The future of all major tech companies depends on online services, apps and mobile devices. We’ve heard this from most companies, including one-time mobile computing leader Microsoft. Until recently, Microsoft had planned to drive this future with Windows Phone, a mobile operating system created specifically for hardware manufacturers to create their own Microsoft-centric versions of Apple’s iPhone. This operating system now ranks second in Microsoft’s ecosystem relative to Google’s Android operating system.
Recently, Windows Phone, now called Windows 10 Mobile, has seemed like an afterthought for Microsoft. Where the company once had ambitious plans to conquer the iPhone with its own operating system, there is a new one. Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the dominance of the iPhone. It is ready to do whatever it takes to become a competitor in the mobile space. This includes treating Google’s Android operating system like a premium Windows product.
Windows 10, the version of the operating system that Microsoft allows its partners to install on laptops, desktops, tablets and 2-in-1s, connects to Android in very interesting ways. In fact, I’d say it’s a more perfect Windows 10 companion than devices running Windows 10 Mobile.
How Does Windows 10 Integrate With Android?
While there is no big mobile win for Windows Mobile, Microsoft is showing Windows 10 the attention it deserves. The quest to create a modern operating system that spans multiple device types, culminating with the release of Windows 10 last year.
Today, Windows 10 allows Android users to stay abreast of what’s going on on their Android phone when they’re not directly in front of them. this Cortana The app and personal assistant for Android acts as a messenger, notifying users directly from their PC that they missed a call. Even the iPhone today does not have this feature.
Android owners can also send text messages from their Windows 10 computer using Cortana. You won’t be able to see messages sent to or received from your PC yet, but it’s only a matter of time before that happens.
We know that the ability to review messages is coming, as Microsoft talked about some advanced features it’s rolling out for the Windows 10 Anniversary Update earlier this month. This effort includes creating a notification center that sits on Microsoft’s servers and communicates between different types of devices. For example, a notebook swipes a notification and dismisses the same notification on an Android phone.
The Anniversary Windows 10 Update is no exception, hitting store shelves by this summer.
How Microsoft Takes Over Android
When Microsoft can’t find ways to connect Android to Windows 10, it’s finding ways to turn it into something it thinks users will be more comfortable with. The company’s Garage Apps are changing Android in interesting ways.
For those who don’t like the default Android launcher on their device, Microsoft Garage, Arrow Launcher. Arrow redesigns the home screen. It organizes apps by how much they are used rather than what they are named. Contacts, notes, and reminders are all accessible with a swipe.
Beyond that, there is Next Lock screenreplaces the default lock screen on Android and any lock screens your device manufacturer has placed on top of Android. There are even a few keyboard replacements for users who are not happy with the keyboards included in Android by default.
Cortana actually replaces the Google Assistant built into Android. Garage apps are not officially marketed as a complete Microsoft experience available on Android. At least, he hasn’t done that yet. However, the company makes them available on the Google Play Store under its own brand. He certainly wouldn’t be doing this if he wasn’t comfortable with these apps that somehow acted as Android ambassadors.
How Microsoft Embraces Android
When they don’t develop or extend Android, Microsoft’s teams simply adopt it. This is despite having a mobile operating system of its own. In some cases, the company has directly bought popular apps and linked them to their services. Other times, the company has allowed its own in-house apps to evolve into Android and iPhone apps that are just as good as their counterparts.
Appearance It is an excellent example of a buying strategy. It is more than a client for Outlook.com; Multiple email account types are supported. This support includes Gmail and Yahoo. Word, Excel and Power point They have great mobile versions that are completely free to use with Android smartphones. Outlook Mail, Outlook Calendar, Word, Excel and PowerPoint are available on Windows 10 devices from the Windows Store. You can switch between apps on each device and pick up exactly where you left off.
OneDrive It connects to Microsoft’s cloud storage service and integrates directly with Android. A Camera Roll uploader can ensure you never lose an image. You don’t have to sync a picture to your computer either, as OneDrive has a companion app that also syncs with Windows 10 computers.
Underlying all this is a simple truth: You no longer need to buy a Windows Phone to get the most out of Microsoft in the mobile space. Windows 10 and Android fit together in some very interesting ways. Microsoft hasn’t made these links as clear to users as possible, but it’s a communication issue. The links are there.
Currently, the ultimate Windows phone is any device running Android. This is ironic, but true.
