[Idea] Cell phone controlled computer - Overclock.net

NessTheHero · 06-26-08

I have been toying with, and mildy pursuing, the idea of controlling my computer with my cell phone.

Basically, my idea is to be able to text commands to my "computer" and it will execute commands and possibly even respond to my text messages. I'd love to also recieve status messages about things, like torrents being completed or private messages on chatrooms, you get the idea.

But what stumps me a bit is how to send and recieve text messages on my computer.

I have verizon, and I've seen the wikipedia page that lists every single e-mail to text service for every phone provider that has one. So I know how to send text messages via e-mail.

Here's my idea for recieving. I've come across a temporary e-mail service called Mailinator that has RSS capabilities. I am familiar enough with XML that I could parse anything I want to in PHP or another programming language. I could recieve texts that way, but the downside is that it sometimes takes FOREVER for mailinator to recieve the text message, and sometimes equally long to update the feed. I'd love to be able to speed this up.

Is there any information anywhere on ways to get the 5 digit SMS number like radio stations and TV shows have? I know it'd probably cost money, but I just want to learn more about it.

Anyway, I've been thinking about this for a good while, and once I get a good method of sending and recieving texts, I'll probably set up a linux box, learn python, and get coding, but I'm interested in any ideas for recieving text messages.

JEK3 · 06-26-08

You could probably send and receive messages through Verizon's vtext site. www.vtext.com

NessTheHero · 06-26-08

I know about sending. There's an entire wikipedia page with a ton of links to each phone provider's e-mail to text message service.

My trouble is receiving them

JEK3 · 06-26-08

Can you write a java (or something else) script that would log in to the site and pull off your texts?

**Krunk_Kracker** · 06-26-08

As far as connection goes; bluetooth FTW.

NessTheHero · 06-26-08

I guess I need to clarify a bit.

I mean controlling it by sending my computer a text message. Like you'd be texting a best friend. I type in an e-mail address in my phone, and somehow my computer gets the message, processes the raw text, generates output, and sends me the results back on my cell phone.

Bluetooth wouldn't matter if I'm off in class or at work.

Also, the vtext site can send text messages from it. You can send text messages via e-mail using phonenumber@vztext.com (5555555555@vztext.com)

heretic · 06-26-08

It's probably more trouble than it's worth getting your computer to receive text messages. You should be able to send messages to your machine using email which is simpler and most phones have this capability. Just parse the messages as they arrive. Here's a primer on SMS though: http://www.developershome.com/sms/smsIntro.asp

NessTheHero · 06-26-08

Quote:

Originally Posted by heretic

It's probably more trouble than it's worth getting your computer to receive text messages. You should be able to send messages to your machine using email which is simpler and most phones have this capability. Just parse the messages as they arrive. Here's a primer on SMS though: http://www.developershome.com/sms/smsIntro.asp

This is what I've been planning on doing.

Thanks for the link. +1

BinaryDemon · 06-26-08

I know someone who did something similar, except probably smaller in scope. They made it so their cellphone could control WMplayer on their computer. The cell phone was able to connect to IRC, and the computer being controlled was connected to the same IRC server 24/7. He would just send a text command to IRC and the computer's IRCBOT would change WMplayer songs based on his text command.

I think his IRCBOT was a custom program, not some mirc script.

Maybe not the best setup, but it worked for him.

jul3z · 06-26-08

https://www.pcmobilizr.com/WhatIsIt/

check it out, its kinda cool. Only for smartphones though.

		Overclock.net - Overclocking.net > Software, Programming and Coding > Coding and Programming
[Idea] Cell phone controlled computer

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)