app
I switched from Phone Link to KDE Connect, and Windows 11 is missing these 4 game-changing features
xda-developers.com/switched-phone-link-kde-connect-windows-11-missing-game-changing-features/
Key FactsFour KDE Connect Features Beyond Windows 11
Oct 8, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- KDE Connect enables media control in both directions, while PC notifications can also appear on the connected phone.
- A connected phone can serve as a touchpad and keyboard, while clipboard content can also be shared in both directions.
- Its presentation remote also works with OnlyOffice and offers a virtual pointer controlled by the phone’s motion sensor.
- Custom terminal commands can be launched with one tap, including app updates, program launches, or maintenance tasks.
Google’s new Googlebook has clever AI tricks. I’d still pick a Windows laptop: Googlebooks have arrived with one goal: get to sign on to Google's vision of AI ...
pcworld.com/article/3258718/googles-new-googlebook-has-clever-ai-tricks-id-still-pick-a-windows-laptop.html
I dumped Microsoft Phone Link for this free open source app that does everything better
androidpolice.com/kde-connect-microsoft-phone-link-quick-share-android-windows-app/
Windows 11 is getting the kind of Android integration Googlebooks were built for: Microsoft is testing a Windows 11 Quick Settings tile that can silence, control ...
androidauthority.com/windows-11-android-phone-quick-settings-controls-3720383/
Samsung's alternatives still don't fix the one thing I hate about Phone Link: Not Galaxy Connect, and probably not the new App Cast
androidpolice.com/samsungs-alternatives-dont-fix-thing-i-hate-about-phone-link/
I spent two hours with Googlebooks. Here are the 8 most important things to know: Google's new Googlebook laptops are finally launching. Are they any good? ...
androidauthority.com/googlebooks-hands-on-impressions-3713390/
Forget Phone Link; this ad-free open source app beats it in every category: This one belongs on my list of must-haves
androidpolice.com/forget-phone-link-this-ad-free-open-source-app-beats-it-in-every-category/
Windows 11 may finally let you turn off and restart your PC using your phone: It's not a guarantee it'll happen, but there's a good possibility.
xda-developers.com/windows-11-may-finally-let-you-turn-off-your-pc-using-your-phone/
Key FactsPhone Link may gain Android PC power controls
Aug 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Abhijith M B of Windows Latest found the clue in Phone Link’s Android client, Link to Windows.
- The code includes an unused “RemoteControlManager” component, while “isRemotePcControlsV2Enabled” was disabled when found.
- The discovered strings name sleep, restart and shutdown, suggesting a corresponding interface for the Android app.
- The feature remains unconfirmed, pending a Microsoft announcement or its appearance in a testing branch.
Android phones could soon gain the power to shut down, restart, or put your PC to sleep remotely
androidauthority.com/phone-link-remote-shutdown-restart-sleep-3703529/
dlvr.it Aug 13
Everything is better with pickles... except Windows: Operating system indigestion pops up over chicken sandwich ad
theregister.com/offbeat/2026/08/13/everything-is-better-with-pickles-except-windows/5284978
6 tiny, open-source apps that replace Windows bloatware: Get rid of Microsoft's pushy apps and choose these instead
xda-developers.com/6-tiny-open-source-apps-that-replace-windows-bloatware/
Key FactsSix Small Open-Source Alternatives for Windows 11
Aug 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- ShareX is presented as a configurable alternative to Snipping Tool and, in version 17.1.0, requires a little over 50 MB to download and 181 MB after installation.
- Notepad++ expands basic text editing with tabs, syntax highlighting, and Markdown support, while Windows reports that it uses just over 17 MB after installation.
- Flow Launcher speeds up app launches and web searches, can be extended with plug-ins, and occupies about 200 MB after installation according to Windows.
- KDE Connect synchronizes notifications and files with smartphones, LocalSend transfers files across platforms on a local network, and VLC plays numerous media formats; their Windows downloads are about 81 MB, under 15 MB, and 43 MB respectively.
"tiny" is subjective, but I aimed to include the smallest apps I could find that still offer a great experience.— The article's author explains that the term 'tiny' is subjective and that they aimed to include the smallest apps possible that still offer a good experience.
