Microsoft tests new Office feature for Android devices

Microsoft, in an attempt to further bridge the gap between Android and Windows devices, has started testing a new feature for its Office tools. The Redmond giant has rolled out a new feature for Office Insiders which will enable users to add pictures from their Android phone to the web versions of Word and Powerpoint. The company has updated its official blog post to announce the new feature which will work only for Microsoft 365 subscribers. This feature is currently restricted to Office Insiders and will be available only on the web versions of the productivity tools. Microsoft is expected to roll out this feature for more users in the upcoming days.
This feature will help users to insert pictures into a Word document or a Powerpoint presentation directly from their Android device. Microsoft’s “Link to Windows” app which is available on multiple Android phones will power the new feature. This Microsoft app also comes pre-installed on some Samsung phones and the Surface Duo foldable devices.

How will this feature work
At first, Microsoft 365 subscribers will have to connect their Android device through the Link to Windows app for this feature to work. After the Android device has been linked with a QR code, users will find a new option called “Mobile Device” while trying to insert an image in Word or Powerpoint.
By selecting this option, users will be able to browse through the gallery of their Android device and can directly add an image to the web versions of Word or Powerpoint.
Link to Windows app
Microsoft’s “Link to Windows” app on Android also powers the Phone Link feature that helps Windows 10 and 11 users to access the apps that are present on their phones. Users with linked devices can access their phone’s apps, calls, messages, notifications and some quick settings directly from their PCs.

This might be the first time Microsoft is expanding the Link to Windows app beyond the Phone Link functionality with this new Office feature. The company also recently revealed that the Phone Link feature will soon be able to access Android mobile hotspots on Samsung devices. The hotspot feature is also expected to arrive for the Surface Duo devices in the upcoming days.