cross-device Archives

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Microsoft is adding powerful new ways to link your phone and PC

Microsoft is testing new features for its Phone Link application to improve integration between Android devices and Windows PCs. Upcoming updates will allow users to remotely lock their PC and access its clipboard from an Android device. Users must enable specific features in Windows settings to utilize these functions, such as using an Android phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. Recent observations indicate a new toggle for accessing the PC's clipboard, enabling a connected Android phone to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, though this feature currently works only in one direction. Two-way clipboard synchronization options are available through SwiftKey and Phone Link, but the latter is not available for Google Pixel devices. The Link to Windows app is also being enhanced, including a history of copied items and a remote lock PC button, which requires enabling the "Remote PC controls" toggle.

Winsage

July 24, 2025

Previewing a refreshed Link to Windows experience for Android phones

An update for the Link to Windows app has been rolled out for Windows Insiders, featuring a modernized design, enhanced onboarding, and new capabilities for managing PCs from Android devices, including the ability to lock the PC remotely. The app now serves as a hub for connected experiences, allowing users to view recent activity, monitor their PC's status, send files, and mirror their phone's screen. The onboarding process has been improved to enable setup directly from Android devices. To try the new experience, users must ensure they have the latest Windows Insider Preview build and the correct version of the Link to Windows app, and they need to pair their Android phone with their PC. Feedback can be provided through the app or the Feedback Hub.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Android’s Apple-inspired Handoff feature is moving closer to completion (APK teardown)

Android is developing a Handoff functionality aimed at enhancing cross-device file sharing and app access for users linked to the same Google account. Recent findings from an APK teardown of Google Play Services version 25.29.31 indicate new options for file and media sharing, as well as notification sharing. Although these features are not yet active, they suggest that users will eventually be able to access files and run apps installed on other devices. The code hints at the ability to continue tasks and access apps, media, and notifications across devices, potentially improving productivity and user convenience. The timeline for public release of these features is currently uncertain.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Microsoft is testing new features to make your Android phone work better with Windows PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Phone Link application to allow users to remotely lock their PCs and access clipboard content from their Android devices. The updated Phone Link will enable users to access text and images copied to their PC’s clipboard from their Android phones. This feature is particularly beneficial for Google Pixel users, who have historically lacked cross-device sync capabilities. Users can connect their Android phones to a Windows PC via Phone Link, but not all features are activated by default; manual activation is required through Windows Settings. For Insider Preview Builds, a new “access PC’s clipboard” toggle facilitates one-way syncing of clipboard content from the PC to the phone. The updated Link to Windows app also includes a clipboard history feature and a “lock PC” button for remote security.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

Microsoft is testing new features to make your Android phone work better with Windows PCs

Microsoft is enhancing its Phone Link application to allow users to remotely lock their PCs and access clipboard content from Android devices. Users need to manually activate features like using the phone as a webcam or accessing files through Windows File Explorer. The new clipboard feature allows connected Android phones to retrieve text and images copied on the PC, but it currently syncs content only from the PC to the phone. This feature is especially beneficial for Pixel users, who previously lacked seamless clipboard integration. The app also includes a lock PC button for remote security, which requires activation in Windows settings.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Xbox to bring true cross-device gaming: Start on console, finish on PC

Microsoft is introducing a new play history feature for Xbox users, currently available to Xbox Insiders, which allows access to a comprehensive play history across consoles, PCs, and handheld devices. This feature records play sessions and save games in the cloud, enabling players to resume games from any device. The Xbox PC app now includes a “Cloud playable” filter in the library to identify console games available for cloud streaming. Additionally, a unified game progression feature allows players to start a game on one device and continue on another without losing progress. These updates signify a move towards true cross-device continuity for Xbox gamers.

AppWizard

July 22, 2025

Cross-Device Play History and Cloud-Playable Xbox Games coming to Xbox PC app

The Xbox PC app on Windows is receiving updates that include a 'Cross-Device' Play History feature and the integration of cloud-playable console games into users' play history and library. These features will first be available to members of the Insider Program. The Play History will allow players to track their gaming activities across multiple devices, including the ROG Ally X and Xbox Series X. All cloud-playable games, including console exclusives from the original Xbox to the Xbox Series X|S, will be accessible in one location, whether owned or accessed through Game Pass. Feedback from the community is encouraged through forums and the official XboxEra Community Discord.

