Recent updates to Samsung’s One UI have transformed the experience of streaming apps from smartphones to PCs, making it significantly more user-friendly. With the introduction of One UI 6.1.1, users can now enjoy seamless app streaming without the repetitive task of pressing a button each time they wish to connect. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for those utilizing Microsoft’s Phone Link, which has undergone a notable shift in functionality.
What you need to know
- Streaming apps from your Samsung smartphone to your PC just got much easier.
- Samsung phones running One UI 6.1.1 no longer require you to press a button every single time you want to stream an app to your PC through Phone Link.
- Starting with Android 14, Phone Link required a button press every time you wanted to stream an app due to a change made to improve the operating system’s security.
- It appears Phone Link / Link to Windows now uses a different method to stream apps, which gives you the option to always allow app streaming.
This change, highlighted by Android Authority, marks a significant improvement in the user experience. Previously, users had to select “Start now” each time they wanted to stream an app, a requirement introduced with Android 14 to bolster security. While enhancing device protection is crucial, this adjustment added an unnecessary layer of complexity to the streaming process.
With the rollout of One UI 6.1.1, users can now opt for an “Always allow” setting for screen mirroring, thereby eliminating the need for repeated confirmations. This new functionality is complemented by the Extend Unlock feature, which enhances security by recognizing when the device is in the user’s possession or near trusted devices.
Why the change?
The transition to requiring a button press for app streaming was a response to security enhancements in Android 14. Prior to this update, users only needed to select “Start now” once, until the device was rebooted. However, Android 14 closed a loophole that allowed apps like Link to Windows to bypass repeated permission requests, a change that Google deemed necessary for user safety.
In response, Microsoft has adapted by utilizing Android’s Companion App Streaming API, which is also employed by the Chrome OS Phone Hub. This shift allows users to choose between “Always allow,” “Only this time,” and “Don’t allow” options for app mirroring, streamlining the process significantly.
Currently, One UI 6.1.1 is exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, leaving users of other Samsung models to continue the previous method of pressing “Start now” for app streaming. However, this update is expected to extend to older Galaxy devices, including the S22, S23, S24, and earlier Fold models, enhancing the streaming experience for a broader audience in the near future.
