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Western Digital’s WD TV Live and Live Hub media players now offer iOS integration thanks to the new WD TV Remote App. The new app allows users to turn their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch into a touch screen remote that supports both gestures and on screen controls.

The new app functions much like Roku’s recent app, whose current rating in by iTunes users is rather lackluster. By integrating iOS capabilities into their products both Roku and Western Digital appeal to Apple fans who may be choosing between Apple TV, with its native Remote, and another product. (Notably, Apple’s Remote also controls iTunes). All three of these apps are available to download for free from iTunes.

Why bother using an iDevice as a remote when you get a perfectly good remote along with your set-top box? Not only is an iDevice less likely to get lost — probably because it’s practically always in your hand already — but using an iOS remote app adds additional functions that traditional push button remotes can’t offer. The WD TV Remote App organizes all of the user’s services in one place. The app also allows users to access a full keyboard, which is a boon to anyone who seeks relief from the frustrating experience of painstakingly arrowing through the alphabet to type in a lengthy title, e.g. Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.

WD TV Live and Live Hub owners are now also able to access the VUDU movie streaming service through their set-top boxes in addition to perennial faves such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, and even Spotify.