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Access everything on your Chromebook through another PC
Which device can't you access your Chromebook from? Until now, the answer was any other kind of PC, but even that's not true anymore. Sure, your Windows laptop or MacBook might be capable of more than a cheap Chromebook, but now, as long you've got Chrome installed on it, you can access anything you're keeping on your Google-powered PC. You were already able to do the opposite with Chrome's Remote Desktop app, which is arguably a whole lot more useful, but this development could prove a good way of offering tech support to less tech savvy types. You'd probably still have to help your friend / family member out but getting them on the Chrome OS developer channel first -- a requirement for the currently experimental feature.
Use your iPhone to access Google's Chrome Remote Desktop
Google said it would allow both iOS and Android users to leverage its Chrome Remote Desktop feature on-the-go, but Apple faithful have yet to get the chance... until today. Once you've installed the desktop app from the Chrome Web Store, access to that machine with an iPhone or iPad is a few taps away. The Android version rolled out last April, and despite a lengthy wait, those who prefer iOS can now make use of the tool. Looking to take it for a spin? The app is available for download at iTunes.
Parallels' new remote desktop apps let you control your PC like a phone
Remote desktop apps have an easier time working on tablets, where you have a lot of display area to work with, but they're frequently awkward on smartphones. Wouldn't it be nice if you could control a PC at home like it was just another phone app? Parallels is tackling that challenge head-on with smartphone-friendly versions of its Access app for both Android and the iPhone. Much like the earlier iPad release, the new titles give you a remote view of your Mac or Windows PC that's optimized for your mobile platform of choice. You can launch programs, select text and type almost as if the computer's software were built for a small screen. On the Android client (which also handles tablets), Parallels will even let you create shortcuts to jump directly into favorite desktop apps.
Microsoft offers a peek at Remote Desktop to Windows Phone 8.1 users
Microsoft promised that it would put out a Remote Desktop app for Windows Phone, and it's making good on its word -- provided you're an early adopter, anyway. The company has released a Remote Desktop Preview that requires Windows Phone 8.1 (which itself is considered a preview) just to run. If all the stars align, though, you'll get fairly advanced remote PC access that lets you perform Windows 8's multi-touch gestures and stream "high quality" media. The folks in Redmond haven't said when the finished app will arrive, but we wouldn't be surprised if it launches after Windows Phone 8.1 rolls out in earnest.
Chrome Remote Desktop for Android browses a PC or Mac from your phone
While we'd seen rumblings that it was in beta testing, Google's Chrome Remote Desktop app for Android made its official debut today. This means that those who fancy Mountain View's mobile OS can take a gander at files that reside on a Windows or Mac machine that's safely docked in the office. The Remote Desktop app has been available on the desktop for quite some time, and now the same access is available through Chrome on Android smartphones and tablets. For those who prefer Apple's devices, an iOS version of the software should be on the way soon.
Google's Chrome remote desktop app will come to iOS as well as Android
The desktop versions of Chrome make it easy to access remote PCs (and Chromebooks) linked together by your Google account, but this feature hasn't yet made the trek across to Chrome's mobile manifestations. We know that an official Android "Chromoting" app (an early build of which is shown in the screenshot above) has been in the works for a while, and now there's evidence it'll come to iOS too. Radio chatter between Chromium developers reveals that the iOS version is still at an "unpolished" design stage, but it also suggests that a good few devs have it on their to-do lists -- and although we have very little detail about how the final Chromoting app will work, these folks must believe that it'll do something different (or better, or easier) than the hoards of existing alternatives. [Image courtesy of Chrome Story]
Remote Desktop update brings OS X Mavericks support and improved multi-display support
Apple released an update for Remote Desktop earlier this month that fixes several issues that were effecting the app's stability and usability. Here's a quick list of everything you'll have to look forward to in version 3.7.1. Support for OS X Mavericks. Automatic copy and paste between local and remote computers. Enhanced multi-observe for systems with multiple displays and IP addresses. Prevents an issue that could cause the OS X Firewall to block Remote Desktop connections. If you previously updated a Remote Desktop client to 3.7 and lost access to it because of the OS X Firewall service, restart the client computer after installing the 3.7.1 update. The correct firewall rule will be automatically added, and you will be able to connect to the client via Remote Desktop. Improves reliability of the kickstart command. Fixes the "Display full screen" option in Control & Observe preferences. You can find the update right now in the App Store.
