Microsoft has introduced a new feature for Windows 11 that would let iPhone owners to connect their handsets to their Windows PCs and access numerous capabilities. Only the Windows Insiders programme now offers the capability, called Phone Connect for iPhones, as a preview.
Microsoft claims that Phone Link operates by downloading a companion app for the iPhone and pairing it with the PC using Bluetooth. Once linked, users may view and handle their phone’s notifications in the Action Center on their Desktop. The Phone Link app on their PC syncs with the Messages app on their iPhone, allowing them to reply to text messages. Nevertheless it should be mentioned that Phone Link for iPhones does not permit replying to group conversations or transmitting media in messages.
Nevertheless, it is not clear when Phone Link for iPhones will be accessible for all Windows 11 users or what additional capabilities it will offer. Microsoft said it is working on adding more capabilities to Phone Link over time. For example, in Phone Link for Android phones, users can drag and drop photographs from their phone to their PC using File Explorer or other tools.
One of the numerous brand-new features included in Windows 11, which will be on sale in October 2021, is Phone Link. A new Microsoft Store with more games and apps, including Android apps via the Amazon App Store, support for widgets that display personalised information, improved performance and security, and more are other features of the new operating system. The Start menu has also been redesigned with icons centred and recommended files and apps shown.
By updating the Phone Link app to 1.23012.169.0 or higher, Windows Insiders can test Phone Link for iPhones. Users must register for a Microsoft account and choose to receive preview builds under Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program in order to become Windows Insiders. Users need to be informed that preview builds can contain bugs or other problems that harm their devices.
Phone Link is comparable to Apple’s Continuity technology, which enables customers to transition between their Macs and their iPhones without any interruption. Making phone conversations, sending SMS messages, using apps like Notes or Safari, copying and pasting text, unlocking devices with the Apple Watch, and more all supported by Continuity. Phone Connection for iPhones does not, however, currently provide these functions.
Using Phone Link, users of both Android and iPhone devices may collaborate more easily without constantly switching between them. Additionally, it demonstrates Microsoft’s attempts to improve Windows 11’s ecosystem and platform compatibility. It remains to be seen if Phone Link will prove helpful or well-liked by iPhone owners.
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