Touchpad Android App
Touchpad is a free Android app to enable you to control your windows computer from your Android device. It provides a simple multitouch touchpad interface to control the mouse, and accepts keystrokes from the keyboard on your device to send to your computer. Touchpad has the following features:
- Full remote control over the mouse left and right buttons from your Android device: drag n’ drop, double clicking, and right clicking functionality is readily accessible – now with multitouch!
- Keyboard support allows typing on the remotely controlled computer.
- Media controls for easy control over media playback.
- Web browser controls for easy browser navigation.
- Automatically find servers from your device to make connecting to your computer simple and painless.
- Clean, minimalist design.
- Completely free and contains absolutely no ads!
Why Touchpad and not one of the many other apps on Google Play for controlling your computer? I tried many of these apps, and all of them had annoying issues: bloated with excess features getting in the way, contained ads occupying valuable touchpad space, unstable and complicated server software, or a combination of these. After getting frustrated enough with all of the options I found, I decided to develop my own. If that sounds like your experience with other computer remote control apps, Touchpad is for you! Follow these instructions to get started with Touchpad:
- Install and run the Touchpad Server on your windows computer. Make sure to allow TouchpadServer.exe network access if prompted by your firewall software. Optionally, configure a password by double clicking the Touchpad Server icon in the notification area.
- Get the free Touchpad App from Google Play.
- With the server configured and running on the computer you want to control, run the Touchpad app on your Android device.
- Open the options menu and select ‘Connect…‘.
- Select the server from the list. If the server was not found automatically, you can select ‘Custom server…‘ and enter the server adddress and port manually. Hover your mouse over the Touchpad Server icon in your notification area to see the server address.
- If you configured a password on the server, enter the password when prompted.
- Begin controlling your computer from your Android device! If you have configured a password, Touchpad will remember the password until you are disconnected from the server.
Now that you’re connected, using Touchpad should be straightforward, just move the mouse by moving your finger on the screen of your device, and tap to click. Here are some useful hints and tips to get the most out of Touchpad:
- If you see a red X over the Touchpad icon, you are not connected to the server. Follow the instructions above to install and configure the Touchpad server.
- To scroll the window with focus, drag the right edge of the screen.
- Tap the keyboard icon to show the keyboard and begin typing on the remotely controlled computer.
Enjoy!
Version History:
Version 1.3
This version requires at least version 1.3 of the Touchpad Server!
- Added support for multitouch (drag n’ drop and scrolling modes).
- Added optional modifier keys (shift, ctrl, alt toggle buttons).
- Added option to control the scroll bar size.
- Changed default Timeout to 500 ms.
- Hardware keyboards and more hardware buttons supported.
- Fixed jump when first moving the cursor.
Version 1.2
- Added Exit button to menu.
- Volume controls change the volume faster (long press for more precise control)
- Connection should be remembered more reliably.
Version 1.0
- Initial Release
The server seems to have errors. When clicked outside of the(as in clicking on another program) the functionality of the program does not work. I am running Windows 7, with a LG G2x running Gingerbread.
Does the other program have administrator rights? Windows will not allow TouchpadServer.exe to send input to applications with greater permissions than itself. You can either raise the permissions of TouchpadServer.exe, or lower the permissions of the applications you are trying to control. I recommend the latter option.
It works perfect. I’m using touchpad fir typing this.
Just thought i would let you know that when i use teamspeak the app won’t click or move when the client window is active. The lack of a double click function makes some operations impossible but still, great app
Just double tap to double click, no special function is necessary! If you can click, you can double click too.
Great and simple app, but the drag n’ drop and scrolling doesn’t seem to work at all… If I want to scroll a webpage, I have to click on the tiny icon, which isn’t really comfortable. And when I try to drag the right edge of the screen, nothing happens.
(htc desire s, windows 7)
Hey Lukasz,
You should be able to drag and drop by pressing the left button icon once, moving the cursor to drag what you clicked, then pressing the left button icon again to release.
I plan to make the scrolling area wider in the next version, some devices appear to not see touch events on the far edges of the screen. This should help with scrolling by dragging the edge of the app.
