Microsoft has started distributing a beta version of its Phone Link utility. It relays to Windows 11 the iMessages exchanges that we have in Messages on iPhone.
Messages only existing on Apple platforms, you cannot exchange iMessages from your PC as you can with other messaging services, for example WhatsApp.
Microsoft has therefore cobbled together a gateway between iOS and Windows 11, but the possibilities are limited explain The Verge who tested this interaction. This is not a surprise, Microsoft had warned from the outset that compatibility would be reduced since this development was carried out without the collaboration of Apple. The latter still makes Messages exclusive to its platforms.
Windows 11: Phone Link brings iMessage closer to the PC
As expected, the Phone Link app only knows how to display individual conversations on the PC. No way to have those of a group of users. Images and videos are also not carried over and even though one is in Phone Link, notifications of new messages keep piling up in Notification Center on the iPhone.
The main interest is to be able to manage (at least part of) its exchanges without having to interrupt its work on Windows. But there is another ,more, the trading history remains in the app only for the duration of its use. When you turn off your PC or just quit Phone Link, the history of recent conversations is deleted.
Finally, the app allows you to take phone calls from your iPhone from your PC. Microsoft has not given a release schedule for the final version, for the moment it is offered to participants of the program Windows Insider.