Forget Phone Link; this ad-free open source app beats it in every category: This one belongs on my list of must-haves
androidpolice.com/forget-phone-link-this-ad-free-open-source-app-beats-it-in-every-category/
New Windows 11 Experimental builds bring smarter Search, Phone Link previews, and more
neowin.net/news/new-windows-11-experimental-builds-bring-smarter-search-phone-link-previews-and-more/
Microsoft could improve a key Windows 11 experience that indirectly stops high RAM usage
neowin.net/news/microsoft-could-improve-a-key-windows-11-experience-that-indirectly-stops-high-ram-usage/
Key FactsWindows 11 Phone Link Overhaul to Enhance Usability
Jul 13, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
- Microsoft is redesigning Phone Link to improve integration with Windows 11’s user interface and experience.
- A new phone flyout in the taskbar will provide quick access to features like Do Not Disturb and Find My Phone.
- Drag-and-drop file sharing onto the phone icon is being tested to simplify transferring files to smartphones.
- Plans include a standalone Messages app and expanded clipboard history syncing while addressing high RAM consumption.
I thought linking my phone and PC was pointless, but now I wouldn't have it any other way
xda-developers.com/phone-link-windows-pointless-until-i-used-it/
WindowsCentral Jun 14
“Bring Android apps to Windows.” Ten years later, Microsoft’s app-gap problem still exists, but we have AI and Phone Link as alternatives
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-10/bring-android-apps-to-windows-ten-years-later-microsofts-app-gap-problem-still-exists-but-we-have-ai-and-phone-link-as-alternatives
Stop Squinting at Your iPhone. Here's How to Use Apple Messages on a Windows PC: For this to work, you’ll need a Microsoft account, the Phone Link app on your ...
pcmag.com/how-to/stop-squinting-at-your-iphone-how-to-use-apple-messages-on-windows-pc
Your Phone Link setup on Windows could be at risk from this Trojan: A new report reveals how attackers are exploiting a familiar Windows app to access sensitive ...
androidauthority.com/microsoft-phone-link-trojan-3664066/
Computerworld May 06
Stealthy malware abuses Microsoft Phone Link to siphon SMS OTPs from enterprise PCs
computerworld.com/article/4167111/stealthy-malware-abuses-microsoft-phone-link-to-siphon-sms-otps-from-enterprise-pcs-2.html
Microsoft Phone Link: Everything You Need to Know (and Why You Might Skip It): If you ever wished you could access your iPhone or Android device directly on a ...
cnet.com/tech/computing/microsoft-phone-link-everything-you-need-to-know-android-iphone/
Windows 11's Phone Link now lets Android apps run 'almost' full-screen: The new feature, which is being rolled out via Microsoft Store, requires a compatible ...
pcworld.com/article/3025792/windows-11s-phone-link-now-lets-android-apps-run-almost-full-screen.html
Your next prebuilt PC might arrive with memory loss: Facing RAM shortages, Paradox Customs is offering prebuilts without memory, shifting compatibility and ...
digitaltrends.com/computing/your-next-prebuilt-pc-might-arrive-with-memory-loss/
It just got a lot easier to control a Windows 11 PC with your Android phone: With new features in the Link to Windows app, your phone becomes a remote control ...
digitaltrends.com/computing/it-just-got-a-lot-easier-to-control-a-windows-11-pc-with-your-android-phone/
Love the Now Brief on Galaxy phones? Google just built something better: Google Labs’ new CC experiment uses Gemini to send a daily “Your Day Ahead” email that ...
digitaltrends.com/computing/love-the-now-brief-on-galaxy-phones-google-just-built-something-better/
Running Android apps on your Windows 11 PC is about to feel slightly better: Android app streaming on Windows 11 is getting a subtle upgrade. A new expanded mode ...
digitaltrends.com/computing/running-android-apps-on-your-windows-11-pc-is-about-to-feel-slightly-better/
AT&T Boosts 5G Speed With New Spectrum Frequency in US
cnet.com/tech/mobile/at-t-boosts-5g-speed-with-new-spectrum-frequency-in-us/
Own an Android phone? 12 settings I changed to greatly extend its battery life: Battery draining too fast? Consider these 12 expert-approved tips to make your ...
