One of the biggest attractions of Apple products is undoubtedly the way in which all the information can be synchronized between all the Apple products you have. In this sense, it seems that Microsoft has always been quite behind, something that has been noticed even more since it decided to stop making Windows smartphones.
The
Windows 10 October 2018 Update attempted to bridge the gap, with the launch of
Microsoft's Your Phone app. This means that you can now access your phone
calls, messages and notifications without leaving your computer desktop.
Crucially, this works on all the latest Android devices, as well as iOS.
Why should I use the Your phone app?
We are all aware that when you are trying to work, your phone can be an overly attractive source of distraction.
It
is much easier to ignore a notification in the corner of the laptop screen than
in the front and center of the phone. Also, many desktop applications will
not send you notifications unless you have the program open, which should
further reduce distractions.
When
you are ready to check your phone, there is a good level of functionality. In
addition to receiving notifications, you can also make and receive phone calls,
send text messages, and use a selection of phone applications.
A
recent update has added the ability to control the music that is playing on the
phone. This means that you can easily play / pause, skip tracks, and
change your music provider without leaving your desktop.
According
to Windows Latest, there are many more features in the near future. The
main one is the Picture-in-Picture mode, which will allow users to keep
individual text conversations separate from the rest of the application. There
will also be the option to call contacts directly from the messages tab, for a
smoother desktop experience.
Elsewhere,
the phone will now offer the ability to intelligently copy text directly from
an image, simply by right-clicking on it.
These features will be available to members of the Windows Insider Program in the coming weeks. The good track record of Windows Latest means we have no reason to doubt what they say here.
How to use your phone with Windows 10
First, you must download the Your
Phone application from the Google Play Store . It
may already be on your phone if you have a Samsung device, while the Windows 10
version comes pre-installed on your device.
- This should prompt you to
download the app from the Google Play Store ,
although it may already be pre-installed if you have a Samsung
phone.
- Once downloaded, open the
app and log in with your Microsoft account. You must make sure that
it is the same as the one you started on your PC for it to work.
- Open the Your Phone
application on your computer and select the Android phone.
- The two devices should
recognize each other, but if not, scan the QR code that appears with your
phone's camera and make sure to log into the desktop as well.
- A notification should appear
on your phone asking for permission, tap allow.
- Check the box to say you
have installed the app and then the app will open.
It
is done! You should now see the Notifications, Messages, Photos, Phone
Screen, and Calls tabs from your Windows 10 computer.
