Google+ Hangouts gets a cool new feature, as the Internet giant is rolling out a Hangouts remote desktop for remote control.
In other words, some people are more tech savvy, while some just know how to turn on the computer and access the Internet. For the latter category, friends, family or acquaintances with some more tech knowledge are a must, and Google aims to facilitate getting or giving help from afar.
The new Google+ Hangouts remote desktop feature is powered by the same technology as the Chrome Remote Desktop, and allows users to video chat while troubleshooting. Google announced the update in a Google+ post on Thursday, May 2.
"For those of you who play tech support for friends and family, there's now a Hangouts app to make things easier — powered by the same technology behind Chrome Remote Desktop," explains the Web guru.
"Hangouts Remote Desktop lets you help others by controlling their computer remotely (with their permission, of course). And because you're both in a Hangout, you can talk with and see each other during the session."
To check out the new feature, all users have to do is start a new Google+ Hangout and click View More Apps. From there, select Add Apps, then Hangouts Remote Desktop. Install it and get going.
Google+ Hangouts already allowed screen sharing for virtual meetings, but the new Remote Desktop feature will now allow Google to compete with services such as LogMeIn, GoToMyPC or TeamViewer that allow remote desktop access for troubleshooting.
Such services also make it easier for tech support professionals to assist their customers. Those working in tech support know what it's all about and will probably exhale a big "Amen!" Countless situations, when the customer calling tech support doesn't know anything about what's wrong, could be greatly simplified.
As a large number of people use Gmail, having such a feature on Google+ Hangouts, a service closely integrated with other Google products, actually makes sense. Google+ is increasingly gaining popularity, and this new service might bring even more users to the platform. Google is clearly keen on making its Google+ network better, and services that make things easier are always welcome.
related stories
more stories from Internet / Social Media
Google's two-minute blackout has caused a whopping 40 percent drop in global Internet traffic.
ernest hamiltonRumors turned out to be legitimate, as Xbox Music web player is now live.
ernest hamiltonA bug in Facebook's latest beta app for Android collected and stored the phone numbers of anyone who launched the app, regardless of whether they logged in or had an account.
ernest hamiltonMozilla Firefox 22 is bringing advance 3D gaming to the web with Unreal Engine 3.
ernest hamiltonA security bug in Facebook's 'Download Your Information' (DYI) tool exposed email addresses and telephone numbers of roughly 6 million users.
ernest hamiltonTwo of the new features now available on Socl comes in the form of a meme generator and GIF creator. This is a good idea since memes and GIFs are one of the leading activities on the Internet right now.
ernest hamiltonThe Facebook invitation doesn't say anything about the product or the service that is going to be launched on June 20.
ernest hamiltonIn the new version of OS X, dubbed OS X 10.9 Mavericks, if you use the new Safari web browser to open a website that is power hungry, you will not have to close it in order to save your battery life.
ernest hamilton