zdnet.com/article/own-an-android-phone-12-settings-i-changed-to-greatly-extend-its-battery-life/
Is Leaving Your Phone Plugged In Bad for the Battery? Apple, Samsung and Google Weigh In
cnet.com/tech/mobile/is-leaving-your-phone-plugged-in-bad-for-the-battery-apple-samsung-and-google-weigh-in/
The Truth Behind Always Charging Your Phone and Battery Life Explained: Here's the science behind your phone's battery life. Apple, Google and Samsung weigh in ...
cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-truth-behind-always-charging-your-phone-and-battery-life-explained/
Best Products Nov 20 25
5 Flip Phones That Blend Futuristic and Retro Tech Into One Neat Package: We got our hands on a few flip phones from Samsung, Motorola, and more ...
bestproducts.com/tech/electronics/g2938/best-flip-phones/
Ziff Davis Nov 10 25
Microsoft Eliminates Photos From Phone Link, Directs Users to File Explorer Instead
extremetech.com/computing/microsoft-eliminates-photos-from-phone-link-directs-users-to-file-explorer
Our Thanksgiving travel forecast has landed! 🛬 Before you head to the airport, check out the latest stats and see how U.S ... Show more
U.S. Airlines are Gearing Up for Thanksgiving Travel | Airlines For America
U.S. Airlines are Gearing Up for Thanksgiving Travel | Airlines For America
Heading to a Protest? Lock Down Your Phone First. Here's How: Hitting the streets to make your voice heard can be dangerous. Still, it's your right ...
pcmag.com/explainers/how-to-lock-down-your-phone-for-a-protest
How to Turn Off or Restart an iPhone: There are many reasons you might need to restart or power down your iPhone, but the process differs depending on which one ...
pcmag.com/how-to/turn-off-restart-iphone
How Much Can Seniors Save With Mint Mobile’s 55+ Plan?: Mint Mobile is offering a $15 monthly plan for adults 55 and up with unlimited talk and text and 5 GB of ...
kiplinger.com/personal-finance/shopping/seniors-plan-mint-mobile
Don't Let Poor Phone Service Ruin Your Day. Here's How to Boost Your Cell Reception
cnet.com/tech/mobile/dont-let-poor-phone-service-ruin-your-day-heres-how-to-boost-your-cell-reception/
Stop Eyeing a New Phone. Here's How to Make Your Slow Android Lightning Fast Again
cnet.com/tech/mobile/stop-eyeing-a-new-phone-heres-how-to-make-your-slow-android-lightning-fast-again/
How to Boost Your Phone Signal for Better Reception This Holiday Season: If you're traveling for the holidays and struggling with bad reception ...
cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-boost-your-phone-signal-for-better-reception-this-holiday-season/
Is Always Charging Your Phone Bad for the Battery? Apple, Samsung and Google Weigh In
cnet.com/tech/mobile/is-always-charging-your-phone-bad-for-the-battery-apple-samsung-and-google-weigh-in/
Having Your Phone Face Up on the Table Is Bad Manners: Don't phone snub your family and friends: Keep your screen hidden from view.
cnet.com/tech/mobile/having-your-phone-face-up-on-the-table-is-bad-manners/
All the preinstalled apps you can safely delete from your Samsung Galaxy phone: Don't let bloatware clutter your new device
androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-apps-can-be-deleted-smartphone/
Cosmo.ph Nov 09 25
If your screen time's getting scary, here's how to unplug—minus the boredom.
Link to the full story in the comments.
READ HERE: Put Down Your Phone—Here's Why Going Analog Might Actually Save Your Sanity
IBM’s CEO Says Jamie Dimon Is Wrong About Not Using Your Phone in Meetings: CEOs at JPMorgan and IBM reveal different philosophies when it comes to their ...
inc.com/ava-levinson/ibms-ceo-says-jamie-dimon-is-wrong-about-not-using-your-phone-in-meetings/91261045
Cult of Mac Nov 01 25
Everything new in iOS 26.1: Tone down Liquid Glass, if you dare: In addition to a bunch of much-needed bug fixes, iOS 26.1 brings tons of new features ...
cultofmac.com/guide/ios-26-1-new-features
Key FactsSix Key iPhone Enhancements in iOS 26.1 Update
Nov 3, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: macrumors.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: macrumors.com
- iOS 26.1 introduces adjustable opacity settings for the Liquid Glass interface, enhancing contrast systemwide.
