Windows 11 Update: New macOS-Inspired Productivity Feature

During the currently ongoing Build 2025 conference, Microsoft unveiled a range of exciting features for Windows 11. Among these, one intriguing functionality emerged unexpectedly in a session, indicating that Microsoft is adopting a valuable productivity feature from macOS.

Introducing Handoff to Windows 11

The newly highlighted feature is known as Handoff. This functionality allows users to transfer their work seamlessly from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac, and vice versa, making it effortless to continue tasks without interruption. Although Handoff is a mature feature—originally introduced by Apple nearly 11 years ago in iOS 8—it reflects a concept that Microsoft has previously explored. Back in 2017, Microsoft initiated Project Rome to enable developers to create experiences that could transition smoothly across devices, although little progress has been noted since then. This recent development suggests a renewed focus on that original vision.

How Handoff Works in Windows 11

During a recent demonstration, which has since been removed, a product manager from Microsoft illustrated how this intriguing feature will function. When Windows detects a compatible application being used on a connected device—likely an Android smartphone or tablet—a new icon appears on the taskbar. This icon enables users to quickly transfer their ongoing task to the PC, allowing them to pick up exactly where they left off.

Insights from Microsoft’s Product Management Team

Aakash Varshney, a senior product manager focused on cross-device functionality, elaborated on this feature:

It’s a visual nudge that when clicked launches your app directly into the task, delivering a smooth intuitive handoff from PC to phone. Spotify launches and I’m instantly back in the same song, now playing on my PC. No need to search or start over, it’s a smooth one-click transition that keeps the music and user experience uninterrupted.

Challenges Ahead for Developers

For this feature to succeed, developers will need to adapt and integrate new functionalities into their applications. Historically, attracting developers to implement features on Windows has posed challenges for Microsoft, particularly during the era of Windows Phone. Hence, it remains to be seen how many applications will support this cross-device feature, provided Microsoft actually brings it to market. As of now, no official announcement regarding the feature has been made.

Source: @phantomofearth on X | The Verge

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