AppWizard

July 19, 2025

Top 6 Privacy Note Apps for Linux and Android That Actually Sync

Your messages are monitored, your location is tracked, and certain note-taking applications are focusing on privacy. The guide reviews note-taking applications for Linux and Android that prioritize confidentiality, with no trackers or unsettling sync processes. Standard Notes: - Data export: Encrypted, plain text format - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Fully offline capable - Unlimited Device Sync: Available on official servers or self-hosted - Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, rich text, etc.) - Organizing Style: Free (basic tags), Paid (folders and tags) - Themes & Creativity: Paid (multiple themes) - Support: Active community support Notesnook: - Data export: Free (plain text), Paid (Markdown, PDF, HTML) - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Fully offline capable - Unlimited Device Sync: Yes, with granular controls - Markdown & Writing Forms: Free (Markdown, lists, etc.), Paid (images and reminders) - Organizing Style: Free (20 Notebooks, 5 Tags), Paid (unlimited) - Themes & Creativity: Free (customizable sidebar), Paid (color options) - Support: Active community on Discord, email, Twitter, and Reddit Joplin: - Data export: ENEX files - 2FA: Single-use codes - Offline Access: Offline-first - Unlimited Device Sync: Requires Joplin Cloud - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, etc. - Organizing Style: Notebooks, sub-Notebooks, Tags, To-dos - Themes & Creativity: Customizable via CSS - Support: Community support through forums and Discord Cryptee: - Data export: Encrypted folder download, formats include PDF, DOCX, HTML, Markdown - 2FA: Supported - Offline Access: Functions offline as a PWA - Unlimited Device Sync: Local data for quick syncing - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc. - Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, pinning - Themes & Creativity: Customizable themes - Support: Community-driven support Obsidian: - Data export: Plain text and markdown files - 2FA: Not available - Offline Access: Fully offline - Unlimited Device Sync: Paid (Obsidian Sync), Free (third-party services) - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports Markdown, code, links, etc. - Organizing Style: Folders, Tags, graph view - Themes & Creativity: Complete UI customization - Support: Community support available Turtl: - Data export: Plain text format with encryption - 2FA: Not available - Offline Access: Operates offline - Unlimited Device Sync: Possible with official servers or self-hosted - Markdown & Writing Forms: Supports plain text, Markdown, etc. - Organizing Style: Spaces, Tags, boards - Themes & Creativity: No customization options - Support: Community-driven support Recommendations include Joplin for structure, Notesnook for minimalism, Turtl for privacy, and Obsidian for creativity. The best tool integrates seamlessly into your workflow while ensuring privacy.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

Microsoft Tests Streaming Xbox Games on PC

Microsoft's Xbox division is testing a new feature that allows users to stream their personally owned games through the Xbox PC app, eliminating lengthy installations. This feature is currently available to Xbox Insiders with a Game Pass Ultimate subscription and enables players to access their game libraries on Windows devices using cloud technology. The app manages processing on remote servers, conserving local storage and reducing download times. This initiative is part of Microsoft's strategy to unify its gaming ecosystem and respond to competition from services like Nvidia's GeForce Now and Amazon's Luna. The feature aims to democratize access to games without requiring a subscription for owned titles. Challenges include reliance on internet connectivity and privacy concerns regarding cloud data management. If successful, this could lead to broader integration across Xbox platforms, including smart TVs. Feedback from Insiders will influence the rollout pace.

BetaBeacon

June 28, 2025

Android Set to Introduce a Game-Changing iPhone Feature Enhancing Your Call Experience

Google Contacts app version 4.55 may soon allow users to use images as contact photos and calling cards, potentially linking a user's profile image to a dynamic call screen. The feature could support full-screen images, custom fonts, and cloud synchronization for easy management across devices. This new feature aims to enhance the visual appeal of Android phone calls by allowing users to personalize their call displays with images and text. However, Google has not confirmed the existence of calling cards yet.