I also plan to add multitouch scrolling soon!
Thank you for your feedback!
Hi Dillon,
I liked this. It worked smoothly after a couple of tries.
Just few suggestions:
1) Context sensitive toolbar
2) multi-touch support (based on device driver support detected by the server-counterpart)
3) Gesture Support
I would be glad to offer my coding-skills and time, if you are comfortable in sharing the source-code.
Appreciate for offering this for free,
VC
Hey VC,
Thanks for your offer to help! Once I am a bit farther along with the app, I will probably release the source. Then, you will be free to modify it as you see fit.
Hi
Great app! but it is only Windows version. Can we expect Linux version??
Big thanks, that is for free!
I have no plans at the moment to support Linux.
However, I am considering adding/changing support to the VNC protocol, which would allow you to use any VNC compatible server software, of which there are many that work on Linux.
When using this app, can you see your computer screen on the tablet?
No, you’ll need to use a VNC-like app to do that, for example: http://www.realvnc.com/products/android/index.html
The early version worked well with the Galaxy S5830. Now it is just terrible. Lagging mouse pointer and multi-touch feature just doesn’t work. I can’t revert back to the old version. What a shame. Have to go back to GMote. Why couldn’t you just leave it as it was and just fix the bugs? It was perfect now just not worth it
Sorry to hear you are having trouble with it. Did you also install the new server version? Also, if multitouch is causing problems, you can turn it off in the preferences.
yes, have installed new server and turned multi-touch off but there is still lag and mouse pointer freezes and pauses then works and keeps doing that. Is there a way I can go back to the old version of the app and server? that was working perfect other than the backspace. the backspace don’t always work with the current version as well on the Galaxy Ace.
I’ve been trying to find a way to enable old versions on Google Play, but I don’t think it is possible without reverting the primary app download.
Are you sure there were not any changes in the condition of your network? This app is very sensitive to the quality of your WiFi network by the nature of what it does.
To rule out WiFi signal quality issues, you could try networking your phone to your PC by using the ‘Internet Pass Through’ option on your phone (and I suggest also temporarily putting your phone in Airplane mode to avoid accidentally connecting over WiFi).
When I tried this, Touchpad required you to use the ‘Custom Server’ option to connect. (Also, Touchpad was very slow to connect in this circumstance! Be patient…) If this works and Touchpad isn’t laggy, then it must be your WiFi network. However, if it is still laggy, let me know as that would indicate a bug in Touchpad!
Thanks for the reply but definitely not a wifi issue. I have tried GMote and that is working fine. My internet is also pretty fast with a good ping back. WiFi signal is excellent. Because the APK has been changed at the same time as the server client software, it is hard to say if the app is the issue or the updated server.
Unfortunately, I’m not sure what the problem is. As far as I know, no one else has reported this problem, and the reviews for 1.3 have been as good as previous versions, so I don’t think I introduced a bug.
I am posting a new version with slight tweaks shortly. I don’t expect it to change anything related to the problem you are seeing, but it might be worth a try anyways?
Hi,
I got connected then immediately Client Suspended. Any ideas?
ICS 4.0.2 G Nexus
You need to install the new version of the server app: Touchpad Server
Thx. Great app.
After I download and install the Touchpad Server on my Computer I haven’t got a menu. That’s the reason why I can’t “connect”. I have the lastest Version of Touchpad Server (Version 1.3) and anyone an idea. Why is the Server like the discription in the top of this side?? Waht can I do?
It sounds like your phone isn’t finding the server. Check your device is on the same network as your computer, and that the server can access the network (no firewall).
It’s good but a clear “left and right” mouse buttons would be good. Say, maybe a box on the left and right so you can select either mouse button individualy?
P.s. thank you this app saved my sanity
how can I download this to my windows pc so that I can use this app.
I’m not able download it, could you please share a link from where I can download it.
Thank’s man this is exactly what i was looking for … and it’s also free. You are a truly good person to share this.
I cannot connect. Using HTC Sensation and Win7.
ERROR: TcpSocket::Receive Failed: An existing connection was forcibly closed by the remote host.
