According to The Verge, features for the service will depend largely on operating system, with iOS naturally being more restricted. For Android users, however, it’s a chance to view the entire phone interface on PC, reducing the need to check your phone for notifications or view apps. So far, details on iOS integration are sparse, but it seems users will be able to access texts, photos, and notifications. Thurrott says users will be able to drop documents straight to their PC without the need for cloud services, as well as other media. The functionality will become available to Insiders this week, and is planned for release with Windows 10 Redstone 5, which will launch later this year.
A Closer Relationship with Competitors
It will add to Android features already in the OS, such as app control, Continue on PC, and more. It highlights Microsoft’s changing attitude towards mobile OSes after it axed its own Lumia phone line. With no real hardware in that space, the company seems content to lure Android users to its OS, and Your Phone will undoubtedly please many. Users won’t have to communicate across two devices, and developers can easily preview changes from Microsoft’s OS. However, there are other changes planned, driven by updates to Microsoft Launcher and Microsoft Edge. Cross-device app launching will be coming to Timeline, and iPhone users will be able to view their browsing history via Edge. More information about Your Phone will be coming at Build this morning, as well as keynotes from CEO Satya Nadella and more. You can tune into the livestream here.
