Other Applications Like Microsoft Phone

Microsoft has been attempting to integrate and synchronize the Android ecosystem with the Windows ecosystem. They formed a cooperation with Samsung. Then launch the Phone Link (Link to Windows on Android) software, formerly known as Your Phone Companion. Later, the Windows Subsystem for Android was released, allowing you to run Android apps directly on a Windows PC. With so much going on, we thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of all the other applications, like Microsoft Phone for Android users, to assist them keep their data in-sync across the two platforms.

Other Applications like Microsoft Phone for Android

1. Microsoft To Do

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Image Source: @MicrosoftToDo, X

Microsoft To Do, one of the best to-do apps currently available, does it all. To develop elaborate projects, you can use tasks, subtasks, lists, and groups, as well as color codes. You can also add notes, attach files, and set other types of reminders, such as time, date, and place.

Finally, there is support for natural language and Cortana, of course. The user interface is both visually appealing and practical. There are numerous secret hints and features that you will discover.

For example, you can use #hashtags anywhere in the app. Now, when you search for that hashtag, you will see all tasks, regardless of which list they belong to. To Search is already effective, but this makes things easier. The Windows desktop and web applications are equally good.

2. Microsoft Office

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Image Source:servicedesk.msstate.edu

Since the inception of the internet, this has been the gold standard for office apps. Long before the Google Drive suite of programs, there was Microsoft Office. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint require no introduction. These apps are accessible for both Windows and Android, and they sync whatever you have stored there.

The key distinction between Office and Drive is that the former provides significantly more control and features. The latter prioritizes web and mobile development, with a focus on cooperation and usability. While Office has far too many functions, it remains the default choice for professional and advanced users.

3. Microsoft Launcher

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Image Source: 3zebras.com

There are plenty of excellent launchers available in the Android ecosystem. There are three launchers: Nova, Apex, and Microsoft. If you want extreme customization, Microsoft Launcher falls short. But it has some nice tricks under its sleeve.

Deep integration with Microsoft programs is a unique feature that no other launcher provides. Sticky Notes generated on your Windows PC can be accessed directly from your Android phone’s home screen. Simply swipe right to access all widgets. There is no Android app for Sticky Notes. It is incorporated with OneNote Mobile; thus, you cannot add it to another launcher.

Other features include daily wallpaper updates (Bing is recognized to be the leader in image search), gesture support, a dark theme, and more. Unfortunately, Timeline was a good feature that was badly executed, and it had to be deprecated eventually.

4. Microsoft Lens

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Image Source: needs chalk.com

Microsoft Office includes a built-in lens capability, as shown in the screenshot above. It also works well for scanning documents and photographs to PDF, Word, Excel, QR codes, and other formats. However, it is worthwhile to have the Microsoft Lens software on your smartphone.

That’s because it includes some other scanning features, including reading contacts or visiting cards, business cards, scanning text in multiple languages, translating, and then reading them out, and finally the whiteboard, which is incredibly useful if you’re a student or teacher.

 5. 2FA

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Image Source: tech knowledged.com

I cannot overstate the significance of 2FA, or two-factor authentication, in this day and age. Hackers are becoming more adept by the day, and two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to a difficult-to-guess password and email address.

While Google Authenticator has dominated the rankings for years, Microsoft Authenticator does have some interesting features.

You can use it to log in to your Windows PC without typing your password. Simply approve the notification delivered to your phone, and you’re finished. The program also generates an OTP that updates every 30 seconds, as is customary in all 2FA applications.

Finally, it serves as a password manager that may also store payment information, addresses, and confirmed IDs.

6. Remote Desktop

Microsoft also offers a remote desktop app for Android users; however, it is less popular than some of its other Windows programs. However, it is still an important tool in your arsenal.

Once you’ve configured your Windows PC, simply enter the hostname from your Android phone into the Remote Desktop software, and you’ll be ready. You may remotely operate the mouse, microphone, camera, and even the clipboard. Useful for diagnosing issues or demonstrating what you have been working on.

7. Edge browser

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Image Source: theverge.com

Last but not least, the Edge browser is an excellent solution for the slow and laggy Chrome browser. I recently compared the best browsers for Windows 10 and 11, and Edge performed reasonably well.  One of the reasons why Windows and Android users should use it is that it syncs seamlessly across the two devices.

You may also continue from where you left off on your phone to your computer, making reading articles more enjoyable and convenient. Apart from standard features such as dark mode, ad blocker (which other browsers save Chrome include), sync, incognito, and so on, Edge also assists in finding bargains and discounts while shopping and proposes coupon codes to save money.

