If you're a PC user, there's already a pretty good reason to choose an Android phone over an iPhone: Android generally plays much nicer with Windows.
Now Microsoft appears to be preparing another useful feature that could make the connection between your Android phone and your PC even better.
Getting things done from a distance
Remote Sleep string in Link to Windows Android app APK. | Image by Windows Latest
Microsoft is reportedly working on mobile remote controls that would allow you to shut down, restart or even put your Windows 11 PC to sleep straight from your Android phone. The controls are being built into Link to Windows—that's the Android app for Microsoft's Phone Link service.
Keep in mind that this feature isn't available yet, but evidence found inside the latest app code suggests it could be coming to you and me soon. Right now, Microsoft offers a way to lock your PC from your Android phone, but the new controls will take that idea much further.
That last part is particularly interesting because it suggests Microsoft is making the feature aware of Windows updates rather than simply giving you basic controls.
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Can I wake my PC with my phone?
It's worth pointing out that once the PC goes to sleep, it will disconnect from the phone and you'll need to physically go to the computer to wake it up. It's not ideal, but it's something. The explanation behind this is that a sleeping PC generally won't maintain the network connection needed for remote control.
Microsoft also seems to be taking unsaved work seriously. If you try to restart or shut down while a Windows update is waiting to be completed, the app will warn you that unsaved work could be lost. It will then ask you to confirm that you really want to continue.
Why use this?
In an extreme scenario, you're halfway on your way to the airport and you recall that you've left your PC on at home. A shutdown from a distance will be perfect in this case. Or, maybe, you've texted your colleague something you obviously shouldn't have, but you've left the office without turning off your computer. Instead of looking for a new job, you'll be able to sleep tight at night.
How about the iPhone?
That's one of the advantages Android has over iOS and the iPhone for people who live in the Windows ecosystem. Apple has plenty of Continuity features for connecting an iPhone and Mac, but there isn't a normal consumer feature that lets you shut down or restart a Mac remotely from an iPhone.
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Sebastian is one of PhoneArena’s senior opinionators. A veteran news writer with almost 20 years of experience in media and technology, he not only covers all the hot news about Galaxies and iPhones, but often provides hot takes on industry trends. He’s fascinated with camera-focused flagships from the likes of Oppo and Vivo, as well as foldable phones.
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