Microsoft has unveiled a new “Your Phone” app for Windows 10 at its Build Developer Conference. The app is designed to help users mirror their phone straight to Windows 10 powered desktop PC. It is part of the company’s latest efforts towards its Continue on PC functionality by incorporating mobile experience into its desktop OS. The 'Your Phone' app works in a similar fashion as to WhatsApp Web app for desktop users. It basically provides a mirror image of the smartphone interface directly onto your PC or laptop. The app, in fact, supports both Android and iOS powered devices, though Microsoft can mirror far more Android features to a Windows 10 PC.
The app is capable of allowing Windows 10 users to access their texts, photos and notifications as instantly as they appear on their phones. The company says moving such files will be easy thanks to the app’s drag-and-drop interface. This means users won’t have to physically pick up their phones anymore while working a Windows 10 powered PC.
The app won’t be widely available yet, as Microsoft plans to start beta testing of the app with its latest Windows Insider build that's set to go live later this week. Incidentally, the Your Phone app earlier went live on Microsoft Store last week, but it failed to work properly then. The Redmond giant is said to be banking on user feedback before making a call to incorporate this feature in its Windows 10 OS.
Microsoft is currently testing its next major update to Windows 10 codenamed “Redstone 5” and is expected to be available in Fall late this year. Provided it receives positive feedback, “Your Phone” app will be part of this upcoming update. The company plans to reveal more information on the “Your Phone” app during its second-day keynote of Build developer conference, starting at 8:30 AM PT/11:30 AM ET.
Microsoft’s concept of bringing phone support on desktop isn’t entirely new. Just like Microsoft, Apple has its own app called Continuity which allows iPhone users to make calls and text directly from a MacBook or an iMac. Earlier this year, Dell tried its hand on a similar app called Mobile Connect which allowed calls, notifications to be displayed on the PC.