Microsoft has recently introduced an update to the Microsoft Your Phone app. The latest update adds a useful new feature that enables you to get quick access to your recently used apps right from the Windows Taskbar. However, the update to Microsoft Your Phone app is currently only available for Windows Insiders.
Samsung demoed the new feature at its Unpacked 2022 event using the recently announced Galaxy S22. And as you may have guessed, this new Your Phone capability will be limited to select Samsung phones at this point in time. Even the Surface Duo users won't be able to get the benefit despite the fact that it can also open phone apps on your PC. Needless to say, it doesn't work with other Android smartphones, either.
Analy Otero Diaz, who is the Principal Program Manager Lead at Microsoft, has explained that features like these require deeper level OS/device integration and that the company has worked closely with Samsung to make it work. However, she doesn't rule out the possibility of it becoming available for Surface Duo devices in the future.
There is also an option to turn it off if you don't like Microsoft to show your recently used app on the Windows Notification area. You can turn it off by navigating to Settings > Features > Apps > toggle off "Show recently used apps in the Windows notification area" on Your Phone application.
You can download the Microsoft Your Phone app on your PC here from Microsoft Store. If you don't have a supported Samsung phone, you can download the Your Phone Companion app on your Android smartphone from Google Play Store here.
Those who don't have a supported Galaxy smartphone can download the app to get access to useful utilities such as sending and receiving text messages on their PC, notifications support, and the ability to see photos captured on phones on their PC. Microsoft will continue to add exciting new features to the app in the future to make the cross-device experience better.
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