Can you imagine being able to control your Android phone without touching it, directly from your Windows PC? Microsoft has taken a step forward in integration between devices with Phone Connection, a Copilot feature that lets you perform various actions on your phone using natural language commands.
If you're a Windows and Android user, this new option can make many everyday tasks easier, avoiding distractions and improving productivity. Here's how. how it works, what you need to activate it and what you can do with this new integration.
What is Phone Connection and how to use it to control Android with Copilot?
Phone Connection It is an evolution of Microsoft's Phone Link app, but with one key difference: instead of performing actions manually from the app's interface, you can send natural language commands to it. Copilot on Windows to run them on your Android phone.
With this integration, you can:
- Send text messages without touching your phone.
- Set alarms and timers.
- Request information about your saved contacts.
- Search for locations and get directions (available on Samsung models).
- Manage notifications from your PC.
- Control music playback on your phone.
All of this without having to pick up your phone or switch between apps on your computer. These actions are not only convenient, but also align with the use of tools like digital well-being to manage time use on mobile devices.
Requirements for controlling an Android phone with Copilot
Before you begin, it's important to verify that you meet the requirements to activate and use Phone Connection:
- Your phone must have Android 14 or higher.
- You must have set up Phone Link on your Windows PC and successfully paired your phone.
- It is essential to have the latest version of Copilot, available in the Microsoft Store.
- You must use the same Microsoft account both in Copilot and Phone Link.
Additionally, if you have a Samsung phone and want to take advantage of advanced features like canceling alarms or timers, you'll need:
- Samsung device with Android 14 or higher.
- Clock app on version 12.3.21.0 or later.
- Link to Windows Service application in version 3.0.01.7 or later.
How to set up Phone Connection on Windows and Android
If you've already set up Phone Link on your PC and mobile, activating this feature in Copilot is quite simple. Follow these steps:
- Opens Copilot on your Windows PC.
- Click on the profile icon and go to Configuration.
- Look for the option Phone Connection and activate it.
- Verify that your phone appears as connected.
Once activated, you can start using commands in Copilot to interact with your phone.
What commands can you use?
The range of commands you can use in Copilot to control your Android phone is quite wide. Some practical examples are:
- "Send a message to Ana saying I'll be there in 10 minutes.".
- "Set a timer for 30 minutes".
- "Wake me up tomorrow at 6:45".
- "Give me Javier's contact information".
- "Find the nearest Italian restaurant” (available on some Samsung phones).
These types of interactions allow Copilot to become a more useful assistant, integrating more seamlessly with your digital ecosystem, just as you can control other devices from your mobile
Current limitations and aspects for improvement
Despite being a novel and useful feature, it is still in the implementation phase, which means it has some limitations:
- It is only available on the Copilot desktop app, not in its web or mobile versions.
- Not compatible with iPhones, although Microsoft may develop a future version.
- Some orders require manual confirmation from the mobile, which takes away immediacy from the experience.
- At the moment, commands can only be typed, cannot be dictated by voice.
The lack of voice commands is one of the biggest drawbacks, as a more natural interaction would involve being able to talk to Copilot instead of typing. This is a limitation to consider if you want to control someone else's cell phone more intuitively.
Is Phone Connection worth using?
If you spend many hours in front of the computer and need to manage your mobile without being distracted, Phone Connection can be a very useful tool. It allows you to optimize your time and make your digital experience more fluid.
While the feature is still in development and has room for improvement, Microsoft continues to work on updates to expand compatibility and improve performance. If you're looking to better integrate Windows and Android, this integration is a big step in the right direction. Share the guide and help more people manage their teams remotely..