Published 18 Apr 2022 5 min read

Why You Won’t Need Screen Share in 2022: Introducing Shared Browser

Casey Zheng

Article updated on April 18, 2022

Even before the COVID- 19 pandemic occurred, many businesses had already started the transition to remote work. BlueFace, a predominant telecommunication company, predicted in 2018 that remote working would compete with office locations by 2025. The same report has also found that 78% of businesses already allowed remote working. Those who have shifted to remote work, whether due to the pandemic or not, rely heavily on screen sharing and video conferencing.

As remote work becomes the new normal, it has become all the more important for companies to invest in tools and software that improve collaboration and workflow.

Unfortunately, screen sharing capabilities are no longer enough, especially for complicated projects. Screen sharing is limited to two separate types of users: the sharer, or the screen controller, and the receiver, or viewer, of the screen share. If during a presentation a viewer needs more time to process the information, the dreaded awkward dance of “oh, could you go back to that section up there” thus ensues.

For projects that require collaboration by multiple participants, a Shared Browser is the best option. So what exactly is the difference between a Shared Browser and screen sharing?

Most of us are familiar with screen sharing. This is often done when another party needs needs to see to your computer or screen. For instance, screen sharing is often used when you do a presentation or for online learning. Or maybe your teammate needs to add his or her input on a project you are working on. However, only one person can control what happens on the screen.

A Shared Browser, on the other hand, lets you co-browse and co-control any web page with multiple users. This cloud-based browser allows users to click, scroll, and type at the same time during a single session. Instead of providing instructions to the sharer on what to do on the page, you can do the actions yourself. It makes the process a lot faster and smoother.

ditch screen sharing and succeed with shared browser

A Shared Browser can be used in instances where screen sharing is not enough. Here are some of the common applications of Shared Browser:

1. Sales Demos

Virtual sales demos using a Shared Browser allow the prospective buyer to freely explore the product or service being featured. An interactive demo also makes the buyer feel more engaged, thus increasing sales conversion. Guests can have the power to click around. However, this is only if/when you want guests to have control and edit access - you can change the permissions of Shared Browser at any time.

2. Tech Support

Screen sharing used to be the common form of troubleshooting tech problems. With a Shared Browser, troubleshooting becomes a lot easier. Instead of giving out instructions, which often lead to misunderstandings, a tech support specialist can carry out the fixes themselves.

3. Training and Onboarding

You can turn passive sessions into active ones, making the learning process much more engaging. Instead of showing your participants the way, you can let them take action and learn by doing.

4. Visitor Assistance

Does your website visitor have difficulty accessing certain pages of your website? Is your online shopper having trouble finding the right product or checking out? A Shared Browser provides a more personalized experience for every single customer or visitor on your website.

5. Real-Time Support

Online banking apps and other finance apps have made transactions digital. But we all know that finance is an industry that is difficult to navigate. Providing support in real-time using a Shared Browser can improve sales, conversion, and customer satisfaction.

6. Internal Team Collaboration

If you’re working with a remote team on a specific project, asking for input or revisions is a lot faster using Shared Browser. You can even do the changes in real-time, cutting down the waiting period, and streamlining the planning or designing process.

As long as there is a need for digital communication between two or more parties, Shared Browsers can be used to bridge that gap.

For more information about cobrowsing, check out our cobrowsing vs. screensharing article.

We have established the differences between Shared Browser and screen sharing. But why does a Shared Browser work better than simple screen sharing? Here are the main reasons:

It is interactive. Instead of just watching the sharer click around, the other participants can also click around and explore.
It is engaging. Participating in a Shared Browser session is more engaging than participating in a passive screen sharing session.
Faster troubleshooting. Instead of telling the sharer what to do to fix the problem, you can take over the session and do the troubleshooting yourself.
Clearer communication. No more guessing which button to click or which link to follow.

Overall, Shared Browser is more performant than traditional screen sharing --minus the hassle and huge bandwidth usage of a traditional screen share. The power of Shared Browser has a wide range.

Introducing RemoteHQ Shared Browser

Shared Browsers are one of the features offered by RemoteHQ, a company that specializes in remote collaboration by creating interactive sandboxed environments. A Shared Browser turns any website instantly collaborative, making it easier for participants to communicate and work remotely.

What makes the RemoteHQ Shared Browser effective?

Cloud-Based

When a user creates a Shared Browser session, a webpage is created that is not saved on either computer. The users can browse and edit the webpage secure because no digital trail is left for other entities to follow.

No Additional App

With screen sharing, you need to download an app that would allow you to share your screen with other users. Zoom, Skype, Team Viewer, AnyDesk, Screenleap, Chrome Remote Desktop, GoToMeeting, and Cisco WebEx are just some of the popular screen sharing apps today. A Shared Browser, on the other hand, is entirely browser and cloud-based. No need to download, install, and maintain any software. Just click a URL link and you’ll be able to join any meeting!

Adjustable Permission Settings

You can choose the permissions model you want to apply. You can make your session private, view-only, or editable by all the participants. This way, you are always in control of who can see and engage with your Shared Browser.

Shared Browsers take screen sharing to the next level. As the demand for better and smoother collaborative tools increases, the Shared Browser will make it easier for teams and companies to continue working remotely. Try it for free today!