We’re living in a golden age of device capabilities, aren’t we? Think about all the things your smartphone can do like it’s nothing, that 20 or 30 years ago would’ve required a separate piece of bulky, specialized (not to mention expensive!) hardware. We carry mini supercomputers in our pockets that serve as calculators, still and video cameras, gaming consoles, internet browsers, video playback devices, communication hubs, and more.
There’s just one thing that still gets in the way of a truly seamless tech experience: compatibility.
Compatibility Is Holding Us Back
What do we mean by compatibility, exactly? Well, our various devices don’t always play nicely with each other. The go-to example is blue bubbles vs. green bubbles in the group chat, but this kind of incompatibility really shows up in the business world.
Files captured on your smartphone don’t easily transfer to your work PC, or vice versa. iPhone vs. PC gets the most attention, but the truth is this is a problem no matter what two devices you’re comparing (unless they happen to be from the same manufacturer, like Apple or Samsung). Your Android phone doesn’t talk to your iPad or your work PC, and that’s the case no matter which operating systems, hardware makers, or device types you happen to be holding.
Workarounds Exist, But Lack Efficiency and Security
Sure, there are workarounds to these issues. We’ve all emailed files to ourselves a time or two…hundred.
But these methods are incomplete, inefficient, and — sometimes — insecure.
Emailing files to ourselves creates multiple copies or sources of truth. If you change a file after you’ve emailed it to yourself, will you find the right version the next time you go to look for that file? What about if someone else makes changes?
You also face a limit in file size — most videos or other larger file types can’t be attached to an email. Some services offer cloud workarounds, but here again you end up with extra copies of files living in random places.
There’s also a security angle here. There are plenty of files in business that you don’t exactly want to dangle out there as email attachments. Emails can be intercepted, and inboxes can be accessed fraudulently. You probably don’t want your P&L statement or customer database or proprietary information floating out there for the taking.
OK, enough about the problems of the status quo. Let’s talk solutions!
Microsoft’s Latest Innovation Closes the Gap for Android Users
If you’re using an Android smartphone (or tablet) and a Windows PC running Windows 11, Microsoft is prepping an update to Windows 11 that will address the issue of safely and efficiently getting files from your Android device to your work computer.
It will work by allowing Windows 11 File Explorer (that’s the app you usually use to look for files on your computer) to see files on your Android phone directly, kind of like if your Android device were an external hard drive or storage device.
This update will make it faster and easier than it’s ever been to get files off your Android device — and it’s far more secure than previous workarounds.
Imagine being in a meeting and realizing you need a file that’s on your phone. Instead of fumbling through multi-step workarounds, now you’ll be able to pull up that file directly from your work PC.
This feature isn’t quite ready for prime time, but it’s coming soon.
In the meantime, we’re ready to assist your organization with any and all IT needs. Reach out to our team today to get started.