Microsoft's Remote Desktop app for Android, iOS and OS X nets 1 million downloads
Truckloads of people still use Windows despite the slump in PC shipments, so it's no surprise that a lot of folks snagged Microsoft's Remote Desktop app. 17 days after its debut, Microsoft says the app has counted 1 million downloads across the Android, iOS and OS X platforms. The software, which lets users access their computers through other gadgets, is also the fastest growing among the company's Android apps that include SkyDrive and Office Mobile. Unfortunately, we're still in the dark when it comes to the Windows Phone version's availability, but we'll tell you as soon we hear more.
Yes, Microsoft is working on a Remote Desktop app for Windows Phone
When Microsoft said that it would release its Remote Desktop app for Android and iOS, it left many scratching their heads -- what, no Windows Phone version? There's no need to worry, though, as the company has just promised The Next Web that it's writing a client for its own mobile platform. Redmond can't yet say when it'll release the app, although we wouldn't expect a launch in the near future. Microsoft got a head start on developing for Android and iOS by acquiring technology from HLW Software, which produced Remote Desktop equivalents until this month; there's no such luxury for Windows Phone.
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Microsoft Remote Desktop for iOS released
Microsoft has released its Remote Desktop app for iOS. The recently announced product is a free download, allowing users to access their desktop apps and documents directly from their Apple devices. As Windows struggles to expand its market reach thanks to the Surface tablet, allowing Microsoft loyalists who use the iPhone or iPad access to their desktop from their Apple device is a smart move. Here's what you can expect from the Remote Desktop app. Access to remote resources through the Remote Desktop Gateway Rich multitouch experience with remote desktop protocol (RDP) and RemoteFX supporting Windows gestures Secure connection to your data and applications with breakthrough Network Layer Authentication (NLA) technology Simple management of all remote connections from the connection center High-quality video and sound streaming with improved compression and bandwidth usage Easy connection to external monitors or projectors for presentations Interestingly, the Android version of the app doesn't have the external monitor support feature listed in its online description.
Microsoft Remote Desktop apps for Android and iOS allow mobile access to stationary PCs
In order to keep that office-bound PC accessible on the road, Microsoft released Remote Desktop apps for both iOS and Android alongside the arrival of Windows 8.1. Now, users can navigate a Windows machine via a smartphone or tablet with the help of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). The software doesn't detect PCs automatically, so you'll need to have that IP address handy and remember to toggle on the requisite options from the base station's Control Panel. Once inside the app, you can expect multitouch navigation, content streaming and a management tool for an entire collection of remotely connected devices. Both the iOS (iOS 6 and 7) and Android (2.2 or later) versions of Microsoft Remote Desktop are free and they await in source links that follow.
Microsoft bringing Remote Desktop to iOS later this month
In a press release announcing a new wave of enterprise cloud solutions for the fall, Microsoft has (perhaps inadvertently) let it be known that its Remote Desktop client will be coming to iOS later this month. Microsoft has long made its Remote Desktop client for OS X, but in discussing its new enterprise cloud solutions and Remote clients for the upcoming release of Windows Server 2012 R2, Microsoft wrote this little gem: The proliferation of cloud applications, data and consumer devices is moving many enterprises to a bring-your-own-device model. The new release of Windows Intune, also available Oct. 18, combines with System Center Configuration Manager to help IT departments give mobile employees security-enhanced access to the applications and data they need on the Windows, iOS and Android devices of their choice. This unified management environment for PCs and mobile devices complements the new access and information protection capabilities in Windows Server 2012 R2. Further, with Windows Server 2012 R2 Microsoft is introducing the Microsoft Remote Desktop app, available for download in application stores later this month, to provide easy access to PCs and virtual desktops on a variety of devices and platforms, including Windows, Windows RT, iOS, OS X and Android. While a Microsoft Remote Desktop client might not excite the majority of iOS users, it is good to see the company being more open to supporting iOS. Just yesterday it was announced that Office for iPad is officially in the works.
Microsoft to roll out Remote Desktop to iOS and Android later this month
Buried somewhere in a press release about enterprise cloud solutions, Microsoft let slip that with the launch of Windows Server 2012 R2, it will release its Remote Desktop app not just on Windows, Windows RT and OS X, but also iOS and Android later this month. This marks the first time the popular remote desktop software has made it to the rival mobile platforms, and could prove to be a shot across the bow to other apps in the same space. Michel Roth, one of Microsoft's Most Valuable Professionals, adds that the OS X app has undergone a major overhaul, the iOS version will support iOS 6 and 7, while the Android variant should support everything from Gingerbread upward. We're not sure yet on when Microsoft's Remote Desktop will roll out to the respective app stores, but we do hope Redmond is at least giving some thought to making it available to Windows Phone 8 as well.