Phone Link alternative for Android

1. AirDroid

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Image Source: pumpic.com

AirDroid is the most widely used app for connecting Android to a PC or Mac. Contrary to many of the apps on this list, it is much more than just a file-sharing or screen-mirroring app. AirDroid allows you to reflect or receive calls, messages, and app notifications on the huge screen of your PC or Mac.

You can make calls, send messages, and respond to message notifications using your computer. What’s more fascinating is that it allows you to share your Android clipboard with Windows or macOS, just like virtual systems. It also allows you to transfer files, control Android remotely, and do a variety of other tasks.

2. Your Phone Companion

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Image Source: nerdschalk.com

Microsoft created Your Phone Companion, an app that connects Android and Windows 10. It works largely like AirDroid, allowing you to access practically anything on your smartphone from your Windows PC. You can place and receive calls, as well as read and respond to messages (including messaging services) and notifications.

You may also access your favorite Android apps on your Windows PC thanks to its support for mirroring your mobile screen, such as AirDroid. You may also transfer photos from Android to Windows devices. However, unlike AirDroid, it does not offer data transmission or clipboard sharing.

3. SHAREit

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Image Source: pngwing.com

Lenovo’s SHAREit is an amazing cross-platform sharing app for Android. It claims to be the world’s fastest sharing app, with speeds of up to 20 MB/s, which are 200 times quicker than Bluetooth. However, it includes certain bloatware features, such as trending music and videos, a music and video player, and so on.

What fascinates me the most is its compatibility with various systems. Unlike many other file-sharing applications available on the Play Store, you may install its program for Windows or macOS and subsequently exchange files across Android and PC or Mac devices. However, unlike the other tools, it does not support receiving calls or notifications.

4. Pushbullet

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Image Source: droid-life.com

Pushbullet is another program that connects Android to Windows and other operating systems via Chrome or Firefox. What’s shocking is that Pushbullet can connect all of your gadgets. It allows you to transmit and receive files, links, and text messages using end-to-end encryption. However, file sizes are limited to a maximum of 2 GB.

You can also send and receive messages via messaging services such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Kik. However, unlike AirDroid, it lacks other excellent features such as screen mirroring capabilities, a shared clipboard, etc.

5. MightyText

MightyText is another program similar to Pushbullet that allows you to connect your Android to your PC or Mac. You may send and receive messages from your computer, as well as view and dismiss notifications, all from your desktop.

You can email or share photographs and videos from your smartphone to your computer using apps like AirDroid, Your Phone Companion, and Pushbullet. Unlike most other solutions, this one allows you to schedule messages and receive battery notifications. It also has PowerView, a professional tool that allows you to manage several conversations.

6. TeamViewer Host

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Image Source: apps.apple.com

TeamViewer Host is a unique and powerful application for remotely controlling or mirroring your Android smartphone from Windows or macOS. Its characteristics enable you to remotely access your Android device from anywhere.

Unlike other programs, it does, however, allow you to list apps and processes, transfer files, and share your clipboard. Unlike others, it does not allow you to make calls, send messages, or react without mirroring.

7. ApowerMirror

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Image Source: techjockey.com

ApowerMirror is another excellent screen mirroring tool for Android. ApowerMirror, like most of the apps on this list, allows you to mirror your device while also controlling it remotely. You can also receive notifications from your mobile device on your desktop or laptop, like with some of the other applications mentioned above.

Furthermore, you can take screenshots or record the screen to create product videos or lessons. It can also connect to your mobile device by USB cable or WiFi. Unlike TeamViewer Host, you cannot share the clipboard, transfer files, initiate or receive calls, or list programs and processes.

8. Vysor

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Image Source: apps.apple.com

Vysor is a powerful tool for putting your Android on your desktop. It mimics your mobile screen on Windows and macOS, as many solutions are on this list. It also allows cable and wireless connections, similar to ApowerMirror. However, free accounts are limited to connecting by cable only.

Furthermore, only Vysor Pro can exchange files and go fullscreen on your mirrored screen. However, you may use the mirrored screen to accomplish nearly anything else, such as checking for messages and notifications, sending or replying to messages, using apps or games, and so on.

9. scrcpy

Scrcpy is a free and open-source tool for connecting to your Android device and controlling or mirroring it from your PC or Mac. It’s a lightweight, low-latency, high-performance utility for managing your Android smartphone.

Scrcpy uses Android ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and so supports both cable and wireless connections. Furthermore, scrcpy allows you to record your Android device’s screen with or without mirroring.

Conclusion

As Windows continues to integrate Android into its ecosystem, new functions become available to us. It’s a bad Windows Phone didn’t succeed since it would have made things a lot simpler. However, it is encouraging to see that Microsoft is paying attention and striving toward a better synced desktop-mobile user experience.

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