Crossloop links computer screens, lets you transfer files

updated

Crossloop, the company that lets two people share their computer screens over the Web, has released new feature that lets them transfer unlimited files freely between their computers.

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We first wrote about Crossloop here, and noted this is useful for people who want to train others remotely. Young Web-savvy people wanting to teach elderly relatives how to find an obscure camera or printing device drive, for example, can take control of the computer screen of those relatives and show them exactly where it is.

Allowing file transfers takes this computer sharing to a whole new level.

Today, the Monterey, Calif. company has launched an upgrade with several new features, the most compelling of which is such file sharing — it allows an unlimited transfer of data for free. We tested it, and it worked great — for the most part. We tried transferring six different sets of files, and it worked except for once when they got stuck. When we tried those transferring those files again, to worked. It is in a testing phase, and we’re assuming the bug will be fixed. It also did not work once when we tried to host a session from a hot-spot in Starbucks; we’re assuming this had something to do with T-Mobile’s hot-spot configuration for the Starbucks chain.

It’s simple to use. You download the application (access is limited, but Crossloop has let VentureBeat users download from here; use the username “xlbeta” and password “filetransfer”). As discussed last time, you get a little box on your screen (see above) with a code you share with the person wanting to join you on your computer. Once the other person is connected, they can click on the file folder icon (see arrow), and Crossloop lets them select files on the computer to transfer to their own computer. Alternatively, they can just drag and drop files sitting on your desktop into the box. Crossloop prompts each of the two people to give permission for the transfer to go through.

Also, if you can stop the other person from having access to your files by clicking on the keyboard icon next to the folder icon. You can also flip the session, and take over the other person’s screen by clicking on the green-red arrow icon next to the keyboard icon. During these sessions, either party can move the cursor.

The gear icon provides help and other information about the session.

The product is designed to be usable by anyone.

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It is based on peer-to-peer technology, and offers quick transfer speed. Crossloop uses its own servers if, for some reason, a direct peer connection can’t be made.

There’s no clear way this will make money, as far as we can tell. Crossloop’s VP of Business Development, Mrinal Desai tells us his focus is getting the service adopted, and then he hopes to charge for premium features, such as giving people control over the box colors and logo.

We should note that other services, such as GoToMyPC and LogMeIn allow users to share computer screens and share files. However, they charge significantly for the privilege of sharing files. LogMeIn costs $99 per person per month to transfer files. GoToMyPC charges even more (clarification: GoToMyPC charges more for its full support version, but charges less than LogMeIn for its basic file transfer).

It works in 21 languages, and is encrypted with 128-bit technology.

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