ASUS Wi-Fi Go: media streaming, remote desktop access and wireless file transfers!

[Krakin]

Courtesy of Hardware Canucks.

ASUS’ Wi-Fi GO! Is an interesting concept, one which is brilliantly executed and integrated. Its primary goal is to act as a one-stop hub for media streaming, remote desktop access and wireless file transfers. To accomplish this Wi-Fi GO uses a straightforward software interface and a simple application that interacts with your mobile phone. Ironically, it is features like this which get overlooked by many enthusiasts.

The main screen of the Wi-Fi GO utility is divided into seven sections: Cloud Go, Remote Desktop, DLNA Media Hub, File Transfer, Smart Sensor Control, Remote Keyboard & Mouse, and Capture & Send. Most of these are self-explanatory but we’ll still go into detail about them below.

Click to enlarge

The first feature Wi-Fi GO has to offer is Cloud GO. This allows users to connect all of their cloud storage applications like Dropbox, Google Drive, and ASUS Webstorage into a single unified space without the need for endless application switching. In the picture above the UI is connected to a Dropbox account.

Click to enlarge

Next up we have Remote Desktop which allows for the use of a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone to run a PC remotely. This interface is quite well done and worked flawlessly in out testing, just don’t expect to accomplish any miracles like playing a game since wireless bandwidth and a lack of controller functionality will make the experience impossible. This can be accomplished locally or over a mobile 3G/4G network connection.

DLNA Media Hub allows for streaming multimedia files from PC to DLNA-supported devices such as HDTV, projector or set top box. In this mode, the Z87 Deluxe and the system it is attached to can act as a media server to stream music and movies towards other components. The Media Hub also incorporates cell phone support so your iOS or Android-based device can act as a home theater controller.

Click to enlarge

As its name suggests, File Transfer allows users to wirelessly transfer files to and from smart devices (cell phones, tablets and e-readers) and their PC. Simply enable it on ASUS’ handy Wi-Fi GO app and you’re all set.

Smart Sensor Control sets up custom motions to trigger certain actions on a PC. For example, you can navigate your Windows PC with pan and tilt gestures using the mobile device’s gyroscope. In many ways this feature is a bit of a novelty which likely won’t be used all that much but it get some envious stares when in use.

Click to enlarge

Remote Keyboard & Mouse incorporates tablet-based keyboard or mouse controls for the connected PC. In our opinion this feature doesn’t have a ton of practical uses but it can be handy when using a TV to avoid a wired keyboard or mouse. Capture & Send allows you to take screenshots and send them to another Wi-Fi device.

As you can see above, like the PC-centric software stack, Wi-Fi GO!’s mobile app is streamlined and quick straightforward and can be downloaded for free from Google Play or iTunes. Setup is easy too: just select a device, hit ok and you’ll be controlling the systems in no time at all.

The index page is similar to what you see on the primary Wi-FI GO utility and includes subpages for all of the main features. Each feature must be enabled from the mobile device before it is usable.

Feel like running some PI when you are out? No problem, remote desktop access gives the desktop on your mobile device and the UI is actually quite user friendly. We had no problem clicking on different shortcuts, applications and folders with a smartphone. This is the best feature of the bunch and in our opinion, quite cool! For anyone using Folding@Home, this will also allow you to monitor your workers while away.

Above is what Smart Sensor Control looks like on a mobile device. You set up customizations that are activated by movement but once again, its usefulness is limited.

The last screenshot we have is Keyboard & Mouse control. The smartphone is essentially transformed into a touch pad mouse or full QWERTY keyboard.

All in all ASUS has come up with some pretty amazing stuff and is moving in the right direction for cloud computing alongside PC and mobile integration. Although not every feature here is for everyone, we loved the remote desktop access, cloud integration, and media hub capabilities of Wi-Fi GO. If you buy the Deluxe, try it out and be prepared for it to become an integral part of your computing experience.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/61681-asus-z87-deluxe-motherboard-review-5.html