In a notable development for users of Phone Link, Microsoft is currently testing an exciting new feature aimed at enhancing the experience of streaming Android apps on Windows 11. This update seeks to address a common limitation faced by many users: the restrictive portrait view that many applications default to when accessed through a smartphone.
The forthcoming ‘expanded view’ button promises to significantly enlarge the app window, allowing for a more immersive desktop experience. While this feature is still in the testing phase, early reports indicate that it may not yet deliver a flawless performance. For instance, certain applications, such as Uber, have exhibited issues where the window expands only slightly, leaving large black margins on either side of the usable area. Additionally, some text may appear slightly blurry, which detracts from the overall usability.
Analysis: mirroring workaround
As noted by Windows Latest, there are currently some workarounds available for users eager to maximize their Android app experience on the desktop. One such method involves utilizing the screen mirroring feature within Phone Link, allowing users to rotate their phone display to landscape mode. This approach can effectively enlarge the app window, albeit with some limitations.
While the prospect of a dedicated button to expand app windows with a single click is certainly appealing, it is essential to acknowledge that the feature is still undergoing refinement. Users can expect improvements as Microsoft works to iron out the existing issues before the official rollout of the expanded view functionality.
It is worth mentioning that this app streaming feature is currently compatible with a select range of smartphones, including recent models from Samsung, Asus ROG, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi. In contrast, basic phone mirroring is more widely supported across various devices, offering users alternative options for connecting their smartphones to the Windows environment.