It’s a nice app for the relatively early stage it’s in. Input gestures could stand to be more robust; support more touchpad type mechanisms (quick tap then slide for drag operation, for instance), maybe some ‘kinetic scrolling’ functionality.. It seems to be kind of confused about what constitutes ‘multitouch’; it doesn’t seem to recognize two fingers if they’re too close together.
Is it possible for this app to optionally disable screen locking? I’m using it while the phone is connected via USB, so power saving isn’t an issue, but I would only want to disable that while this app is in the foreground. (Right now, I’m using Tasker to accomplish this last bit)
Of course, I forgot to say that I appreciate the work you put into this. It’s rare to find something like this that is ad-free.
This is awesome! Works like a charm and feels a lot better than some touchpads i know *cough* Thinkpad x120e *cough*! Thanks a lot!
Well, uhm, the way multitouch works for scrolling takes some getting used to. Apparently the app just uses whatever finger touches first for scroll gestures (meaning you can leave the second finger on your …phone… while scrolling repeatedly), while PC touchpads use the average position of both finger to determine where to scroll to.
Don’t get me wrong, i like the way it works in your software, it is somewhat more efficient that the regular touchpad’s way, it’s just different than waht i’m used to.
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Beautiful app but two bugs. Does not work well with Swype. Fails to put in spaces much of the time and will not enter suggested words properly or backspace over words. Scroll bar is hit or miss. Works perfectly on one PC (same as being locked on scroll tab), requires bumping up and down on the other or it just keeps going, and on the third requires bumping and goes too far so is unusable.
Actually, the scrolling prob seems to be an IE9 issue, which has been crashing a lot on two of my computers. Scrolling is normal on Chrome. Swype still doesn’t work right tho.
I discovered my probs with IE9 scrolling were caused by X-Mouse Button Control. Now if you can just get Swype working, I’ll use this app all day long.
I’m stunned at how great the performance is.
I’m looking forward if pointer speed acceleration, scrolling acceleration, and 3 finger click as middle click functions would be implemented.
Awesome job Dillon!
Hi Dillon,
thanks for this great tool!
Could you imagine to publish the details of the message protocol? I would love to run my own (Python) server to receive and process the mouse messages.
guys, you should do an option to enable the use of the accelerometer to move the mouse thru the windows!
1st..thanks for your generosity of providing such a great program free! Love the smooth mouse movement! and simple,clean UI.
Some suggestions if you are still working on this.
1.Timer option for turning off screen.(I don’t think your UI takes too much of battery or add dimmer for further battery save)
2.Media/browser icons could light up/glow when touched and/or have option to vibrate.(btw..a small bug, when turning back on from screen off..the top notification bar appears on the unlocking screen and as I unlock the phone.. back to the “touchpad screen” the touchpad does not refresh but has the top empty space where the notification bar was and the screen is pushed that much lower making the media buttons appear top half..function works but only comes back up when the “keyboard” icon is pressed as the keyboard comes up, touchpad goes up too and when any of the hard buttons(menu,back,etc) are pressed.)
3.Media/browser buttons could be larger and move up a little..I use my thumb most of the times and it will be much easier to press..mouse area is large enough so you can spare some space for buttons.
That’s all..no need to add more functionality since that will bloat the program and lag..we need low resource,fast and no lagging mouse
If above requests are too personal(?) maybe you could do a survey(among other functions you had in mind) and vote what should be added to the next update? (or if you have already done something..put it out as beta test..)
anyways… thanks a MILLION for a sweet app!
Hi, I installed both server and client. The client doesn’t seems to recognize the server. When I tap on “connect” it doesn’t detect it automatically. And when I try to input the direction in custom server it says “Error connecting to *IP:port*: connection timed out.”
Running as administrator at port 2999. Thanks
Incredible feel and responsiveness, your app has supreme promise. I have a bug to report and a suggestion. Using my phone and your app to post this comment!
Suggestion first. I suggest turning the server into a service, or some variant that provides mouse and keyboard in all situations like a human interface device. While security concerns are fair, the sudden loss of control when switching to an admin window is disconcerting and apparently not reversible.
