Google launches Chrome Remote Desktop for Android, letting you access PCs and Macs on the go
Google today launched a Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android, which lets you remotely control your computer using your smartphone or tablet. You can download the new app now directly from Google Play.
The app’s description says you can “securely access your computers from your Android device” but doesn’t elaborate on the security features. Instructions are fairly straightforward though:
On each of your Windows or Mac computers, set up remote access using the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the Chrome Web Store.
On your Android device, open the app and tap on any of your online computers to connect.
Chrome Remote Desktop first launched out of beta in October 2012, but it only let you remotely access your machine from another laptop or computer. Our own Paul Sawers explained at the time how it works:
To authorize the connection between the machines, the app generates a code which you must share with the other person. So, for example, if you wish to share your desktop with a tech-savvy friend to fix an on-going issue, you’d send them a 12-digit code that looks roughly like this:
With today’s app release, you can now do so the same thing from your Android device. There have been rumors of an iOS version coming as well, but Google didn’t reveal anything about such an app today.
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We first heard about a Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android back in July 2013, but at the time it was called “Chromoting.” It’s probably a good thing Google went with the more familiar “Remote Desktop” name, although there might be some confusion with Microsoft’s offerings.
