Google Releases Chrome Remote Desktop App for Android

Google’s offered a Chrome-based remote desktop solution since late 2011, but a major missing component has been Android. No – not a solution to control a remote Android device, because that’d be rather niche. Instead, an application that would allow someone to access their PC at home from their smartphone – regardless of where they are.

Well, that missing component is now taken care of, and while remote desktop solutions are hardly that innovative, there are sure to be many who like the idea of using a solution that’s built right inside of their browser. Such functionality is not included, however. To enable it, you’ll need to head on over to the Chrome Web Store and grab the browser extension. Then, you’ll need to go to the Play Store and install the respective app.

After setting both up, which at best requires you to choose the Google account you want to use as well as proceed through a Windows security pop-up, you’ll be good to go. After enabling remote desktop access on a PC, the name of it should appear in the Android app:

Once connected, you’ll see the exact same thing your home PC does. Moving your finger around the phone’s touchscreen will likewise move the cursor around; to click something, you must hold down for one second. To right-click, you must hold two fingers down.

Overall, I’d say that my experience was quite good. Granted, I was sitting right beside the computer and router, so there’s sure to be some noticeable lag when out in the field. Even so, Google’s solution is lightweight, and it works, so it’s worth checking out.