Windows 11 receives a MacOS-like “Handoff” function

In the course of the Build conference, Microsoft showed a function called “Cross Device Resume”, which, like Apple’s “Handoff” between MacOS and iOS, should enable a more seamless interplay of apps between Windows and Android. The function can already be found in the release Preview Channel.

“Handoff” function for Windows 11 using the example of Spotify

The function was first sighted in a pre -recorded session of the Microsoft Build 2025. However, the corresponding position was subsequently removed from the YouTube video, Like Windows Central reported. The X-user “Phantomofearth” was able to secure a screenshot of the function.

In Towards the session Show Aakash Varshney, Senior Product Manager for Cross-Devices and experience at Microsoft, the function using the example of Spotify: If users use the app on their smartphone, Windows 11 can in future display a small app icon of the corresponding application in the taskbar. If users click on the app symbol, the Spotify app is opened on Windows and the music playback will continue at the same place where you stopped on your smartphone.

“Cross Device Resume”: New Windows function in the Release Preview Channel

The idea of ​​a more seamless app on Windows is not new: Microsoft tested a similar feature on Windows 10 in 2016. At that time, the function was developed under the code name “Project Rome” and should enable developers to write apps that “can be carried out on several devices and accompany the user when switching between the devices”.

The new cross -device function could be a replacement for “Project Rome”. Since the part of the build session was removed from the video, it should mean that Microsoft was not yet willing to present the cross-device function-at least using Spotify. After all, the “Cross Device Resume” feature is in Release Preview Channel Awarded: The build 26100.4188 initially only offers support for OneDrive files.

Microsoft has been working closer to Windows and smartphones for years. On the smartphone page, the manufacturer offers the “Phone Link” app to make files between the devices more easily and to write heart or to write messages directly on the Windows computer and to accept calls. Most recently, Microsoft had announced that it would enable access to Android and iOS devices directly from the start menu. However, Microsoft wants to make this function available later in Europe.