Microsoft is testing an app that will allow the iMessage platform to be used on your PC
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Imagine using Apple’s highly-regarded iMessage messaging platform on your Windows computer. Microsoft is making this happen via an update to its Phone Link app, which will allow you to send messages to your PC contacts (who also use an iPhone) through your Windows computer although there are some caveats. Phone Link cannot enable group messaging nor allow photos or videos to be sent.
Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s head of consumer marketing, said, “We send the messages back and forth via Bluetooth, Apple, I think in turn, sends those as iMessage once it gets onto their system.” The version of the iOS Messages app that is brought to your Windows computer is basic and you won’t see the entire history of a conversation. Only messages sent or received using the Phone Link app will appear.
Because Phone Link can’t tell the difference between a regular text message and one sent using iMessage, there are no blue or green text bubbles. On an iPhone, blue bubbles indicate a conversation where everyone is using an iPhone and thus it is handled on the iMessage platform. A green bubble reveals that at least one of the parties in the conversation is using an Android phone and all of those great iMessage features (like higher-quality images, read receipts, typing indicators, and more) are not available.
But as we said, group messaging is not allowed using the Phone Link app and with no difference between texting and sending an iMessage, there is no reason to use different colored text bubbles. While on the subject of Android, the version of Phone Link for this platform has more capabilities. With the Phone Link app on your PC and an Android phone, you can get “instant access to everything you love on your phone, right from your PC,” says Microsoft.
Linking your Android phone and your PC with this app will allow you to read and reply to text messages, make and receive calls (requires a Windows 10 computer with Bluetooth connectivity), view your notifications, and more. Instead of sending emails to yourself to save content, you can easily share content between your PC and phone. “Copy, edit, and even drag and drop photos without ever touching your phone.” You can even see your phone apps on your PC with a Surface Duo phone, certain Samsung handsets, and some Honor devices.
Phone Link is bundled with Windows 11 and the new support for the app comes with a major Windows 11 update that includes the new AI-powered version of Bing on the taskbar, improved touch capabilities, and a new feature that records the screen.
The version of Phone Link with iOS support will be available for Windows Insiders in the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels, but only for a small percentage of users. Microsoft says, “We will increase the availability of the preview to more Insiders over time and based on feedback we receive with this first set of Insiders.”
Microsoft’s Medi explains why Microsoft has added iPhone support for the Phone Link app. He says, “It’s something we’ve been wanting to do for a long time. The experience with Android is quite good, and we felt like we needed to get something out [for iPhone].”
Questions & Answers
Q.What specific iMessage features are not available when using Phone Link on a Windows PC?
What specific iMessage features are not available when using Phone Link on a Windows PC?
A.
Users cannot send group messages or share photos and videos. Also, advanced iMessage features such as higher-quality images, read receipts, and typing indicators are unavailable through the app.
Q.How will messages sent via Phone Link between an iPhone and a Windows PC appear?
How will messages sent via Phone Link between an iPhone and a Windows PC appear?
A.
There will be no blue or green text bubbles because Phone Link cannot differentiate between a standard text message and one sent using the iMessage platform. Only messages sent or received using the app will be visible.
Q.Which users will initially have access to the Phone Link app with iOS support?
Which users will initially have access to the Phone Link app with iOS support?
A.
The initial preview will be available to a small percentage of Windows Insiders across the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels. Microsoft plans to increase availability over time based on feedback.
Q.What capabilities does Phone Link offer for Android phone users that are not mentioned for iPhone users?
What capabilities does Phone Link offer for Android phone users that are not mentioned for iPhone users?
A.
Android users can read and reply to texts, make and receive calls, view notifications, and easily share content between their phone and PC. Some devices also allow viewing phone apps directly on the PC.
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