In order to use your tablet or smartphone as a remote control, you must install an app that works with the innovative presentation app you use. Here are several that many people have found although others are available in the App Store or through the iTunes or App Store app for iOS devices, Google Play for Android devices, or the Apps+Games Store for Windows Phone apps.
i-Clickr PowerPoint Remote from Senstic Wi-fi remote control that supports iOS, Android, and Windows Phone and both Windows and Mac OS for PowerPoint and Keynote. (Free lite version; $9.99 for full version.)
Universal Presentations Remote by Makaveli supports Android and works with any computer that has the free Any App Remote app installed (found on the same website). (Free.)
ShowDirector for PowerPoint by Signalbeach Supports Android and connects via Bluetooth or wi-fi to a Windows PC. (Free trial; $4.99 full version.)
Office Remote: a Microsoft program that controls all Office apps, including PowerPoint, from your Windows Phone. (Free.)
If you use SlideShark, you can install it on both your iPhone (or iPod touch) and iPad and use the smaller device as the remote control.
For other presentation apps such as Prezi or SlideRocket, your best option is to connect your computer or device to a projection system and then control the presentation from your computer or device.
Keep your eye on gesture control apps for both iOS and Android tablets that let you manipulate what’s on screen with a wave of your hand or a nod of your head — all without touching it.