You don’t need one of the best Chromebooks to enjoy Android apps on a desktop, thanks to Windows’ “Your phone” app. Previously, it only let you mirror one Android app at a time, but things have changed
Your phone can now open multiple Android apps on your Windows 10 PC, but there’s a catch. Unfortunately, the multi-app experience is again exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices. So those of you with other Android phones will have to sit out this upgrade.
Being able to use Android apps on a Windows PC was great on its own, but being able to use multiple apps at the same time takes multitasking to the next level. If there are apps you use often, this will save you the trouble of having to stop and mind your phone at different times of the day.
Unfortunately, this feature is not available in all areas. Anyone who doesn’t rock a Samsung Galaxy phone won’t be able to use Android apps on their PC. And those with something older (or less powerful) than the Galaxy Note 10 will be limited to one app at a time.
App sharing for Your Phone was first announced in September, and Microsoft’s comments suggested it was exploring the possibility of bringing the feature to other Android phones. Unfortunately at the time it had no information to share, and the sounds of things that haven’t changed.
With the diversity of Android hardware out there, it’s clear that getting something like this to work on any device is no small feat. Annoying as it may be for those with different phones, Samsung Galaxy devices are among the most popular Android handsets. So it’s not surprising that Microsoft would start app sharing there.
If you want to try out the “multi-app experience” on your PC, make sure your Samsung phone is selectable. You must then make sure that your PC has the Windows 10 May 2020 (or later) update, Android 11.0, version 1.20102.132 of the Your phone app, version 1.20102.133.0 of the Link to Windows app, and version 2.1.05.2 or later of the Link to Windows Service app from the Galaxy Store.
That’s a lot, but this is a brand new feature for you to enjoy, so you’ll need the latest and greatest software to make this happen. Chances are, most of these things will automatically update anyway.
As for the rest of you? You just have to pay by using your phone as a phone. Or, you can always opt for an upgrade by checking out our list of the best Samsung phones or the best Samsung phone deals. That way you don’t have to be patient.