Google has been working with developers to gradually kill Chrome apps to replace them with Progressive Web Apps, which are easier to build and work across platforms. It's only natural for the company to do the same with its own software, as it is now encouraging users to switch to Chrome Remote Desktop's web app.
Read MoreThe best remote desktop tools for Android
Have you ever needed to grab a file from your computer, but you're away from home? Maybe you want to play simple PC games on your phone, or use Windows-only software on your Chromebook. Whatever you want to do, remote desktop applications allow you to connect to your computer from a phone, a tablet, or another computer.
Here, we'll go over the best options for remotely connecting to a computer from an Android device, or a Chromebook with support for Android applications.
Read MoreChrome Remote Desktop v71 adds non-functional display resize feature, and not much else [APK Download]
Chrome Remote Desktop is one of Google's lesser-known services, but it's still incredibly useful. It allows you to remotely control a computer from another computer, phone, or tablet — complete with audio support. The Android app just received its first update in around six months, but the main feature isn't working yet.
Read MoreAirMirror from AirDroid arrives to control your phone from another
From tech support for clueless parents to changing settings away from home, remote desktop tools are an invaluable part of the modern software kit. But the mobile market has expanded to the point that many developers consider the target a higher priority than desktops. That's why AirDroid—makers of the popular tool for managing your Android device from your desktop—have just released a new AirMirror app for remotely controlling one mobile device from another.
Read MorePopular
Google releases web app version of Chrome Remote Desktop
Google is trying to phase out Chrome Web Store apps, in favor of more modern (and cross-platform) Progressive Web Apps. One of the most well-known Chrome apps is Chrome Remote Desktop, a remote management tool similar to VNC or TeamViewer. While it was originally designed to give Chromebooks a proper remote desktop application, it has also become popular as a TeamViewer alternative.
Read MoreInBrief
TeamViewer 12 adds mobile-to-mobile remote control, faster performance
Although not as fast as RDP or Chrome Remote Desktop (at least in my experience), TeamViewer is one of the easiest ways to remotely control a computer. Today TeamViewer launched the TeamViewer 12 beta, finally offering remote-to-remote control on select Android devices.
Read MoreChrome Remote Desktop 53 adds remote sound support [APK Download]
Chrome Remote Desktop is a rather obscure Google product, but that doesn't mean it's not useful. Once the desktop application is installed, you can control it from any Android device, iOS device, or computer (with Chrome). In my testing, it actually works extremely well, often with a lower latency than popular remote access applications like TeamViewer.
The latest update, Chrome Remote Desktop 53, finally brings remote sound support.
Read MoreChrome Remote Desktop's First Update In Months Adds A Material Interface And A Touch Mode [APK Download]
Chrome Remote Desktop had been stuck on version 44 since July 2015, until an update rolled out today to version 49 (it follows Chrome's version numbers). With it come a few interface improvements that make the app a lot more Material and a new touch mode that creates a new interaction method with your remote desktop.
First things first, the main interface has now gotten a better title bar, a spec-compliant side-menu, and the color scheme has switched from a mix of blue and green to a more unified blue. You will also notice from my screenshots that computers now show their status if they have been offline for a while.
Read MoreVNC Viewer 2.0 (From RealVNC) Remotes Into The Play Store With Material Design, Immersive Fullscreen, And More
Running remote desktop software from an Android device has a different purpose than doing the same from a traditional PC. When you're connecting from a laptop, you're probably accessing an application at home or work that only exists on that one machine. But on Android, you have the option to greatly expand what your phone or tablet can do.
In a way, it feels like cheating.
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