A desk dock using an iPhone 5s to launch PC applications over Wi-Fi, combining hardware repurposing and custom software for a personalized productivity tool.

Project Overview

Standard workflows often require multiple apps and frequent switching between windows on a PC. Existing solutions like Stream Decks are expensive or limited in customization. This project creates an affordable, DIY alternative using an old iPhone as a smart dock to streamline access to frequently used applications.

Goals

• MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
  • The iPhone displays a grid of large, touch-friendly buttons for applications frequently used and set up.
  • Tapping a button sends a command over Wi-Fi to the PC.
  • The PC listens to the command and launches the corresponding app.
  • The iPhone displays simple feedback such as the app icon (if launched) or “Connection Failed” (if failed)
• Stretch Goals (Secondary Goals)
  • Idle Screen with Clock and Calendar.
  • Customizable Macros and Long-Press Actions.
  • Expandable app library for multiple profiles (such as work/personal/etc.).
  • Simplified system to add applications to the dock and detect new downloads.
  • Polished UI with responsive feedback and optimized for latency.
  • Implementation with a home lab to efficiently manage my personal server
  • Stream stuff like camera feeds over WiFi so that I can use it as a webcam. (I dont have one)

Key Features

1. Wireless Client-Server Architecture

   1. iPhone requests over Wi-FI
   2. Managing HTTP on a local network
   3. Working with packages and server receives

2. Lightweight Flutter-Based iPhone interface

   1. Working with Flutter to create a GUI
   2. Learning Front-end and Back-end integration in Flutter and iOS apps

   (ENTIRE POINT 2 NOT APPLICABLE DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES)

3. PC Server that maps commands to app launches

   1. Learning how to set up server-side connections
   2. Managing HTTPS on the receiving side

4. Modular Design to allow incremental improvements to the system

Motivation / Learning Outcomes

• Learn real-world client–server communication over Wi-Fi.
• Practice Flutter for mobile UI development. (Isn't really applicable now, is it? but you will need to read the blog to find that out).
• Explore practical DIY hardware repurposing.
• Build a project suitable for showcasing technical problem-solving, creativity, and cross-platform integration.

Resources & References

The idea came from popular devices known as “Stream Decks.”