My name is Olof Mases, program manager on the Remote Desktop Virtualization team, and I am excited to announce, in addition to the General Availability of Windows Server 2012 R2, that our Remote Desktop apps for iOS , Mac OS X , and Android are now available for download from the App Store, the Mac App Store, and the Google Play Store.
We are excited to introduce clients with best of class performance and security including Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) 8.0 and RemoteFX. You can experience the power of Windows with RemoteFX in a Remote Desktop client designed to help you get your work done wherever you are.
With these apps users can access:
- Their PCs (Windows Pro and Enterprise versions)
- Session-based desktops
- Personal or pooled virtual desktops
- RemoteApp programs
Rich Windows experience
The Remote Desktop apps provide a rich multi-touch experience with RDP and RemoteFX supporting Windows gestures. Users can get a rich Windows experience and be productive on their personally-owned devices. They can easily connect to external monitors or projectors for presentations
RDP 8 and RemoteFX
The apps use RDP 8.0 and RemoteFX for high fidelity audio and graphics. The protocol automatically adjusts for client performance and network bandwidth. Given sufficient bandwidth and client resources, streaming of HD video with high definition audio is possible up to 30fps.
For lower bandwidth scenarios such as 3G or WAN, the protocol will dynamically adjust the compression and frame rate to deliver the best possible user experience.
RemoteFX has been optimized for all network topologies and client types. Whether you are a road warrior always on the go or using your device at home or in the office, you will get the best possible remoting experience available for your devices of choice.
Secure Connections through NLA
The Remote Desktop apps support the latest Network Layer Authentication (NLA) protocol, protecting your users and your data. The apps also connect to older servers that do not support the newer, stronger encryption offered by NLA but will alert the user that they are connecting to a potentially unsafe server.
Using strong encryption to protect your data is critical and this feature has long been requested by our customers.
Connection Center (the Remote Desktop apps UI) provides simplified management of all your remote desktops and resources in one simple view.
Figure 1: Screenshot of the iOS app Connection Center
The local keyboard with Windows extensions allows easy interaction with the remote desktops and apps.
Figure 2: Screenshot of Android app with local keyboard
Full support for RemoteApp programs on all platforms gives you the ability to run your favorite applications on your device of choice wherever you are.
Figure 3: Screenshot of Mac app running Internet Explorer, File Explorer, and Calculator as RemoteApp programs.
Powerful Pan and Zoom feature allows you to easily interact with remote applications on small screens.
Figure 4: Screenshot of Android app zooming in with Pan control
The Remote Desktop apps will connect to the following versions of Windows:
- Windows Client operating system: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP*
- Windows Server operating system: Windows Server 2012 R2, Window Server 2012, Windows Server 2008 R2
* The oldest version tested and verified is SP3 for Windows XP for the iOS, MacOS, and Android apps.
There is no separate license needed for Microsoft Remote Desktop app. You are allowed to use this app for iOS (iPhone and iPad), Mac OS X and Android devices with a Windows Server 2012 RDS CAL (Client Access License). If you have the Windows Server 2012 RDS CAL directly or through Software Assurance, you can download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the respective application stores at no extra cost and start using them. With the introduction of these clients we are strengthening our commitment to helping organizations address consumerization of IT. I encourage you to download these apps from the respective application stores and enjoy the rich Windows experience on your BYO device.
Thanks again to our partners and customers who provided us invaluable feedback!