Microsoft has introduced a new update for Phone Link, aimed at enhancing the user experience of running Android apps on Windows 11. The update, version 1.25112.33.0, includes a novel expanded view feature designed to alleviate the cramped display of Android apps on larger monitors.
Features of the Update
The update addresses a long-standing limitation where Android apps appeared in a narrow portrait layout, mimicking phone screens. This was particularly problematic for apps that did not support landscape mode, such as Uber. The expanded view option now allows users to stretch the app windows, offering a more natural display, albeit with certain limitations.
- Release of Phone Link version 1.25112.33.0 on 2025-12-12.
- Expanded view available, stretching Android apps beyond phone-sized dimensions.
- Works best with apps designed for larger screens, like VLC and Amazon.
- Apps not optimized for larger displays may show black bars, such as Uber.
Integration and Limitations
The expanded view aims to make apps look more suitable on desktops but does not yet solve all issues. While apps like WhatsApp benefit from tablet-style optimization, others may display with thick black bars. Additionally, the update does not enhance font resolution, which may result in blurred text when expanded. The window cannot be maximized and defaults to snapping to the left edge of the screen.
While not perfect, this update suggests Microsoft is making strides towards delivering a more desktop-friendly Android app experience on Windows 11. The enhancements offer users a modest but meaningful improvement, inching closer to a truly integrated and reliable desktop environment for Android apps.
