Distractions can significantly disrupt your productivity, especially when you frequently check your phone while working on your PC. To streamline your workflow and minimize interruptions, consider leveraging these powerful applications that facilitate seamless connectivity between your devices.
4 Microsoft Phone Link
Over the years, Microsoft Phone Link has established itself as a pivotal tool for cross-device synchronization, effortlessly connecting your smartphone with a Windows PC. Once you pair your devices using the Link to Windows app, you’ll unlock a suite of features far exceeding simple notification monitoring.
This application allows users to send and receive text messages directly from their computers, maintaining a complete conversation history. You can also make and receive phone calls and quickly browse photos stored on your phone without needing to physically reach for the device. With the screen mirroring feature, the entire interface of your Android phone is displayed on your computer, enabling you to run any app directly from your PC.
Beyond these main functionalities, Phone Link harbors several lesser-known yet valuable features. You can manage your phone’s storage by deleting photos from the camera roll, activate Do Not Disturb mode effortlessly, and even use the play sound option to find a misplaced device. The app boasts OCR capabilities that let you extract text from images, simplifying tasks such as copying addresses or phone numbers from screenshots.
Exclusive features become available for Samsung users, such as Instant Hotspot, which provides automatic mobile data connectivity for your PC, and the ability to copy and paste content seamlessly across devices.
Download: Phone Link for Windows | Android | iOS (Free)
3 KDE Connect
While Microsoft Phone Link caters primarily to Windows users, KDE Connect excels in providing comprehensive cross-platform support across Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android environments. This application simplifies the file transfer process, allowing users to effortlessly send multiple files over a local network without size restrictions. Its clipboard sharing feature ensures a smooth workflow between devices, and with the Remote Input function, your phone can even function as a wireless trackpad and keyboard.
A standout capability of KDE Connect is its customizable commands, enabling you to perform actions such as locking your PC or adjusting the volume directly from your phone. Additionally, it serves to synchronize notifications, meaning you can manage your phone alerts from your desktop. The plugin system is versatile, allowing you to create tailor-made features, like managing media playback or utilizing your phone as a remote for presentations.
However, it is worth noting that KDE Connect might lack the polish found in Phone Link, especially regarding SMS and call functionalities. Some users may encounter difficulties during setup, particularly when dealing with firewalls or network permissions. Nonetheless, for those seeking cross-platform flexibility and control, KDE Connect remains a compelling option.
Download: KDE Connect for Windows | Linux | macOS | iOS | Android (Free)
2 GlideX
GlideX combines many functionalities found in Phone Link, such as file transfers and device mirroring. However, its standout feature is transforming any Android or iOS device into a secondary display. Additionally, it allows seamless PC-to-PC connectivity, enabling one laptop to extend its display across two devices.
Created by Asus, GlideX employs Wi-Fi and USB connections for smooth interactions. Once your devices are paired, your smartphone or tablet acts as a fully functional extended monitor—allowing you to drag and drop windows, use touchscreen gestures, and navigate between displays just like a dedicated second monitor.
This application particularly excels when utilized with tablets, providing a near-laptop experience through its larger touchscreen. Users can pinch to zoom, tap on content, and utilize their computer’s keyboard and mouse for greater control on the extended display.
GlideX also boasts features such as Mirror mode for projecting your mobile screen and Unify Control, which enables a single keyboard and mouse to operate multiple devices simultaneously. Impressively, the connection remains active even when the app is minimized, allowing users to navigate other applications without losing functionality.
Download: GlideX for Windows | macOS | Android | iOS (Free)
1 AirDroid
Since its inception in 2012, AirDroid remains a top choice, notable for its fully operational web interface that allows users to manage Android devices from a PC, regardless of location.
This web dashboard eliminates the need for additional software installations, granting users access to SMS management, file transfers, contact management, and even remote camera access. With resumable upload support, large video file transfers are protected from interruptions during fluctuating network conditions.
AirDroid empowers users with comprehensive control over their devices via remote connections, although certain configurations may necessitate root access or a helper app on the computer. The application also features a Find My Phone function with an option for remote data wipe.
With Notification Mirroring, AirDroid ensures you stay updated on your phone alerts without the need to frequently check your device. You can respond to messages on platforms like WhatsApp or dismiss alerts from your desktop. Nonetheless, your phone must be nearby to answer calls. The premium version enhances functionality by lifting transfer limits and enabling connections to multiple devices.
Download: AirDroid for Windows | macOS | Android | iOS (Free, with premium options available)
Each of these applications serves a unique purpose in enhancing the connectivity between your phone and PC. Microsoft Phone Link shines with its integration into the Windows ecosystem, KDE Connect offers extensive cross-platform capabilities, while AirDroid excels in providing reliable remote access from anywhere.
Personally, I have found GlideX particularly beneficial, transforming my old Android tablet into a responsive second monitor, rather than letting it gather dust. Currently, I use GlideX in conjunction with Phone Link, as they complement each other beautifully. Experiment with various combinations to determine what best suits your workflow.
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