Google has just launched a full-fledged Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android with the ability to remotely connect and control your PCs and Macs via any smartphone or tablet running Android 4.0 or above.
The app is now available as a free download via Google Play Store and its functionality mimics the existing Chrome and Desktop counterparts for remote access.
Once you are logged on to the Remote Desktop client, all the computers connected to the specific Google account on the Android device will be listed. Users can remotely connect to any computer in the list using a secure PIN and username login credentials.
The controls are very basic as you move around the screen with a simple swipe, tap to click an object on screen, and tap and hold to drag selections or to move open windows, according to Android Central.
In addition, the app provides text input via a full on-screen keyboard and a single tap ctrl-alt-del button for Windows users. The setup instructions for the app seem fairly simple involving just a couple of steps (courtesy of The Next Web):
Set up remote access on your designated Windows or Mac computers using Chrome Remote Desktop app via Chrome Web Store.
Launch the app on your Android device and tap on any of your online computers to connect.
Paul Sawers of The Next Web explains how the app works in a few simple words:
To authorise 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 (see image below):
As Android Central reports, the Chrome Remote Desktop app appears to work seamlessly with lightweight tasks on the Nexus 7, while heavy duty tasks are limited by the small screen controlling a full-fledged desktop operating system.
Those looking for a first-hand experience of remote desktop access in Android will not be disappointed though, as the app gets the job done in the simplest and most convenient way.