- Users can now disable the swipe-to-open camera gesture on the Lock Screen to avoid accidental launches and battery drain.
- The alarm dismissal method requires a slide gesture by default, reducing unintended deactivations, with an option to revert.
- Background Security Improvements enable automatic, silent installation of critical security patches between major updates.
Bring Your Phone to Metro and Get Unlimited 5G for $25 a Month: Metro by T-Mobile says no problem to no activation fees and no price hikes for five years.
pcmag.com/deals/bring-your-phone-to-metro-and-get-unlimited-5g-for-25-a-month
8 Android Auto settings you didn't know you needed to change: Get more control over Android Auto with these setting changes
androidpolice.com/android-auto-settings-to-change/
Here’s What Happens When Your Phone’s Clock Changes Itself on Nov. 2: Time repeats, man. For some reason, the time change will occur at 2:00:01 a.m ...
gizmodo.com/heres-what-happens-when-your-phones-clock-changes-itself-on-nov-2-2000680435
The Easiest Ways to Make Your Slow Android Phone Feel New Again: If your Android is slowing down, these quick performance tweaks can help.
cnet.com/tech/mobile/the-easiest-ways-to-make-your-slow-android-phone-feel-new-again/
Can’t put your phone down? You’re not alone.#Smartphone addiction is on the rise around the world. It brings with it a range of health risks ... Show more
How Japan is tackling the rising tide of smartphone addiction
How Japan is tackling the rising tide of smartphone addiction
Your Phone Signal Doesn't Have to Suck. Here's How to Fix It.: If you're struggling with a weak connection, these expert tips will help you get more bars.
cnet.com/tech/mobile/your-phone-signal-doesnt-have-to-suck-heres-how-to-fix-it/
All the preinstalled apps you can safely delete from your Samsung Galaxy phone: Don't let bloatware clutter your new device
androidpolice.com/samsung-galaxy-apps-can-be-deleted-smartphone/
Your Android phone's most critical security feature is turned off by default - how to enable it ASAP
zdnet.com/article/your-android-phones-most-critical-security-feature-is-turned-off-by-default-how-to-enable-it-asap/
Just How Annoying Is Driving the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Without Apple CarPlay?: Google built-in does a solid job covering the basics, but it’s not perfect.
motortrend.com/reviews/2025-chevrolet-blazer-ev-rs-rwd-yearlong-review-update-6-google-built-in-no-apple-carplay-android-auto
Just How Annoying Is Driving the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV Without Apple CarPlay?: Google built-in does a solid job covering the basics, but it’s not perfect.
motortrend.com/reviews/2025-chevrolet-blazer-ev-rs-rwd-yearlong-review-update-6-google-built-in-no-apple-carplay-android-auto
How to Disable Some or All AI Features on your Samsung Galaxy Phone: Don't need all of the AI features on your Samsung Galaxy phone? Here's how to turn them off.
cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/how-to-disable-some-or-all-ai-features-on-your-samsung-galaxy-phone/
Google Security Feature Now Lets You Phone a Friend to Recover Your Account: Recovery Contacts, which lets a trusted friend verify your identity for you ...
cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/google-security-feature-now-lets-you-phone-a-friend-to-recover-your-account/
Change These 24 iOS Settings for a Better iPhone Experience: You might not know about all of these iOS settings, but they let you tweak your experience and get ...
cnet.com/tech/mobile/change-these-24-ios-settings-for-a-better-iphone-experience/
Is Your Phone’s Next Upgrade a Big-Ass Subwoofer?: Bose and this major phone maker sure seem to think so.
gizmodo.com/redmi-k90-pro-max-bose-speaker-subwoofer-2000675450
Gizchina Oct 22 25
One UI 8.5: 5 Features That Could Make Galaxy Users Obsessed: Samsung One UI 8.5 brings AI photo editing, customizable quick settings, and DeX upgrades to Galaxy ...
