Phone Link Archives

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

These 5 open-source utilities should be on every Android phone

Sefirah is a local companion app for Android that connects devices on the same network, allowing users to manage notifications, messages, and applications in one place, with clipboard mirroring for enhanced productivity. PhotoSwooper is a free photo management app that allows users to swipe left or right to delete or keep images, includes an undo option, and lets users customize folders to exclude from sorting. Neo Store is an alternative app store that builds apps from public source code, prioritizing safety and allowing users to add multiple repositories and update all open-source applications simultaneously. Heliboard is a privacy-focused keyboard app that operates offline, ensuring user data remains secure, and offers features like gesture typing. LocalSend enables file sharing over a local network across various devices, enhancing the experience as more users adopt the app.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Windows 11’s huge July 14 update is loaded with new features — these are the 13 that matter most

Microsoft will launch the Windows 11 July 2026 Security Update on July 14, 2026, introducing new features and bug fixes. Key features include the Point-in-time Restore recovery feature, which allows users to revert to a stable system state using restore points, and enhancements to Bluetooth, network virtualization, and touchpad functionality. The update will be available for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, managed through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) technology. The update enhances the "Pause updates" functionality with a calendar view for pausing updates for up to 35 days. The Magnifier tool will allow users to input exact zoom percentages, and printer installations will default to the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP). Location settings will be simplified, and File Explorer will see performance improvements, including new options on the Home page. Bluetooth enhancements will improve reliability and audio performance, while Phone Link will refine call handling between Windows 11 and smartphones. Voice Typing and Voice Access will be improved for real-time text refinement and support multiple languages. Networking improvements will focus on reliability and performance, particularly in virtualized environments, and touchpad customization options will allow adjustments to the right-click area.

Winsage

June 16, 2026

Start

The Start interface in Windows 11 is a centered floating window that can be accessed by clicking the Start button or using keyboard shortcuts like WINKEY or Ctrl + Esc. Key features include a Search box for initiating searches, a customizable Pinned section for frequently used apps, a Recommended area for recently accessed items, and an All section displaying all installed apps. Users can manage their account through the Account manager, access power options for Lock, Sleep, Shutdown, and Restart, and connect mobile devices via the Phone Link app. Customization options for the Start interface include moving the Start and Taskbar icons to the left, configuring Windows Search settings, and customizing the Pinned and Recommended sections. Users can pin, unpin, and rearrange app shortcuts in the Pinned section, adjust what appears in the Recommended section, and choose between different layout views in the All section. The Account manager allows limited customization of notifications, and users can add folders and mobile device slices to Start. The Quick link menu provides access to legacy management interfaces and can be accessed by right-clicking the Start button or using WINKEY + X.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

On this day: Microsoft’s 2016 Android‑Windows app port plan predicted today’s AI ecosystem

Microsoft has been working on bridging the gap between Android and Windows 10 for over a decade, initially encouraging developers to port applications and integrate notifications through Cortana. As of 2026, Microsoft's AI strategy continues to focus on cross-platform compatibility, evolving from earlier projects like Astoria and Cortana. Recently, Microsoft introduced a "request app" functionality in Windows 10 that allows users to suggest apps for the Windows Store directly from notifications on their Android smartphones. This feature was first identified by a Reddit user and directs users to a UserVoice page for app recommendations. Notification syncing between Android and Windows 10 is currently limited to Insider builds of 'Redstone', and the request feature has shown some inconsistencies.

Winsage

May 6, 2026

New Trojan attacks Windows and steals data from smartphones via Phone Link

Cisco Talos experts have discovered a trojan that has been operational since at least January 2026, which installs the CloudZ RAT (Remote Access Tool) on Windows systems along with the Pheno plugin. The attack starts with an undisclosed initial access vector and involves executing a counterfeit SmartConnect update to deploy the CloudZ RAT. This RAT establishes an encrypted connection to its command and control (C2) server, allowing attackers to extract sensitive information. The CloudZ RAT assists in harvesting credentials from web browsers and downloads the Pheno plugin, which accesses Phone Link app data and transmits it to the C2 server. The Phone Link feature synchronizes critical data, including SMS messages with one-time passwords and account login details, which are the primary targets of the attackers.

