without that. Waste of money.
A Google User, Dec 15, 2012
Sucks Extremely complex to install and fraught with pitfalls. Once running it has more bugs and unseen changes to media center than features. Yuck and no refund - you can guess why, they would go broke!
A Google User, Dec 3, 2012
Htc evo4g lte Take 2long 2 find my computer! B good if it actual Worked!
A Google User, Nov 24, 2012
Simple but works Just installed this app, very impressed. Worked straight away with no probs. Does exactly what its meant to.The UI could do with a bit more work but this can be sorted in hopeful future updates. :-)
A Google User, Nov 24, 2012
Very disapointed The server takes over your media center start/stop functionality and does a very poor job. Search is extremely slow and doesn't work most if the time. There is no trial version of this app. Your only option is to buy it and then no refund option is provided.
A Google User, Nov 22, 2012
You want this. Absolutely the best way to control your media center. Period.
A Google User, Nov 21, 2012
Does what it says This has been the most useful app I've downloaded from the market this far, I have many apps and most are great, but there just fluff
A Google User, Nov 20, 2012
Best £4.20 I've spent in a while This app is fantastic. I've also asked a couple of technical questions and had answers back within hours! It serves a completely different purpose to Remote Media Center. RMC is all about watching content on your phone - but Media Center Control is about using your phone as a remote control for Windows Media Center without having your monitor / tv switched on. Great for putting on music at parties! Don't be put off by the price, it's worth every penny.
A Google User, Nov 19, 2012
Can't connect, crashes computer, no service Looked like a good app but it won't even connect to the computer to get started. Tried contacting the provider but no response from them 48hrs later. Looked at their online help which was useless (turn device off then on again, is wireless on...). Am thoroughly disappointed after all the rave reviews, I'd caution anyone against paying for this app as I'll be seeking a refund.
A Google User, Nov 17, 2012
Wow I knew exactly what this app would do before I installed it and I'm still impressed. Worked great on my Windows 7 Media Center PC and Samsung Galaxy S3. Absolutely brilliant! I'm flipping channels just because at the moment. Worth every penny.
Go to pg.: 1 2 3 ... 6 »