14 DAY TRIAL // Chrome Remote Desktop, the feature Google's been working on for quite some time now, is finally out of beta. The tool, as the name suggests, allows you to remotely connect to a computer via Chrome.
Remote desktop software is not exactly rare, but Google's approach has one big advantage, Chrome is already there on most devices.
If something happens to your dad's computer and you need to fix it, it's easier to just use the feature in Chrome rather than explain to him how to install and configure a remote desktop app or even use the built-in feature in Windows, Mac OS X or Linux.
"From adjusting printer settings on your mom’s computer to finding a lost file on your dad’s laptop, Chrome Remote Desktop has made you the family hero by helping you remotely access other computers -- including your own -- via Chrome," Google explained.
Along with taking the feature out of beta, which means it should be ready to use by most people in most situations, Google is adding a couple of new features as well.
"New features include the addition of a real time audio feed (on Windows). This can be handy if you want to listen to that MP3 music collection you have stored on a computer at home. Now you can also copy-and-paste between your local and remote computers," Google explained.
Chrome Remote Desktop is available in Chrome on any platform, but is especially useful on Chromebooks, as it's the only way to connect remotely to these devices.
Still, the entire process is not as seamless as it could be, you have to grab the Chrome Remote Desktop app from the Web Store. But that's all there is to it, after that, using it is as simple as something like TeamViewer.
The big advantage is that it's entirely cross-platform, though there are a few differences in the things that work across operating systems, like the real-time audio.