Windows 11 Will Soon Support iMessages

The coveted iMessages from Apple are now available on Windows.

‍

iOS 11 supports iMessage.

‍

The PC operating system from Microsoft Corp. seems exciting for the first time since Windows 7 changed software's appearance to resemble glass panes.

‍

Customers will soon be capable of sending and receiving iPhone text messages directly from their Computers, which is perhaps the greatest upgrade and one that was mostly neglected. The business generated some buzz last week for integrating the new Bing chatbot to Windows 11, but this isn't the most exciting improvement.

‍

Although it might seem insignificant, this shows a crack in Apple Inc.'s platform defenses. iMessage has been fiercely guarded by the firm, which sees it as a crucial way to differentiate its goods. Apple has kept the messaging app under lock and key despite protests from competitors and antitrust scrutiny.

‍

In a way, a workaround was employed by Microsoft to obtain the text messages. The outcome isn't as comprehensive as the Mac's Messages software because group texts, images, and video aren't supported in the Windows version. But if the big platform players ever manage to get along, it gives consumers a taste of the conveniences available to them.

‍

Ali Akgun, corporate vice president of Windows and devices at Microsoft, stated that research has shown that customers demand this.

‍

Here's how it operates: Users can sync their mobile devices through Bluetooth by using a Microsoft app called Phone Link. The iPhone receives texts that are delivered from the computer and converts them into iMessages. The iPhone wirelessly transmits received SMS back to the PC.

‍

The technology isn't very ground-breaking. Such features have been available in some autos for years. But for many people, the availability on Windows will be a pleasant convenience.

‍

Certain tech companies have pounded into us the idea that chat apps are exclusive and proprietary going back to the days of BlackBerry Messenger. Apple has known for a long time that restricting iMessage to its users helps prevent iPhone owners from moving to Android.

‍

For a few years, Microsoft has been developing Phone Link, primarily with the goal of enabling interfaces between Windows and Android. The first time I tried Phone Link, I thought it was strange or inappropriate, as if I were violating the privacy of the Google Pixel's messaging app.

‍

I haven't yet had access to the Windows Insider preview, which is the only way to get the iOS features. Although he is an avid Android user, Akgun's wife prefers an iPhone, which served as his personal inspiration for the project. He said, "She ought to be able to send and receive messages from her PC.

‍

Once more, Phone Link is not a complete replacement for an appropriate iMessage app. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has declined to say whether iMessage will be made available on other systems. He remarked in September, "I don't hear our users demanding that we put a lot of attention in on that at this point.

‍

But, Microsoft's Phone Link demonstrates that there is interest in removing the arbitrary barriers between both platforms for non-Apple users, particularly Android users who suffer from taboo green text bubbles among blue iMessages.

‍

The major event

One Airbnb host in Queens, New York, accrued almost $1 million in fines in just one calendar year. This spring, New York City will implement new regulations aimed at preventing the initial listing of unlicensed short-term rental units.

‍

Get charged up

The latest in a string of recent executive exits is Apple's head of cloud efforts.

‍

Thailand plans to invest $57 billion in green technology fields such electric vehicles and advanced electronics.

‍

Democratic US senators requested that the Justice Department investigate the possibility that Thoma Bravo's rental software business is a factor in the nation's rising rents.

‍

After the announcement of a favorable tax scheme providing a refundable company tax of up to €8 million, video game makers are considering moving to Ireland.

‍