A remote controller for a mobile device is described. The remote controller includes a communications transceiver configured for bidirectional communications with the mobile device, and a computer processing system communicatively coupled to the communications transceiver. The computer processing system may be configured to execute instructions to remotely control one or more applications associated with the mobile device. Examples of applications include media playback applications, software updating applications, and the like. The remote controller may also include one or more actuators communicatively coupled to the computer processing system, the one or more actuators being configured to receive user input to control or access the one or more applications. Additionally, the remote controller may include a screen.