With the help of Microsoft, now you can make and answer Android phone calls right from your PC.
The new feature is named Calls, which is part of a Windows 10 Insider Preview. All you need is to have that Windows version and make sure that your Android phone is on version 7 of the OS or newer.
Note that Android 10 is out now, so most current phones should work.
Using a laptop and phone in a seamless handoff between the two is long sought for anyone who doesn't want to stop what they're doing on one screen to do something else on the smaller display.
This kind of user experience is quite popular on Apple’s ecosystem. Apple has Continuity, which lets you pass documents, photos and phone calls between your Apple devices.
Samsung also lets you mirror content between its mobile devices and MacOS and Windows. Even Google lets you use its Messages app in a browser on Macs and PCs.
Microsoft is the latest brand that makes it easier to use your phone from your computer.
If you're part of the Windows Insider Program, here's how to get going according to Cnet.
To connect Windows 10 to your Android phone, start with Windows 10's Your Phone app.
- In the Windows 10 preview, open the Your Phone app, tap Android over on the right and then tap Continue.
- Enter your mobile phone number and then tap Send to have Microsoft send you a link, that you'll use to connect your Android phone to your PC.
- Over on your Android device, open the text message and tap the message link, which takes you to the app page in Google Play.
- After it's installed, tap Install and then tap Open (or find Your Phone Companion app on your Android desktop and tap to open).
- In the app, fill in your Microsoft account information and tap Sign in.
- In the next window, tap Continue and then tap Allow if you want to let the app access your contacts, manage phone calls, access files on the phone and send and view SMS messages.
- Next tap Continue and then Allow if you want to let the app run in the background.
- Finally, tap Allow to let your Android device connect with your PC, then tap Continue and finally tap Done.
- Over in Windows 10, in Phone calls settings, you may also need to give the Your Phone app permission to make calls.
After all is set, you can browse your Android photos and messages as well as make and receive Android phone calls on Windows 10 PC.
