Microsoft is distributing a preview of new functions for Smartphone Link in the Windows Insider Beta Channel. Smartphone functions should be able to be accessed quickly and directly from the Windows 11 Start menu. This can save you from having to use your cell phone repeatedly.
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Microsoft has been working on integrating smartphones into the Windows desktop for some time now. For example, with the “Link to Windows” app from the Google Play Store, Android cell phones can be accessed and managed from Windows. In the Windows settings, the option “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” and, if necessary, “Smartphone Link” must be activated under “Bluetooth and devices”.
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A screenshot from Microsoft shows how access to the cell phone from Windows has been simplified. Next to the Start menu, another panel opens that shows functions and information from the cell phone. In addition to the connection status and battery level, messages, calls and photos can be easily accessed. In addition, the latest events can also be displayed directly.
Smartphone Link has been generally available since Windows 10, but the new functions come to Windows 11 Insiders. Android must be at least Android 8, and for some functions Android 9. The devices must also work on the same WLAN. For Apple’s iOS, Smartphone-Link requires Windows 11. The minimum mobile operating system required is iOS 15. The “Link to Windows” app is available for both Android and iOS.
The Start menu extension that is now offered initially supports only Android smartphones. The developers intend to provide iOS support at a later date.
Microsoft is constantly pushing the integration of smartphones and the Windows desktop. In March, developers distributed the function of using a smartphone’s camera as a webcam to all Windows Insiders. Previously, this usually required additional paid apps. Since the quality of cameras in smartphones has generally been much better than many (especially cheap) PC webcams for several years, this can be used to meaningfully revive old devices that have been discarded.
(DMK)
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