Towering gaming PCs, equipped with the latest components, have the capability to run even the most demanding titles at maximum graphical fidelity. However, there are moments when sitting in front of a computer desk isn’t feasible. This is where remote streaming proves invaluable, allowing gamers to enjoy their favorite titles on portable devices while offloading processing and rendering tasks to their powerful PCs. The Artemis and Apollo combination emerges as a noteworthy addition to the remote gaming ecosystem, offering a seamless integration into existing setups.
What are Apollo and Artemis?
And why should you use them?
Not to be confused with the twin Greek Gods, Apollo and Artemis are a pair of server and client applications designed for streaming visuals from a gaming system to a smartphone, while also accepting input from the latter. This setup maintains minimal latency and artifacts during gaming sessions. Apollo operates on the server side, requiring installation on the gaming PC, while Artemis is deployed on the smartphone.
These applications are forks of Sunshine and Moonlight, two popular remote game streaming solutions. The primary distinction lies in Apollo’s inclusion of a virtual display facility right out of the box, eliminating the need for third-party plugins. This feature allows the Apollo + Artemis setup to automatically adjust resolution, refresh rate, and aspect ratio, making it particularly advantageous for devices with unconventional displays. Additionally, users can turn off their PC’s primary display while gaming on portable devices.
Setting up the Apollo server
To begin, deploying an Apollo server on your gaming system is essential. Currently, it is only available for Windows machines, so Linux users will need to look elsewhere. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your Apollo server operational:
- Download the latest version of the Apollo.exe file from ClassicOldSong’s GitHub repository and install the app on your PC.
- Search for Apollo in the Search Bar and select the Apollo.exe file.
- If your browser displays an error, click on Proceed to localhost (unsafe) to access the Apollo web UI.
- Set a Password for your Apollo server. For enhanced security, consider modifying the Username.
- After the Apollo web UI restarts, enter the Username and Password you just created.
Setting up the Artemis client
With the Apollo server ready, it’s time to install Artemis on your Android device. Follow these steps:
- Download the APK file for Artemis from the official repository and install the app on your smartphone.
- Ensure your smartphone is connected to the same WLAN as your Apollo server and launch the Artemis app.
- Tap on your Apollo server and note the pin that appears on the screen.
- Navigate to the Pin tab of the Apollo web UI, enter the 4-digit pin displayed on your phone, and tap Send.
Building a reliable game streaming hub with Apollo and Artemis
If all steps have been executed correctly, your smartphone should now connect to the Apollo server. It is advisable to enable the Use Virtual Display option within Artemis to fully utilize this feature in your streaming setup. However, be aware that if your smartphone has an unconventional aspect ratio, some games may revert to a more traditional resolution.
Despite its advantages, the Apollo + Artemis setup does have limitations. Unlike Sunshine and Moonlight, these applications are currently compatible only with a Windows PC and Android smartphone configuration. While it is possible to substitute Artemis with Moonlight, as Apollo supports both utilities, the developer has indicated a future shift away from Sunshine and Moonlight. Nevertheless, for Windows users seeking a straightforward remote streaming solution that offers performance akin to Sunshine, Apollo and Artemis present an appealing option without the complexities of integrating virtual displays into their gaming setup.
