Googlers, here's the latest baby of big daddy: the Chrome Remote Desktop for Androids.
On Wednesday, April 16, Google rolled out its newest mobile application that gives users remote access on Mac and Windows desktop from Android devices, whether they're out for a holiday or just too lazy to get up and check their desktops.
Apple lovers, calm down, the iOS app version will be launched later this year.
Many people have been doing some work at times in their smartphones and tablets while they're away at their office desktops. It's a culture that's been with us since the dawn of various portable computers and applications. Which is the main reason why the company decided to launch such app for Android devices.
"Since 2011, Chrome Remote Desktop has let you remotely access your machine from another laptop or computer in a free, easy and secure way. And now, with the release of the Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android, we're making it possible for you to do the same thing from your Android device," said Husain Bengali, Google's Remotely Controlled Product Manager, in a blog post.
Bengali said it works by enabling the remote access for Mac or Windows machine through the Chrome Web Store App, after which launch the Chrome Remote app for Android on the smartphones or tablets. Tap on the name of the computer to begin using the remote machine and see how it works as if the real desktop and document were just right in front of the user. It requires a PIN code to secure the desktop computer as well as the user needs to log in to the correct account in Google, in the Android app.
Security-wise, the app description says any user can access the computer securely from the Android device, though the security features haven't been elaborated yet. Further research, however, reveals that when someone uses the PC remotely without the authorized user's knowledge, there's a pop-up message that warns the authorized user.
Remote access isn't anything new, but this one is quick, easy and not expensive, based on reviews of those who have tried the new app. Others, meanwhile, say there's room for a few more work.
Observers say this move to launch the new Android app came timely as its rival Amazon has its own version of such remote access application called Amazon workspaces, which targets business users primarily. The Amazon workspaces app has the same function as Chrome Remote for Android app's. The only difference is that workspaces can be accessed in nearly all devices such as iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle Fire tablets.
