Extension To Chrome Brings Remote Desktop Abilities

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.

Comments

Yeah

[Anonymous Coward]

Sounds exactly like something I want my web browser to be able to do. What could possibly go wrong?

Re:Yeah

[LordLimecat]

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.

In other words

[denshao2]

A new security vulnerability has been introduced that will be marketed as a useful feature that rarely gets used for its intended purpose.

Totally safe

[EdZ]

Yeah, giving your browser the ability to completely control your machine. Brilliant idea. No possible exploits there!

Re:Login Screen

[mysidia]

This isn't going to be very useful if it requires a user to be already logged in to work.

It has just that limitation:

The technology right now is limited so that permission must be granted each time remote administration is activated. "This version enables users to share with or get access to another computer by providing a one-time authentication code. Access is given only to the specific person the user identifies for one time only, and the sharing session is fully secured,"

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20117619-264/chrome-extension-enables-remote-computer-control/#ixzz1aEa5rPhB

Re:technical demo vs. useful tool

[Qwavel]

"Otherwise, what's the difference if one still has to install software on both systems to make it feasible?"

Well, given that TeamViewer starts at $700 for commercial use, I would say there is rather a large difference.

Re:Login Screen

[Albanach]

This isn't going to be very useful if it requires a user to be already logged in to work.

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:Login Screen

[causality]

This isn't going to be very useful if it requires a user to be already logged in to work.

It sounds like it could be an alternative to WebEx, for those who use it for remote support.

It beats the hell out of trying to get most adults to follow simple verbal instructions.

Ever work a technical support job? After explaining to an otherwise educated person (i.e. educated stupid) for the fifth time that when you ask him to "right-click with the right mouse button" it is not the same as "double-click (with the left)" you start thinking about remote desktop yourself.

Thankfully that was a long time ago. After a while, you stop thinking of involuntary sterilization as a viable option.