Remote Desktop Beta Extension Brings Remote Access to Chrome
by Andrew Cunningham on October 10, 2011 10:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Chrome
- Chrome OS
- Chromebook
Google today introduced a beta version of its Chrome Remote Desktop functionality for the Chrome browser and Chrome OS. This functionality, news of which first made the rounds several months ago during Chrome OS's debut, comes in the form of an extension now, but Google's intent is to eventually roll it into the stable builds of its browser and OS.
Once downloaded and installed, the 19MB extension is added to the list of Apps on Chrome's default home page. After giving it permission to view your email address, you can establish a connection between any two computers running Chrome (whether Windows, OS X, Linux, or Chrome OS) and the extension by using a twelve digit number provided by the host computer.
In my brief test connecting my Windows computer to my Mac, the software worked as intended, though input was a bit laggier than using Microsoft's Remote Desktop protocol or Apple's Screen Sharing. Google suggests that the software could be used both in a help desk capacity, where an expert would share the user's screen to provide technical assistance, or to run legacy or "fat client" apps on Chrome OS. If Google can improve the functionality's responsiveness, it may just give enterprises another reason to consider Chrome.
Source: Chrome Web Store
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
5 Comments
View All Comments
lurker22 - Monday, October 10, 2011 - link
Subject line, famous last words. :)Kristian Vättö - Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - link
Great for Home Premium owners too. I'm still pissed that MS doesn't allow me to VNC to my PC running W7 HP, and there doesn't seem to be any good options for Mac to PC VNC without RDP. This looks promising and I already use Chrome anyway.Daniel Egger - Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - link
Sorry guys but this is truly ridiculous.Unless they OpenSource the protocol and let third party OSS provide that functionality I'd never even consider letting this on any of my machines.
I'm quite wary about letting Google get any closer to my unprotected data than they already are by now, especially since they seem to be giving up their motto "Don't be evil" piece by piece lately.
Anywho since you jumped into the puddle: How does it compare to the market leader(?) TeamViewer?
StealthX32 - Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - link
From my Mac to my media server, it performs rather well. Flash content is actually smooth!Right now it's missing scrolling via gestures from my Mac (which TightVNC supports), and streaming audio, but hopefully that'll show up in later iterations.
Still not an alternative to VNC though, since you have to trigger sharing from the host PC.
Awolihacked - Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - link
Remember... if you have easy/quick access to remotely control any of your PCs running Chrome, SO DOES GOOGLE.A convenient back door, from the company that already has your internet history & search results (DoubleClick/Google) and every contact you've ever emailed/phoned/texted (Gmail/Android).
Do we really want to put ALL our privacy eggs in one giant basket?
NO THANKS!