> It's not perfect because we have to get up to change the movie or skip an ad, but it works.

If you're running on a computer rather than a locked-down device, why do you see ads at all?

Also, you've probably already considered this, but a wireless keyboard/mouse would nicely complete a living-room computer.

I bet if you look in the app store there is something in there that will let you use your phone as a media remote.

I use Unified Remote (https://www.unifiedremote.com/) for this, works great.

Glad to see this app is still kicking. I used it a decade ago in college to control my PC while laying in bed and watching movies.

I agree with this sentiment, I also purchased the pro version and it's the only app I ever bought.

It just works.

Treat yourself to a wireless keyboard + mouse. There’s a popular Logitech one for $30. You won’t have to get up to change the movie any more.

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/keyboards/k400-plus-...

These are great, but beware if you have little kids. Those keys pull of and get lost very easily.

I used something like this with my computer and xbmc back in the day. I had a wireless keyboard/mouse combo for situations where the remote control was less helpful, but this covered 99% of the requirements quite nicely.

https://www.amazon.com/HP-REMOTE-CONTROL-RECEIVER-EMITTER/dp...