Google has announced it will bring its remote working service to mobile devices for the first time.
Chrome Remote Desktop will allow users of Android smartphones to securely access their computer or laptop from their mobile, providing a view of their PC or Mac’s home screen on the mobile device, allowing users to view files, pictures and even music.
The existing service, first released in 2011, will lets users access another enabled computer using another device, meaning that for example, you could access your work computer at home.
A mobile version had been widely expected since Google released the source code for the app in January as it looks to take on a wide variety of third-party apps that provide the same service, including Microsoft’s recently-updated offering.
In order to access their PC, users must first download a remote access application to their desktop, which will make their Mac or Windows machine accessible, and have an existing Google Account.
Once the apps have been installed on the desktop computer and Android device, users can use their remote machine as if they "were sitting right in front of it", said Husain Bengali, remotely controlled product manager at Google.
An iOS version of the app is in progress, Bengali added, saying it should be available later in the year.
In order to allay fears around security, Google recommends adding a six-digit PIN to the app in the event that someone hijacks the account. It allows a remote connection with the same Google Account, so long as they’re on and connected to the internet. To handle remote connections with other account owners, users can share access via unique access codes that are generated for each session.
The service is compatible with computers running Windows XP and above, Mac OS X 10.6 and above, and Linux computers.
