Windows will soon let you grab text from your Android photos
Windows to Extract Text from Android Photos?
Microsoft's upcoming Phone Link update allows users to select and copy text directly from images synced from their Android phones. This feature is currently available in Release Preview Insider builds and is expected to be released to all users soon. The Phone Link app already supports syncing calls, messages, notifications, and images from Android to Windows, and offers limited functionality with iOS devices. The new in-app text extraction feature builds on existing capabilities, making it more convenient by eliminating the need for additional steps previously required with tools like the Windows Snipping Tool.
What new feature does the upcoming version of Microsoft Phone Link offer regarding text and images?
The upcoming version of Microsoft Phone Link offers a new feature that allows users to select and copy text from within images synced from their Android phone5. This feature uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to detect text within an image, making it possible for users to copy that text for easy pasting into other applications6. The feature is currently live in Release Preview Insider builds and is expected to roll out to everyone soon5.
How does Phone Link's functionality differ when used with iOS devices compared to Android devices?
Phone Link's functionality differs when used with iOS devices compared to Android devices in several ways.
For Android devices, Phone Link allows users to sync calls, messages, notifications, and images from their Android phone to their Windows computer. Users can also cast their entire phone screen onto their Windows PC. This provides a comprehensive integration between Android devices and Windows PCs.
On the other hand, for iOS devices, Phone Link's functionality is more limited. It only syncs notifications, messages, and calls over Bluetooth. This means that users cannot access features like casting their phone screen or syncing photos when using an iPhone with Phone Link.
In summary, Phone Link offers a more comprehensive integration with Android devices compared to iOS devices, due to the limitations imposed by the iOS platform.