Windows Phone continues to evoke nostalgia among its loyal fans, with fondness for Windows Phone 8.1 surpassing that for Windows 10 Mobile. Microsoft has shown a lack of confidence in its strategic decisions, often reacting to customer feedback, which leads to inconsistency in its product offerings. While Windows 10 Mobile was technically an improvement, it diluted the unique identity of Windows Phone, which had a memorable experience characterized by bold typography and simple icons. This pattern of reactionary changes is evident across various aspects of the Windows ecosystem, highlighting Microsoft's struggle to balance innovation with a clear vision.
Millions of Windows users are facing issues with the Phone Link app after the upgrade to Android 15 due to new security measures by Google. The update has led to certain notifications being hidden for user protection, particularly affecting notification mirroring for two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. Microsoft confirmed that Phone Link will no longer display notifications containing sensitive information, impacting apps downloaded from the Play Store, while preinstalled applications remain unaffected. Android 15 designates notifications with 2FA codes as ‘sensitive,’ allowing only trusted Notification Listener services to access them. Google introduced these changes to combat one-time passcode (OTP) fraud and protect sensitive content, which includes redacting OTPs from notifications for untrusted apps and securing app activities when OTPs are displayed.
Android 15 users are experiencing issues with the Windows Phone Link app after a recent update, which limits the app's ability to display certain notifications. The update automatically hides notifications from untrusted apps to protect sensitive information, restricting third-party applications from accessing notifications deemed "sensitive," such as two-factor authentication codes. Only trusted or system applications can access these notifications. While the Phone Link app can bypass this restriction on Samsung devices with One UI 6.1.1 or later, users of other Android devices are facing challenges and have found common troubleshooting methods ineffective. Users are hoping for a resolution in future updates from Google.
The Windows Store has been significantly enhanced in features and speed under Rudy Huyn's guidance, but the recent redesign of its user interface has received mixed reactions. Critics, including Albacore, have expressed dissatisfaction with the new UI, comparing it unfavorably to the earlier Windows 10 design and noting issues like misaligned text and diminished visibility of reviews. Despite these criticisms, the new design includes modern usability improvements, such as better readability of ratings and buttons. Rudy Huyn defended the redesign, citing positive results from extensive A/B testing and user feedback. Microsoft is committed to continuous improvement, conducting daily experiments to refine the Store's interface and testing other layouts. Recent updates have improved download speeds and integrated Winget for easier updates of Win32 applications.
Phone Link app users may experience changes in notification visibility due to a new feature in Android 15 that restricts access to sensitive notifications for privacy reasons. Notifications containing sensitive details, such as two-factor authentication codes, will not be displayed unless the application has the RECEIVESENSITIVENOTIFICATIONS permission. This permission is typically granted to system apps and some trusted third-party companion applications. Phone Link, categorized as a third-party app, is expected to request the necessary permissions to access sensitive notifications, but this will only occur for users with Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1 or later.
Microsoft's Phone Link application has warned Android smartphone users on the latest Android 15 version that certain "sensitive" notifications, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, will not be displayed on connected PCs due to a new privacy feature in Android 15. This feature restricts third-party applications from accessing sensitive notifications. Users with Samsung devices running One UI 6.1.1 can still view these notifications if the device has requested a "Companion Device Role," but this does not apply to other Android models like Google Pixel or Nothing Phones. A suggested workaround involves disabling the “Enhanced Notifications” option in Android 15’s settings, but this may expose users to risks from malicious applications.
Windows Phone Link in Windows 11 will face challenges due to the Android 15 update, which introduces a protocol that redacts sensitive notifications from "untrusted" notification listeners. Microsoft has informed users that certain notifications, including two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, will no longer be accessible through Phone Link. Devices pre-installed with Link To Windows can still sync sensitive notifications if configured correctly, while users of devices without Phone Link, such as Google Pixel, Sony Xperia, or Nothing Phone, will lose access to these notifications after upgrading to Android 15. Phone Link allows users to access phone notifications, applications, messages, and calls on their computer and has features like using the phone's camera as a webcam and file synchronization. The changes from Android 15 may reduce its utility for many users.
Microsoft has stepped away from the mobile arena, but a community is exploring running Windows on smartphones. It is now possible to install Windows 11 on select modern smartphones with Arm architecture through the Renegade Project, which provides specialized UEFI firmware for devices powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon SoCs. This firmware allows users to switch between various operating systems, including Windows. The installation process is complex and requires specific tools and configurations. Supported devices include the Nokia Lumia 950, 950 XL, Surface Duo, and Duo 2. A Reddit user successfully installed Windows 11 on a Xiaomi POCO X3 Pro, experiencing some touchscreen glitches but overall smooth performance. However, drawbacks include poor battery life of about 2.5 hours, lack of fast-charging support, and overheating issues. Microsoft’s last mobile OS, Windows 10 Mobile, was released in 2015, with official support ending on January 14, 2020.
Enthusiasts of mobile technology are exploring ways to revive the Windows Phone experience on modern devices, particularly through the Launcher 10 app on Android, which recreates the Windows Phone interface. Michael Fisher, known as MrMobile, highlighted this app in a video where he demonstrates how it transforms an Android device to mimic the Windows Phone aesthetic. While Launcher 10 does not provide an authentic Windows Phone experience, it offers an alternative for those who miss the tiled interface. Fisher personalizes his setup by adjusting icons and sourcing classic Windows Phone notification sounds from the Internet Wayback Machine. This app allows users to revisit the Windows Phone era, despite genuine Windows Phones no longer being available.
