Google and VMware have teamed up to remotely run Windows apps on Chromebooks and Chrome desktops by allowing users to easily access the software on a remote machine.
As Liliputing’s Brad Linder notes, the move makes sense for a couple of reasons. First off, Chrome hardware is typically inexpensive and can be snapped up for a few hundred dollars (excluding Google’s Pixel).
Secondly, support and updates are pretty much seamless, with Google routinely rolling out updates to the browser-centic OS for both Chromebooks and Chromeboxes.
Thirdly, it’s somewhat difficult for unauthorized users to install malware, as the web apps are sandboxed away from the core operating ystsem.
“While VMware is one of the biggest players in the virtual desktop space, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen Chromebooks positioned as thin client devices for running apps on remote servers,” Linder explained.
“There’s also no shortage of consumer-friendly apps that let you remote control a PC using a Chromebook. Google even offers its own Chrome Remote Desktop app that you can use to take control of a PC from a Chromebook.”
In other Chrome news, Hewlett Packard (HP) recently announced that it would be launching a Chromebox this spring. The device is equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort (supports up to two monitors), WiFi, Bluetooth and four USB 3.0 ports.
The Chromebox also features an Intel Haswell processor, with a high-end Chromebox designed specifically for meetings expected to boast a Core i7 chip.
