app streaming Archives

AppWizard

January 7, 2026

Windows 11’s “almost full-screen” Android apps mirroring now available for everyone via Phone Link app with supported phones

Users can utilize the "Expanded screen" feature in the Microsoft Phone Link app, allowing up to 90% of desktop screen space to be used when streaming Android applications to Windows 11. This feature is available to all users and may require updates from the Microsoft Store for those who do not see it yet. The Phone Link app previously had a compact view for Android app streaming, but now allows apps to stretch across the desktop. The feature prompts the phone to relaunch the app in a wider layout, which is then streamed to the PC, though not all apps are compatible with this expanded view. The feature is described as "almost-full-screen," leaving about 10% of the screen unused. The "Apps" section in Phone Link may be absent if the device is not supported; compatible devices include select models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. Microsoft has also introduced the ability to lock PCs directly from Android phones.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Microsoft stops breaking Windows 11 – instead it just made Phone Link even better with Android apps

Microsoft is testing a new feature for Phone Link that allows users to stream Android apps on Windows 11 in an 'expanded view,' which enlarges the app window for a better desktop experience. This feature is still in testing and may have performance issues, such as limited expansion for certain apps like Uber and slightly blurry text. Users can currently use screen mirroring to rotate their phone display to landscape mode as a workaround. The streaming feature is compatible with select smartphones, including models from Samsung, Asus ROG, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo, and Xiaomi. Basic phone mirroring is supported on a wider range of devices.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Android’s new Computer Control feature shows the Rabbit R1 was ahead of its time

Last year, AI-powered devices like the Rabbit R1 generated excitement but ultimately failed due to high costs, redundancy, and limited utility. This led to a trend in agentic AI, with companies developing AI products that autonomously handle tasks. Google is advancing its Gemini project within the Chrome browser, although it currently has limited functionality. For broader automation across Android apps, Google’s Project Astra was showcased, demonstrating hands-free control of Android devices. However, it revealed performance issues that need improvement. Google is also developing a Computer Control framework to automate Android applications through trusted client apps, requiring specific permissions for security. The framework aims to enhance automation while addressing privacy concerns and resource management.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Amazon’s Vega OS launch trick: cloud-streamed apps

Amazon has introduced its custom-built Vega operating system with the launch of the Fire TV Stick 4K Select, which comes preinstalled with Vega. This new OS operates alongside Amazon's modified version of Android, creating challenges for developers who are hesitant to fully support Vega. To mitigate potential app shortages at launch, Amazon will allow the Fire TV Stick 4K Select to run Android versions of popular applications through cloud streaming. Amazon has also released documentation for developers on transitioning apps to the Linux-based Vega OS, which uses React Native as its default framework, and introduced the Amazon Cloud App Program to facilitate the deployment of existing Fire TV apps to Vega OS devices. Amazon is offering cloud streaming services free for the first nine months to encourage major publishers to develop native Vega apps, while also enabling cloud streaming for select popular Android apps. Developers can check if their apps are enrolled in the Cloud App Program via the Amazon developer portal. Although cloud streaming for TV apps is not new, Amazon's entry into this space is significant, especially following its previous use of cloud streaming for its Luna gaming service. The announcement of Vega OS comes nearly two years after its initial report and follows the launch of three Echo devices powered by Vega. With nearly 300 million Android-based Fire TV devices sold, it is essential for publishers to maintain support for Android apps. Amazon has stated its commitment to being a multi-OS company, continuing to launch new devices on Fire OS while supporting existing experiences.

AppWizard

October 2, 2025

Amazon’s new Fire TV OS streams Android apps on worse hardware for the same price… why?

Amazon introduced the Fire TV Stick Select, featuring the new Vega OS, at its fall hardware event. The device will include a mix of Vega-native applications and clients using Amazon Web Services (AWS) for streaming, with existing Fire TV apps adaptable to the new platform. Developers will have nine months of free app streaming to create native Vega applications. The Fire TV Stick Select is priced similarly to the Fire TV Stick 4K Max but has less powerful hardware, including Wi-Fi 5 and limited HDR support. Concerns exist regarding the user experience, particularly if streaming quality is poor, which could affect Amazon's reputation in the market. The Appstore will indicate cloud notices for non-native apps, but user understanding of this feature may vary.

AppWizard

June 19, 2025

Will Android ‘App Cast’ let you stream apps from device to device? (APK teardown)

Google is developing a feature called "App Cast" within the Android ecosystem, as indicated by references found in the 25.24.31 beta release of Google Play Services. This feature may allow users to gather information from remote Android devices and access their installed applications, potentially enabling app streaming between devices. Code snippets suggest functionalities for multi-device synchronization, including device selection and progress indicators. There are also hints of new notification sync capabilities related to App Cast. Further updates from future Play Services builds are expected to clarify the details and implications of this feature.

AppWizard

June 14, 2025

This Android app can make your virtual life a little bit easier, if you have patience

Android Central's Editor's Desk discusses the integration of virtual reality (VR) with everyday devices, highlighting advancements in VR headsets like the Quest 3, which features color passthrough. This allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while using VR. However, accessing smartphone notifications can be challenging in VR. To address this, Meta launched the Smart Connect app for the Quest 3, enabling users to stream and control their Motorola smartphones directly from the headset. Setting up Smart Connect involves downloading the app and syncing devices via a QR code. The app allows for app streaming, creating a phone-like interface in VR, and supports multiple apps. It also includes a desktop mode for a computer-like experience. However, users may face issues with app scaling, keyboard functionality, and navigation due to small interface elements. Overall, Smart Connect aims to enhance connectivity between smartphones and VR technology.

Winsage

September 26, 2024

Your Windows PC will soon better integrate with more Android phones

Xiaomi has preinstalled Microsoft's Link to Windows app on its latest flagship devices, the Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro, to enhance user experience by enabling seamless integration between Android phones and Windows PCs. The app facilitates features like clipboard synchronization and app streaming, which improve workflow. The Xiaomi 14T Pro will receive the Link to Windows integration in the upcoming 1.0.10.0 update. The app is integrated into HyperOS, Xiaomi's customized Android version, enhancing its functionality. While the app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, preinstallation significantly boosts performance. Other smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung and OPPO, have also adopted the Link to Windows app, indicating a trend towards improved cross-device connectivity. Xiaomi's strategy is aimed at reinforcing its ecosystem, especially given its portfolio of Windows PCs.

BetaBeacon

September 25, 2024

Microsoft is unifying its Xbox apps by integrating Game Pass

Microsoft has updated the Xbox app to include Game Pass features, making it a one-stop hub for gamers. The standalone Game Pass app will be phased out from November.

AppWizard

August 29, 2024

Phone Link’s Instant Hotspot feature is no longer exclusive to Samsung phones

Microsoft's Phone Link app has expanded the Instant Hotspot feature to select OnePlus devices, including the OnePlus Open and OnePlus 12, which previously was exclusive to Samsung devices. The Instant Hotspot allows Windows PCs to connect to the Internet via a smartphone's mobile hotspot without manual activation or password entry. This feature is only available on Windows 11 PCs linked to Samsung devices running One UI 4.1.1 or later, due to Android's restrictions. Other manufacturers, like OPPO and OnePlus, also include the Link to Windows Service app, enabling some of their devices to support Instant Hotspot. However, not all devices are compatible; for example, the OnePlus 10 Pro does not support it despite running the same version of the Link to Windows app as the OnePlus 12. The Link to Windows Service app also provides other functionalities, such as app streaming and cross-device copy and paste, although some features remain exclusive to Samsung.