Windows 11 is finally getting one of macOS’ best features

Microsoft has released a new preview version of Windows 11 to its Dev and Beta channels that includes an interesting new mobile hotspot tethering feature.

The feature is similar to that seen in macOS and iPadOS, which allows you to turn your computer or tablet into a mobile hotspot without having to turn on your iPhone.

In the Apple version, you can view and select the mobile hotspot feature from an auxiliary device without having to access the hotspot settings from your smartphone to enter a password, Neowin noted.

For the Windows 11 preview, this feature is added to the Phone Link app that is already included in Microsoft’s software. The only catch is that it will only be compatible with a limited number of Samsung smartphones.

Devices will also need to have various requirements to perform the function, including:

• Samsung smartphone with One UI 4.1.1 and above.
• Latest Android 12L update
• A computer with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and Windows 11 build 22621 or later
• A mobile plan that supports hotspots
• Phone Link version 1.22082.111.0 or later
• Link to the Windows app on your Samsung device with version 1.22081.142 or later

Microsoft’s relationship with Samsung so far may allow the brand to easily implement such features in Galaxy smartphones. As this feature is in Dev and Beta stage, there is no word if it will be made available to other Android devices.

Phone Link is an interesting feature that originally came to Windows 11 in February under the name Your Phone. This was a Samsung exclusive feature at the time as well, as part of a partnership Microsoft had with the brand for the launch of its Galaxy S22 series. As part of this collaboration, Samsung models including the Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy S series and Galaxy Note series were also among the devices compatible with your phone, now known as Phone Link.

Microsoft then chose to rebrand and redesign the feature and open up its compatibility with other Android devices outside of Samsung models. Having also introduced a new setup method, Android users can scan a QR code from their phones to pair the feature to their devices.

Microsoft also announced its partnership with the Honor brand and devices including the Honor Magic V, the Honor Magic 4 series and the Honor Magic 3 will be sold with Phone Link enabled.

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