gizchina.com/samsung/one-ui-85-5-features-that-could-make-galaxy-users-obsessed
Does Keeping Your Phone Plugged In All the Time Damage Your Battery?: Modern smartphones can safely stay plugged in overnight, but temperature and charging ...
cnet.com/tech/mobile/does-keeping-your-phone-plugged-in-all-the-time-damage-your-battery/
I Bricked My Phone for 2 Weeks. My Brain Feels Much Better.: I miss the days when being online meant sitting in front of a computer. But blocking distracting ...
nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/brick-phone-lock-review/
Andrew Yang Wants to Pay You to Use Your Phone Less: Noble Mobile is giving customers money back for not doomscrolling. Here’s why Mark Cuban and Scott Galloway ...
inc.com/nancy-scola/andrew-yang-wants-to-pay-you-to-use-your-phone-less/91254118
Paid articlePaywallIs My Phone Actually Waterproof? IP68, IPX8 Ratings Explained: Can you take your iPhone or Android phone swimming? Here's what those IP water-resistance ratings ...
cnet.com/tech/mobile/is-my-phone-actually-waterproof-ip68-ipx8-ip-ratings-explained/
102 Expert iPhone Tricks You Should Know: Think you know iOS inside out? Trust us, there's way more to uncover. Unlock your iPhone's full potential with these ...
pcmag.com/explainers/expert-apple-iphone-tips-tricks-to-know
Instagram Is Not Using Your Phone's Microphone to Listen to You, Adam Mosseri Says
cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/instagram-is-not-using-your-phones-microphone-to-listen-to-you-adam-mosseri-says/
Using Your Phone on the Toilet Could Contribute to Hemorrhoids, Study Finds: Plus, it's gross. Don't linger on the can, if you can, man.
cnet.com/tech/mobile/using-your-phone-on-the-toilet-could-contribute-to-hemorrhoids-study-finds/
Clearing Out Your Android Phone Browser's Cookies, Cache Removes Junk Files Fast: Stop letting old website data clog up your phone.
cnet.com/tech/mobile/clearing-out-your-android-phone-browsers-cookies-cache-removes-junk-files-fast/
This phone 'repair' dongle promises big fixes for $5 - so I put it to the test: It's one of those gadgets that claims to make your phone like new again ...
zdnet.com/article/this-phone-repair-dongle-promises-big-fixes-for-5-so-i-put-it-to-the-test/
Too many junk calls to your iPhone? Try Apple’s new iOS 26 call screen feature: Part of the newly released iOS 26, Apple's screening feature has been ...
newsroom.ap.org/detail/OneTechTipAnnoyedbyjunkcallstoyouriPhoneTrythenewiOS26callscreenfeature/4f395e9c6154a8a21db933dc4bd44868/text
Is Your Phone's Layout Boring You To Death? Here Are 4 Easy Ways to Personalize Your Android
pcmag.com/how-to/android-phone-layout-customization
How to Block a Number on Your iPhone or Android Device: Regardless of whether you have an iPhone or an Android, blocking annoying calls and texts only requires a ...
pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-block-a-number-on-your-smartphone
WIRED Jun 12 25
How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance: Law enforcement has more tools than ever to track your movements and access your communications ...
wired.com/story/how-to-protest-safely-surveillance-digital-privacy/
Best Products Oct 11 25
If You’re Struggling to Put Your Phone Down, These Gadgets Act as a Healthy Distraction
bestproducts.com/tech/g68917360/gadgets-to-curb-your-phone-addiction/
8 Ways to Improve Your Phone's Signal Strength: No bars on your phone? Slow mobile data? Here are the top tested ways to fix your mobile signal.
uk.pcmag.com/mobile-phones/131637/how-to-improve-mobile-signal-strength
We’ve tested hundreds of iPhone accessories. Here are 15 we actually use every day
cnn.com/cnn-underscored/electronics/best-iphone-accessories
Getting too many spam calls? New iPhone iOS 26 call screen feature could help: Call screening introduces a layer between you and callers whose numbers you do not ...
euronews.com/next/2025/10/09/getting-too-many-spam-calls-new-iphone-ios-26-call-screen-feature-could-help
