Table of Contents
Highlight
- Seamless Legacy App Access: Open old Windows and Linux apps directly in the Chrome browser without heavy virtual desktops, making work faster and easier.
- Enhanced Security + AI Support: Chrome Enterprise protects legacy apps with strong security, while Gemini in Chrome provides smart assistance, such as summaries and quick insights.
- Smooth Cloud Transition: Let’s help companies modernize step by step, keeping essential legacy tools functional while moving toward a browser-first, AI-supported workflow.
Google has announced Cameyo by Google, a new tool under Chrome Enterprise that enables workplaces to access their legacy apps via the Chrome browser on Windows and Linux. It removes the virtual desktop, giving enterprises the opportunity to transition to the cloud without ditching the software they still rely on.
Cameyo provides enterprise-grade security and easy configuration, making it a better fit for Chrome devices, so it makes sense that organizations may want to modernize parts of their IT infrastructure without spending significantly or with significant effort.
Google’s New Tool for Easy App Access
Google has introduced Cameyo by Google to make work easier for companies still using older desktop apps. It’s now part of Chrome Enterprise and helps people open old apps directly from the browser — just like modern web apps.
Google’s stated objective is to make it easy for IT to help move their organizations to the cloud without the significant shift of porting the legacy apps outright as ‘cloud-based’ applications. For example, they still would be able to use legacy apps without substantial delay or worry about security, even if they migrated to a Chromebook as a work device.
Challenges: Legacy Apps Are Holding Us Back
Many offices have adopted web-based tools. However, so many still require the use of legacy Windows-based or desktop apps. Google says more than 90% of IT leaders see potential in web-based solutions, and teams report that about half of the tools they use for work are still desktop-only.
This is what Google calls the app gap — when modern devices and older apps don’t work well together. Because of that, many companies can’t entirely switch to Chromebooks or cloud setups.
Cameyo by Google aims to fix this problem by allowing older apps to run smoothly in the Chrome browser.
How Cameyo by Google Works
Cameyo doesn’t stream a whole virtual desktop like older systems do. It centers on delivering that one app – the app you genuinely need. So, if you have a legacy app for billing or designing, you can open it in your Chrome browser or install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
Key Features
- Runs old Windows and Linux apps through Chrome.
- Works on any device with Chrome Enterprise, i.e., laptops, PCs, or Chromebooks.
- No complex or expensive virtual desktop infrastructure required.
- Keeps old apps protected using Chrome’s security tools.
This makes it easier for IT teams to manage everything in one place without slowing down work.
Security and Control with Chrome Enterprise
One of the biggest reasons businesses use Chrome Enterprise is safety — and Cameyo fits right into that. Since all apps run inside the Chrome browser, IT teams can monitor usage and protect data more easily.
When combined with Chrome Enterprise Premium, Cameyo apps follow the same safety rules as modern web apps. This includes threat protection, safe browsing, and data loss prevention.
This means older desktop apps can now be managed just like any other online app, which helps reduce risks and makes company systems stronger overall.
Cameyo and Google AI
Cameyo also connects well with Google’s AI tools, such as Gemini in Chrome. This lets users get AI help while working inside old software.
For example, if someone opens a long report in a legacy app, they can use Gemini to summarize or explain it — without switching programs. This mix of old software and new AI tools makes everyday tasks faster and easier.
Why Businesses Should Care
Cameyo by Google is a wise choice for companies that want to modernize but can’t drop older software yet. It helps them take one step at a time without large costs or sudden changes.
Benefits
- Saves money: No expensive desktop virtualization.
- Flexible: Move to cloud tools slowly and safely.
- Simple to use: Apps open fast, just like local ones.
- Safe: Older apps get Chrome-level protection.
It gives teams a stable way to move forward while keeping their old systems running smoothly.
What Companies Should Check Before Using Cameyo
Even though Cameyo makes things easier, businesses should plan their move carefully.
- Test how old apps perform inside Chrome.
- Help employees adjust with short training.
- Set up proper data safety and login systems.
- Make sure the setup fits your company’s long-term plan.
These steps make sure the switch goes smoothly and works as expected.
Moving Toward Browser-Based Work
Cameyo shows where Google is heading — toward a browser-first world. Companies are slowly moving away from full desktops and toward browsers as the main workspace.
In this setup, the device doesn’t matter much. What matters is safe access to apps and data from anywhere. Cameyo by Google makes that possible for both old and new software.
Final Words
Cameyo by Google gives companies a simple way to use old apps on modern devices. It’s not about replacing everything at once — it’s about moving step by step toward the cloud safely and affordably.
For teams that still depend on old systems but want the benefits of Chrome Enterprise, Cameyo makes that transition easier and more practical.