Winsage

April 3, 2026

I switched to Linux and got tools that Windows users will never have pre-installed

Transitioning from Windows to Linux reveals a wealth of open-source software that enhances user experience. A key moment was switching from Fedora to openSUSE Tumbleweed, where Snapper, a snapshotting tool, was encountered. Snapper allows users to take snapshots of system files, enabling easy reversion to previous states without data loss. It automatically tracks significant changes, while Timeshift offers similar functionality in distributions like Linux Mint. KDE Plasma provides a fully customizable desktop environment, allowing users to personalize their experience with widgets, themes, and KDE applications. KDE Connect connects phones to Linux, enabling notification mirroring, file sharing, and media control, surpassing Microsoft's Phone Link. Linux package managers offer users significant control over their operating system, providing detailed information about downloads and dependencies. Although the command-line interface may seem intimidating initially, it becomes a preferred method for software management. Additionally, Linux distributions typically come with a wide range of high-quality applications pre-installed, enhancing the overall user experience.

Winsage

March 29, 2026

Microsoft quietly shipped 9 meaningful Windows 11 improvements this year, and they actually make the OS feel more polished

Microsoft has released a series of quality updates for Windows 11 in the first quarter of 2026, introducing several new features: - Cross-device resume allows users to resume Android apps directly on Windows 11 via the Taskbar. - Windows MIDI Services now support MIDI 0 and 2.0, including WinMM and WinRT MIDI 1.0 support. - Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security now supports external fingerprint readers. - A new "Device info" card in the Settings app displays key hardware specifications. - Quick Machine Recovery is now enabled by default for Windows 11 Pro. - A new network speed test feature can be accessed via the Taskbar. - Camera settings enhancements allow management of pan and tilt controls. - Sysmon is now a native feature in Windows 11, providing advanced monitoring capabilities. - Windows 11 supports WebP images as wallpapers.

Winsage

February 18, 2026

Your Windows 11 Start Menu May Look A Little Different Soon

Windows 11's Start menu, which began rolling out in November 2025, features a larger design with a structured layout that includes a Pinned section for favorite apps, a Recommended section for Microsoft suggestions, and an All section for installed applications. The Phone Link integration allows access to smartphone content directly from the Start menu. Users can customize the layout by organizing apps by category or alphabetically. However, some users criticize the menu for occupying too much screen space, having fixed dimensions, and prioritizing Microsoft's content in the Recommended section, which complicates personalization. Feedback suggests a preference for a simpler, more straightforward Start menu similar to Windows 7.

AppWizard

January 29, 2026

I couldn’t be happier, as Windows 11’s cross-device resume update offers more for Android

Microsoft is releasing new Windows 11 builds (versions 24H2 and 25H2) in the Release Preview Channel, enhancing features for Android users. The update expands the Cross-Device Resume feature to include popular applications like Spotify, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The mobile Copilot app is also being improved for devices from manufacturers such as Samsung, Vivo, HONOR, and OPPO. The integration between Windows and Android is being strengthened, allowing users to access mobile applications on desktops and facilitating file sharing through Phone Link.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

We’re talking about the best of Windows 11, and we want your input.

Expressions of affection for Windows are common, and while the author acknowledges some shortcomings in Windows 11, it remains an essential tool for productivity, creativity, and communication. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Plus platform is expected to indicate a significant transition toward Arm-based Windows devices. The Microsoft Store has become a reliable platform for discovering and downloading applications on Windows. Recent enhancements in Windows 11 have improved the experience for handheld gaming PCs. The Windows Package Manager, or winget, is highly regarded, and PowerToys is recommended as essential for Windows 11 users. The Command Palette allows users to launch applications using the keyboard and execute commands. The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) provides a genuine Linux experience within Windows 11. Phone Link facilitates effortless photo transfers. The 12-inch Surface LCD is slightly thinner than the Surface Pro 11. The Windows Central community is engaged in discussions about the standout features of Windows 11.