Transitioning tasks from an Android device to a PC is becoming easier with Microsoft’s upcoming Resume feature, which aims to integrate third-party apps like Spotify and WhatsApp with Windows 11. Currently, the feature supports OneDrive and Microsoft 365 applications, allowing seamless document editing across devices. Users can expect notifications prompting them to continue activities, enhancing interoperability. Although details for Spotify and WhatsApp are still pending, they are set to leverage the same API as OneDrive for improved functionality.
Transitioning your activities from an Android smartphone to a PC is already feasible with OneDrive in specific scenarios. However, the Resume feature is expected to extend its functionality to third-party apps, with Spotify and WhatsApp being the first candidates in development.
Microsoft has significantly invested in integrating the Android ecosystem into Windows 11, alongside advancements in AI. The process of shifting from your smartphone to your PC, whether for work or leisure, has never been more seamless. Although there’s still room for enhancement, the initial stages of this interoperability between Windows and Android are promising.
The tech giant is currently working on a feature named Resume, or Reprendre in French, which aims to enhance interactions between the two operating systems. This concept is reminiscent of Apple’s Handoff feature, which allows users to continue tasks across various Apple devices via iCloud.
Creating a Unique Handoff Experience for Windows 11
Apple enjoys a streamlined service due to its total oversight of both hardware and software. In contrast, Microsoft faces the challenge of adapting Windows 11 to work harmoniously with Android, which includes navigating the wide array of manufacturers, models, and Android distributions.
Currently, the Resume feature is exclusively available for OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud service. By linking the same Microsoft account on both your smartphone and PC, you can easily edit a document on your mobile and instantly continue on your computer without needing to save or exit the file on either device. A convenient notification, reading “Do you want to resume where you left off?”, pops up to facilitate this transition, eliminating the need to hunt for the file you were working on.
While this feature is beneficial, it is currently limited to Microsoft 365 applications utilizing OneDrive, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Notably absent is support for popular third-party applications, like Google Drive. Although there’s no current plan for Google Drive to integrate with Resume, Microsoft is developing APIs that will enable compatibility with other applications. The first in line for this feature are expected to be Spotify and WhatsApp.
Will Spotify and WhatsApp Be the Pioneers of Resume Functionality?
Details regarding how Spotify and WhatsApp will interact more effectively between Windows 11 and Android are still under wraps. However, since they will utilize the same API as OneDrive, we can anticipate a similar user experience once the Resume feature is live.
For instance, imagine returning home after listening to Spotify on your smartphone; as you boot up your PC, Windows 11 could present a notification such as “Continue listening to [Song title, playlist, or podcast] on Spotify?” This feature would encourage users to pick up right where they left off. Currently, the process requires manually opening Spotify and hoping for proper synchronization, which can sometimes falter, leading to frustrating delays.
Similarly, for WhatsApp, the Resume feature could direct users to continue a specific conversation, seamlessly opening the app to the relevant chat instead of the home screen. It would be fascinating to see if users could begin composing a message on their mobile and finish it on their PC.
Whether utilizing OneDrive, Spotify, or WhatsApp, the Resume notification will only appear within a five-minute window after the user has paused their activity. This ensures the transition between devices happens smoothly, minimizing the chances of overwhelming users with numerous Resume notifications.
Source: Windows Latest