Parallels Access for iPad offers a truly touch-native remote desktop (hands-on)
Many attempts at tablet-friendly remote desktop still present a traditional desktop to the user; they deliver a lot of control, but they're unwieldy on touch-only devices. Parallels' just-unveiled Access client for the iPad could provide a simpler, more consistent experience. Rather than recreate the full desktop of a host Mac or Windows PC, Parallels Access provides a streamlined app launcher with controls that are largely iOS-native. Text selection, gestures and even multitasking behave much like they normally would on Apple's tablets. The approach sounds intuitive, but is it worth Parallels' $80 yearly subscription fee? Read our hands-on after the break to find out.
Splashtop 2 brings its remote desktop talents to BlackBerry 10
Unless you're willing to poke around in leaked software, there's been no way so far to access your desktop computer via that shiny new BlackBerry 10 device -- until now. Splashtop 2 has just arrived on the platform to fill that hole, and a quick tryout on our Z10 confirms that it works just as well as on other devices to give you a remote wormhole to your Mac or PC. You'll be able to seamlessly access your desktop apps and files, watch videos and even play 3D games hosted from your home machine -- though we'd wouldn't count on a great experience for the latter. You can download and use it on your home network for free, but remote usage will run you $1.99 per month or $16.99 per year -- still quite a bargain for the terminally tethered.
Remote desktop software Splashtop 2 launches for Windows Phone 8
Splashtop has a proven track record of bringing the full desktop experience to mobile devices, and now its expertise has come to Windows Phone 8 with the launch of the Splashtop 2 app. The remote desktop client for Redmond's latest mobile OS is free to download until August 31st, and promises to connect you with any PC or Mac running its Splashtop Streamer software. If you want to access computers on your home network, then a Splashtop account and the right software is all you need, but if want to get at your desktop from the road, it'll cost $1.99 per month for the privilege. We had a brief tinker with the app running on a Lumia 720, so jump past the break for our impressions.
Google Hangouts add remote desktop control, let you play tech support
Google recently updated its Hangout chat client with the same remote desktop control tech integrated into Chrome. This slick new feature gives you the option to take control of someone's computer (with their permission, of course) during a video call. If you often find yourself recruited to help friends and family members with technical issues, you'll definitely dig this. To begin a remote session, start a Hangout and click View More Apps > Add Apps > Hangouts Remote Desktop. Now that you've got this light work out of the way, it's time to move on to some heavy lifting -- like helping grandma set up that Netflix account she's been asking about.
Microsoft dropping Windows Live Mesh on February 13th, steers us toward SkyDrive
We can't say that many of us used Windows Live Mesh, and Microsoft would presently agree when fewer than 25,000 people actively rely on its file and desktop sharing. Accordingly, it's marching the service out the door: Live Mesh users have until February 13th to sync for the last time and explore any substitutes. Microsoft is quick to point to SkyDrive and Remote Desktop Connection as the replacements, both of which should cover the same territory with a modern flair. We'd tend to agree, although anyone who's less than completely invested in the Windows ecosystem may want to peek over the fence at equivalents like Dropbox or Google Drive.
Chrome Remote Desktop comes out of beta, adds real-time audio feed for Windows users
After a year of living in beta, Chrome Remote Desktop is finally ready for primetime. Similar to other screen sharing services like LogMeIn and Splashtop, Chrome Remote Desktop lets you access other computers remotely. Of course, it is special to the Chrome browser, and by extension, the Chrome OS. The latest version of the app adds a couple of new features like a real-time audio feed for Windows users and the ability to copy-and-paste between remote and local computers. You can use this with any Chrome browser of course, but it could prove especially useful for those with Chromebooks, as you can easily communicate with a presumably storage-laden home PC while still toting around a lightweight notebook.
Video out enabled on Windows Phone 7, just not for you
The video out feature in Windows Phone 7 is reserved for select Microsoft employees, and now one enterprising member of the XDA Developers forum. With certain files ripped from an LG Panther 7003 ROM, the help of someone on the inside and many months of work, forum member marsrogers succeeded in pushing video from his Samsung Focus to a companion PC app. Don't get too excited though -- this particular trick will not be released to the masses so the MS confidant involved is not exposed. However, it's not all bad news, as marsrogers' source reports that Windows Phone 8 will have remote desktop capability straight out of the box. Sadly, for those of you carrying around current-gen WP devices, there's still no hope.
