I like the direction that Microsoft is taking the widget bar. Microsoft also updated the widget bar to include Phone Link, Xbox Game Pass and apps from partners such as Meta and Spotify. These Studio Effects can mean the difference between a good or poor interaction. I think this is a big deal as it was a bit… no…. Microsoft says you can now instantly adjust background blur, eye contact and automatic framing for communication applications. Microsoft is also bringing Studio Effects to the taskbar so that it’s easier to adjust these AI-enhanced visual features. This is definitely a convenient feature to have on the go and when preparing to start a call. For one thing, Microsoft added a preview of the camera to the Teams Chat function on the taskbar so that users are better prepared to jump into a call. Microsoft has also announced updates to some of its core apps that bring these apps more in line with the overall user experience of Windows 11. While Apple’s APIs currently limit the scope of compatibility-something I wish Apple would open up-I still look forward to using the enhanced functionality just added. As someone who tests and uses many different mobile products in a year, it is very convenient to connect all of my mobile devices to the computer I am using. Windows Phone Link also enables users to connect multiple phones to a single PC and vice versa. It will also be able to make and receive phone calls through the PC.Īs someone who carries two phones-an iPhone almost exclusively for family group iMessages and an Android-I believe this implementation of iPhone connectivity will be a big convenience for many users. This extends to iMessage, which will be able to send and receive texts through a Bluetooth connection between the iPhone and the PC.

Microsoft also announced that it is bringing Phone Link to iOS, which will include basic support for calls, messages and contacts.

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