Microsoft Launches Windows App for iPhone, Android

Microsoft has launched a new app that enables users to run Windows on various devices, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android. After nearly a year of testing, the app has been launched and will serve as a central hub to access remote Windows copies stored in the cloud through services like Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Remote Desktop.^[1]  

The app features a customizable interface, supporting multiple screens and peripherals such as webcams, printers, and storage devices, allowing them to function as if directly connected to the cloud computer. While primarily aimed at work and school accounts, the launch aligns with Microsoft's long-term vision of transitioning Windows to a cloud-based platform, focusing on AI-driven services and enhancing the multi-device experience.

The app is currently available on the Microsoft Store, Apple Store, and in public beta for Android. It also allows users to switch seamlessly between different accounts and enhances the experience for those using multiple cloud services.

Currently, there are no plans to support personal accounts, but Microsoft may offer a version of Windows 365 for regular consumers in the future. 

Earlier this month, the iPhone maker, Apple, unveiled its new iPhone 16, featuring AI-driven capabilities designed to enhance user experience and support sales growth. The iPhone 16 introduces “Apple Intelligence,” a set of AI-powered features that aim to improve functionality across its devices.

In June, Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference 2024 (WWDC) 2024 concluded with a series of product releases topped by Apple Intelligence, a new play in AI. 

Apple Intelligence’s platform is expected to offer individualized and privacy-preserving functions, including contexts, notifications, writing and rewriting services, and image synthesis. Apple Intelligence should be able to execute multiple applications and leverage what cloud-based models provide while being secure about the users’ data.

Apple also partnered with OpenAI to enable Siri to access OpenAI’s ChatGPT in a major improvement, making suggestions or even generating content such as bedtime stories with images. This feature will be free for the users and does not require users to create accounts, allowing them to keep their data private. Siri will also be enhanced in real-time statement correction and will be increasingly integrated into Apple operating systems.