Microsoft's Windows 11 has a long way to go to catch up with Apple's seamless Handoff feature. While both operating systems offer ways to access phone content on your computer, Apple's solution is a cut above the rest.
Microsoft's Phone Link allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously on your PC, but Apple's Continuity feature, known as Handoff, takes it a step further. Handoff enables you to work in the same app across your phone and computer, a feature that has been around for over a decade. Windows' equivalent, called Resume, is a recent addition and lags behind in app support and user-friendliness.
But here's where it gets controversial... Microsoft's Resume feature is currently limited to a select few apps, primarily those that use OneDrive for cloud storage. This includes Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint. Edge, surprisingly, doesn't support Resume, despite being a Microsoft product.
In contrast, Apple's Handoff supports all first-party Apple apps and many third-party apps, including Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft 365 editors. However, some connections require storing app data in iCloud or a third-party cloud.
And this is the part most people miss... Windows 11's Resume feature lacks the ability to move from desktop to mobile, a capability offered by Apple's Handoff. While Microsoft may not have the same control over phone hardware as Apple, it should still strive for a comprehensive solution.
The Reality Check: Testing Resume revealed a trial-and-error process. Editing a document on a Samsung Galaxy phone, I expected to resume work on my PC's Word app. Instead, I encountered a strange notification in the mobile panel. After some troubleshooting, I discovered the issue: system notifications were turned off. Turning them on and simply locking the PC resulted in the desired Resume icon.
A Confusing Overlap: Windows 11 also retains a feature called Phone Link Task Continuity, which has a similar name and function to Resume. However, Task Continuity has been around longer and works with more apps, supporting document links, music tracks, and website URLs. Microsoft is pushing developers towards the newer Resume system, but the transition could cause issues. Apple's singular vision and consistency in this area are commendable.
The Bottom Line: Resume needs significant improvements to match Apple's Handoff. Microsoft should prioritize integrating all its first-party, cross-platform apps and popular third-party apps like Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Chrome, and music/video streaming apps. With Apple's features constantly evolving, Microsoft has its work cut out.
