With Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271, Microsoft introduces a cross-device resume feature aiming to streamline connectivity between select Android phones and PCs. This update enhances user interaction by allowing activities to be continued seamlessly across devices.
Integration and Compatibility
The M365 Copilot Android app on specific phone brands like Samsung and Huawei enables users to pick up browsing or Office file sessions on Windows. The system leverages Link to Windows and Microsoft's Continuity SDK, transmitting an AppContext packet to define how Windows should resume activities. However, local offline files remain unsupported due to the absence of a sharable URI.
- Supported Phones: Samsung, Honor, Huawei, Oppo, vivo.
- Unsupported Brands: Xiaomi, Motorola, Google's Pixel.
- Platforms: Available for Windows Insiders in Dev and Beta channels.
- Technical Requirements: Continuity SDK integration and OEM support.
The current limitations underscore the need for broader OEM collaboration to enhance this feature's availability and reliability.
Market Impact
Microsoft presents this feature as a counterpart to Apple's Handoff, positioning it as a significant enhancement of its ecosystem's functional scope. The effectiveness and eventual success of this feature, however, hinge on manufacturer's adoption and the provision of robust development tools.
As developers work to integrate AppContext into their applications, ensuring a consistent user experience across devices remains a priority. Microsoft’s commitment to improving interoperability highlights the company's strategy to boost its ecosystem’s appeal.
