Last year, Microsoft released an Android application called Your Phone that allows users to stream their Android device onto a Windows 10 PC. Since its launch in October, Your Phone has had limited features because Microsoft has been expanding functionality. This week, the company is testing arguably the most important feature and we think now is a good time to look at this app in detail.
If you are unfamiliar with Microsoft’s Your Phone, it is a service that allows Android users to mirror their smartphone screen onto a Windows PC. The app is something of a win for Android as Microsoft says it will remain an exclusive on the platform. Microsoft has placed the Your Phone Companion app on the Play Store for quick access to features.
Furthermore, the company says Apple’s draconian app restrictions prevent an iOS version from being created.
For Microsoft, Your Phone partially helps the company bridge the app gap that has plagued Windows 10. Android users can simply mirror applications from their smartphone to PC.
As mentioned, Your Phone is currently available but with limited features. Through this year, Microsoft will preview and launch new functionality for the app, including the ability to mirror phone calls and messaging services like WhatsApp.
Your Phone is further proof of Microsoft’s continued support of Android and this week Windows 10 users can test new features on the app. The company is currently previewing a “Phone Screen” feature on the Windows Insider Program. With this tool, users can see their Android smartphone screen on a Windows 10 PC.
Test Limitations
With Phone Screen, applications and phone features will all be visible and accessible through the mirroring app, allowing users to navigate and use their Android device fully on PC. While this is a notable breakthrough, there are three things worth considering:
- The Phone Screen feature is in testing so is only available to members of the Windows Insider Program.
- Microsoft has placed a requirement for PCs to have Bluetooth with Low Energy Peripheral mode, which is what Your Phone uses to mirror content from Android to PC.
- Finally, Microsoft has also limited which smartphones can support the mirror in testing, and their all Samsung devices: Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, S9 and S9 Plus.
Do you plan to use Your Phone to mirror your Android device to Windows 10? Let us know in the comments below what you think of this app.
