Nintendo Wiis’ are addicting. I haven’t been a huge gamer since college but I am really wanting a Wii. However, I have been noticing more and more people finding uses for the WWII remote. Now I realize I could talk for years on all the homebrews for the Wii, but I like the most simple and musical applications for now. It is for this reason (and not just that I don’t have $350 or so for the console and accessories) that I bought a Wii Remote (I named it Sasha) before the console, but let me explain.

I have been using one with my iMac G5 (I work with Windows all day, it’s nice not to have to open one when I am at home) for recording in Garage Band and playing music on iTunes. There are several software options that people recommend, my preference is the free app DarwiinRemote (recommended with nice instructions for using the the app on your Mac by MacApper.) MacTips.org recommends Darwiin as well, but prefers the paid app RemoteBuddy. Both apps are highly customizable and well worth the try.

wiimoteIf your looking for something a little bit more application specific, like for iTunes the I would try an application called BlueTunes (recommended by nintendowiifanboy, who apparently only uses iTunes to listen to “Poison” by Bel Biv Devoe). Personally speaking, I would just use Darwinn and customize my keys to use the iTunes keyboard shortcuts. Then again when it comes to iTunes or video why even bother since most Macs come with a simple 6 button IR remote that covers the bulk of functions you need.

Garage Band is a different story though. When I’m playing drums (real drums not generically using the very cool but not quite up to my standards Winstrument), I like to have some simple ways to start recording, start a new track, playback, etc. I found that , yes again, programming some of Garage Bands keyboard shortcuts into Darwin can do everything I need it to with ease.

If you still need a taste of just a little more musically, look to see what some are doing with Loops and such using the remote and extremely cool new software (found via thefattytalks.com) or you could always try opening your door with your Wii Remote. Wow, far to much for my mind to handle at the moment, plus I was probably going to get some RFID door locks for my next house… a little less setup than the Linux/locks. Also many of you may be saying, “Aaron, I still only have my poor little P.C. that runs Windows XP and someday will have to run Vista (for the record, I loathe Vista) once I upgrade every single component on it, thus making it a new system…are there any options for me?” Yes. I suggest searching google…Here is a link: www.google.com

SAFETY NOTICE: Do be careful though. The strain you may put on your Wii Remote, may drive it to an early grave.