Samsung is set to discontinue support for the DeX for Windows application with the forthcoming OneUI 7 update. This decision marks the end of an era for users who have relied on this feature to transform their Windows PCs into a Samsung DeX environment, seamlessly powered by their smartphones.
DeX for Windows allowed users to enjoy a desktop-like experience by connecting their Samsung devices to a PC. However, as the tech landscape evolves, Samsung has decided to pivot its focus. The company now recommends that former DeX for Windows users transition to Microsoft Phone Link, which offers a range of similar functionalities, albeit without the full DeX desktop experience.
Interestingly, the shift towards Microsoft Phone Link is noted on the Samsung DeX website. While Phone Link is praised for its capabilities, it does not provide the same direct access to the DeX desktop environment that many users may have appreciated. This change may not come as a surprise, considering that the user base for DeX on Windows was likely minimal from the outset, prompting Samsung’s decision to phase out support.
Despite this transition, the core DeX experience remains intact. Users can still access DeX by connecting their smartphones to larger displays, such as TVs or monitors, or by utilizing devices like the NextDock, which are specifically designed to support a DeX-like environment. This continuity ensures that the essence of DeX, reminiscent of Microsoft’s earlier Continuum concept, will persist for those who value the flexibility of a mobile device functioning as a desktop.
