Microsoft Enhances Android App Streaming on Windows 11 for a More Native Experience

Microsoft Phone Link Introduces Expanded View for Android Apps on Windows 11

Microsoft is currently pilots a new feature in Phone Link, aiming to enhance the experience of using Android apps on Windows 11 by offering an expanded view option. This addition is particularly significant for users eager for improvements in app usage efficiency while multitasking between their Android devices and PCs.

The Phone Link app features a capability that allows users to mirror their Android application screens directly onto their Windows desktop. However, this functionality is limited to select devices, including models from Samsung, HONOR, OPPO, ASUS, vivo, and Xiaomi. Notably, my Samsung S1 FE is among the compatible devices.

Previously, one of the main drawbacks of using the app streaming option was the lack of a maximization feature. For instance, working on a 2K monitor revealed that when I opened an app, it would display in a narrow, vertically-oriented window resembling a phone’s screen—far from optimal for desktop use.

To tackle this limitation, I resorted to a workaround: I would rotate my phone screen after launching the app and select the “Open Phone Screen” option. However, this only functions for apps that support a horizontal layout. For example, the Uber app does not accommodate this format, making it unusable in landscape mode.

To address these issues, Microsoft has been testing a new “Expanded”view mode. This feature is represented by a small icon positioned beside the minimize button, allowing users to enlarge the app window for a better view. After upgrading my app to version 1.25112.33.0 on my Dev Insider machine, I was able to access this new mode.

Upon testing the Uber app, the expanded view did improve the width somewhat; however, the app window still covered only two-thirds of the display, leaving large black margins on either side. While the enhancement is a step in the right direction, I anticipated a more significant increase in size.

Refining the Expanded View: Areas for Improvement

Most applications are designed with a vertical layout in mind, which limits their effectiveness in the expanded view—Uber being a prime example. Conversely, some applications such as VLC and Amazon can utilize the maximized view to its full potential. When opening the VLC app, the interface covered the entire window without displaying the thick black bars seen in the Uber app.

Amazon app in extended view mode Phone Link

Another aspect observed is the slightly unclear appearance of apps when in expanded view. The font size does not increase, creating readability issues on larger screens. This could lead to frustration for users planning on utilizing the mode for longer durations.

VLC app in extended view mode Phone Link

Additionally, the expanded window automatically aligns to the left of the screen, which feels somewhat counterintuitive as it cannot be maximized to full-screen dimensions. Comparatively, the default app view provides sharper screens and clearer elements, a standard users will likely expect from any expanded functionality. There is considerable room for refinement if Microsoft intends to finalize this Phone Link feature for stable release.

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