Summary of Key Points
The author shares a practical set of tools for remotely controlling AI assistants: using a Mac Mini that runs 24/7 at home as the main AI system, paired with “Codex for primary remote control and UU for backup remote access.” This setup solves the problems of synchronizing AI configurations and memories across multiple devices, as well as handling tasks that Codex cannot handle, such as scanning codes and operating graphical interfaces. It allows users to complete development and data analysis tasks on their phones or laptops at any time, enjoying the sense of achievement that comes from creating something.
1. Why Choose Codex + UU Remote? – Solving Two Major Issues with Using AI Remotely
Many people encounter two major challenges when using AI assistants:
- Difficulty in Synchronizing Across Devices: The AI’s settings and memories are lost when switching to a different computer, and managing the same project on various devices is time-consuming.
- Inability to Handle Special Scenarios: Tasks like scanning codes or using other AI tools (such as Claude) cannot be performed with Codex’s remote functions.
The author’s solution is to store all the AI’s rules, memories, and skills on the Mac Mini at home, which remains turned on 24/7. Codex is used for daily remote control (synchronizing projects and isolating tasks), while UU Remote complements Codex’s limitations by handling graphical interfaces and code scanning.
2. How to Use Codex for Remote Control? – Both Phones and Laptops Can Serve as “Remoteces”
Steps to Connect a Phone to a Computer:
1. Download the ChatGPT App on all devices.
2. On the computer, go to Settings → Connect → Allow Connections, then click “Add” to generate a QR code.
3. Scan the QR code with your phone, open the Codex entry in the app’s sidebar, and you will see the list of projects on the main machine (all conversations/projects are fully synchronized).
4. You can create new sessions and select “Workspaces” to separate different tasks (e.g., keeping development and data analysis separate), and you can also monitor progress and receive notifications in real time.
Hidden Tips for Connecting Computers Together:
- On the main machine (Mac Mini):
- Go to Settings → Connect → Control This Mac → Add, then generate an 8-digit code.
- On another computer (e.g., a laptop):
- Go to Settings → Connect → Control Other Devices, and enter the code for authorization.
- On the laptop’s home screen, click “Projects” → Create a new remote project, and you can directly use the files on the main machine (even when working from a hotel during a business trip).
3. UU Remote: The “Problem Solver” When Codex Fails
Although Codex is very useful for remote control, there are still some scenarios it cannot handle, which UU Remote addresses perfectly:
- Scanning Codes for Login: If you need to scan a code to log in to Tencent Cloud using Codex but cannot see the main machine’s screen, use UU Remote to connect and view the desktop to scan the code.
- Using Other AI Tools: If Claude’s remote functions are inconvenient, use UU Remote to connect to the main machine and run the tool directly.
- Starting Tools Without Remote Control: If a tool like Kimi Code doesn’t have remote control, use UU Remote’s terminal to start it from the main machine.
- Unlocking a Locked Screen: If the computer is locked, UU Remote can unlock it directly from your phone.
Operation Details:
- You can zoom in and out on the computer screen with two fingers on your phone. For typing, use the keyboard on the right side. There are also two modes available: “Touch Mode” (where you perform actions by tapping on the screen) and “Mouse Pointer Mode” (for precise clicks).
4. What Are the Benefits of This Combination?
Using this combination offers several advantages:
- Freedom from the Office Desk: You can control AI tasks while traveling, on business trips, or in hotels, making the most of your fragmented time.
- The Joy of Creation: Watching the AI build a product from scratch, go through testing, and be used by others who provide feedback is incredibly rewarding.
- Being Part of an Era of Opportunity: The author feels fortunate to be able to turn ideas into reality using tools in the AI era, creating at any time and place.
This combination doesn’t require complex operations; anyone can get started by following the steps. It’s perfect for those who want to use AI efficiently to get work done—after all, time is the most precious resource. Why not create whenever and wherever you can?