Microsoft is set to broaden the reach of its “Link to Windows” feature, enhancing the seamless integration between PCs running Windows 11/10 and Android phones. Originally introduced in 2019 with the Galaxy Note 10, this feature, developed in collaboration with Samsung, is now extending its capabilities to include OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme devices.
The “Link to Windows” feature, known for its exclusive association with Samsung, is breaking free from this limitation. With the upcoming ColorOS 14 update, users of OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme phones will soon enjoy syncing messages, calls, and notifications between their Android devices and Windows PCs.
Initially a Samsung-exclusive feature, “Link to Windows” allowed users to synchronize the clipboard, transfer files, and stream audio seamlessly between Samsung phones and Windows 11. However, Microsoft’s recent updates reveal that these capabilities will no longer be exclusive to Samsung, Surface Duo, or Honor devices.
Feature Highlights
Three flagship features of Windows 11’s Phone Link – “Link to Windows,” “Phone screen,” and “Apps (mirroring)” – are set to become available to OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme phones with the ColorOS 14 update. This update will empower users to respond to texts, answer calls, and open Android apps on their Windows PCs without the need to unlock their devices.
RCS Integration
While most Samsung-exclusive features are making their way to other Android phones, it’s important to note that RCS integration in the messages tab of the Phone Link app is currently limited to phones using Samsung Message as their default messaging app. The future integration of RCS capabilities will depend on the default messaging app and its compatibility with Windows 11’s Phone Link.
Anticipated Release
Microsoft has not provided a specific release date for the expanded compatibility with OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme phones. However, insiders suggest that the “Link to Windows” feature, being a firmware-level integration, will likely accompany the ColorOS 14 update. It remains uncertain which phone models will include this feature in their quick settings.
Conclusion
As Microsoft’s “Link to Windows” feature evolves beyond its initial exclusivity, users of OnePlus, OPPO, and Realme can look forward to a more interconnected experience between their Android devices and Windows PCs. The anticipation builds for the release of the ColorOS 14 update, expected to unlock new possibilities for seamless communication and task management across devices.