Extension To Chrome Brings Remote Desktop Abilities 189
CNET reports that as of yesterday, a new Chrome extension will "let a person on one computer remotely control another across the network." The new remote-desktop capability is in BETA (Google's all-caps version, for emphasis), but is said to work to control any OS from any other OS, so long as both sides are equipped with Chrome and the new extension. Related: Wired is running a profile of
Rajen Sheth — "father of Gmail," and now in charge of Google's Chromebook project as well.
Re:Login Screen (Score:5, Interesting)
I presume you mean "this isn't going to be very useful to me".
I have supported loads of people who just need assistance doing something on their computer. Almost everyone bar you has helped family and friends with various computer tasks.
Sure you can do this with some existing technologies, but they tend to be either complex to set up or limited to a specific platform.
I'm sure that, if they can keep it secure, a free, easy to install, multi-platform remote desktop solution will be attractive to many on /.
Re:Yeah (Score:5, Interesting)
It actually sounds brilliant. Normally I have to direct clients, friends, family to a remote-support site, direct them to download the generated .exe, and run it to allow me in (actually, I usually end up permenantly installing said agent). Think LogMeIn Rescue, or TeamViewer (we actually use Bomgar).
If this works as advertised, it could make things a whole lot easier. Combined with the fact that Chrome can be deployed as an MSI, and extensions can be pushed and locked with GPOs, this could make support much easier.
Testing it now, but sounds great.
Re:Why get excited over stuff we could do years ag (Score:4, Interesting)
As an Archos Jukebrick fan myself, the innovative part that the iPod brought was bringing the technology to a functional level of convenience. The iPod was the first one that fit in your pocket.
I'm not going to be able to explain to my mother how to get an ssh server up and running on her machine. But getting Chrome installed with an extension? That I could believe.
The key is *enabling.* Twenty years ago, setting up an FTP based home file synchronization service was technically possible. But it was a huge PITA. DropBox automated everything with a simple single login. Similarly, simplifying VNC into something that everyone already has. That means that people who wouldn't have exposure to remote control, now do.
Re:Login Screen (Score:4, Interesting)
This time it isn't the user's fault, it's you who misunderstands him. He's left handed, the right button is under his index finger. His right button is your left button.
My former gf is a lefty, and I went through the same thing. The terminology is at fault -- rather than "right click" the term should be "middle finger click".