Google Chromoting
What is Google Chromoting?
Google Chromoting is a technology developed by Google that allows a user to remotely control another computer. Chrome Remote Desktop requires the use of Google Chrome, along with the installation of an extension from the Chrome Web Store.
How chromoting works?
Let's take a look how remoting works:
On the host side, a process periodically captures the desktop as a bitmap at some interval.
It calculates the difference between the current bitmap and the previous bitmap as a bunch of "dirty" rectangles. This is to minimize the amount of data sent to the client.
Dirty rectangles are compressed further. Currently there's a "no-op" encoder and vp8 encoder.
This data is sent to the client.
The client decodes the data and displays it.
The communication is done using Google's Jingle protocol, which is based on XMPP and already used in Google's IM and video chat clients.
Google Chromoting Overview
Google Chromoting, powering Chrome Remote Desktop, is your virtual gateway to access any computer remotely through the Chrome browser. Imagine controlling your office PC from a café or helping a friend troubleshoot their laptop—no complex setups. Just install the Chrome extension, share a one-time PIN, and you’re connected. It’s cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS) and prioritizes security with encrypted sessions. Ideal for personal use or quick tech fixes, it’s like having a digital teleportation device in your browser.
Key Takeaways
- Remote control via Chrome, no software bloat.
- Cross-platform access—any device, anywhere.
- PIN-based security for temporary, encrypted sessions.
- Efficient updates using "dirty rectangles" to save bandwidth.
Technical Workflow
The host PC snaps periodic screen images, detects changes (like mouse movements or new windows) as "dirty rectangles," and compresses these updates using VP8 video encoding. Data zips through Google’s Jingle protocol to the client, which decodes and stitches updates into a real-time mirror of the host’s screen. Minimal lag, maximum efficiency.
Protocols
Chromoting relies on Jingle, Google’s real-time communication protocol built on XMPP (think WhatsApp’s foundation). Jingle handles NAT/firewall traversal using ICE/STUN, ensuring connections even on tricky networks. Data is wrapped in TLS and SRTP encryption, mirroring Google Meet’s security. This combo delivers speed, reliability, and privacy—perfect for seamless screen sharing without compromising safety.
