OS X has included the ability to remotely screen share using a VNC style server for some time now. However, a new feature ‘hidden’ in Yosemite iMessage application is the ability to request a screen share via an iMessage conversation! If you initiate an iMessage conversation with another Yosemite user who is also using iMessage, you can use a built it request facility to view to recipients screen. The ability to share your screen originally appeared within iChat, though required an AIM, Gmail, Jabber or Yahoo account.
Once your recipient has responded to your iMessage request, click on the details link in the top right hand corner of the chat window. This will expand a second box, with the option to FaceTime, Video Call or screen share. Clicking on the Screen Share option will then pop up an additional menu offering to send a request to screen share. The recipient will then receive a popup “Allow [your name] to control my screen”. Should the recipient accept your request the screen share should commence.
This does come with some caveats:
- Both users must be using Yosemite or above.
- Both users must have an Apple ID
- Both users must be signed into Apple ID in the iCloud preferences pain in System Preferences