Now the bug. I am experiencing frequent disconnects between client and server, one during the writing of this message in fact. The client will continue to indicate connection but the server appears to stop receiving. At those times it seems the broadcast and discovery mechanism also breaks, as the connect button from the client does not detect the server for about 30 seconds thereafter when I attempt reconnection. (Just happened again in the middle of the word “attempt.”)
Still overall this is an awesome app and I really look forward to its future.
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Loved the app, especially the media player toolbar. Any chance we get bluetooth connection support in a future version? Thanks agai for this app, already rated it 5 stars on Google Play.
Not bad; simple and lightweight app.
Some suggestions:
– option to adjust scrolling speed
– dragging with one finger (tap and draw)
– horizontal scrolling and middle click
…
I would love to try this app on the Kindle Fire, but unfortunately don’t have access to Google Play. Is there a way to get this added to the Amazon Appstore, or maybe provide a link to the APK file?
I ended up downloading the source code and compiling for Gingerbread. It works great on my Kindle Fire and I appreciate you releasing this into the community.
hola es muy buen la idea de la app pero funciona via usb????
I decided to try this on my windows 8 test box to see if it could bridge the touch gap on older computers running windows 8. Works pretty well. (Asus transformer tf101 with ICS controlling a Dell latitude D630 running win 8 x64) One suggestion is that you look into the multitouch gestures used to control ‘Metro’. While it works reasonably well as a mouse for metro, it would work much better as a touch slave to the metro start screen. You could have a killer app for bridging non touch computers to run win 8 with touch capability.
I suggest to try this new app (EGO! Keywi)… It allows also to transfer files among computers.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ego.android
hey ,..
i have installed the server and the app on my xperia play ,.. but its not working,.. its giving a time out error,..
need help ,.!!
You are the best bro. Simple, unobstrusive and fast
When I try to run the app I get the Error: “Error connecting to 172.27.121.1:2999: failed to connect to /172.27.121.1 (port 2999) after 2001 ms: isConnected failed: ECONNREFUSED (Connection refused) what can I do?
Thank you for the app, I like it!
Imo, what it lacks in control department -
1. Fn keys (in some programs you have these hotkeys for commands)
2. Win+ modificator (Win+e, Win+d etc hotkeys are useful)
It’s not a big deal to do something avoiding these commands but there are some hotkeys I am used to and having their analog on Touchpad would be great
Thanks for a great app. Is there a way of installing the server exe such that it runs at startup, rather than after login? (I’m using Windows 8.) If not, might I make that a feature request?
Is there a server version for Mac?
I downloaded the latest 1.3 version of touchpad server and the latest version of the app from google play store. I installed both, and it doesn’t work. I entered the app and went to connect, it didn’t showed any IP, just “custom server…” and “cancel”. I went to “custom server…” and entered the IP that was shown in the toolbar, it said: “Error connecting to 192.168.1.55:2999: Connection timed out”. I’ve done all the steps and turned on the wi-fi on my phone, and I don’t know how to connect… Pls help!
I love this app! I greatly appreciate that this is free and works almost flawlessly! Only some small stuff that hopefully an update can fix… ok. Im running this app on my droid 3 which has a full keyboard on it, it actually types pretty good but for some reason the spacebar and the period and others keys doesnt work. Also, the multitouch scrolling scrolls the wrong way im used to on windows 8. Please fix. Thanks
PLEASE get the new SwiftKey 4 (with Flow) working
It works as-is, but not the “swype” functionality which would be MASSIVE!
Excelent program, two things are missing to be perfect.
1) Enable custom user shortcuts buttons for quick access
2) When changing system volumen my “volume2 software” doesn´t show OSD display
pls reply to my mail
Tip 2) Now works with new Volume, so nevermind.
But it would be great to have like boxes with custom keys presets: For example: “letter I”, etc.
Also disable lockscreen
Just send me error every time I try to configure it.
use W7
Echoing Jenny, getting the swype functionality would be major. Also, the voice-to-text feature is not working correctly as the input text is getting entered twice. Still a very nice app!
Can’t Find Any Server !
please Help i’m on Windows 8