Microsoft phone link adds text extraction from images

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• Microsoft Phone Link will soon allow users to extract text from images synced from Android phones.
• The new feature is currently available in Release Preview Insider builds and will be rolled out to all users soon.
• Phone Link syncs calls, messages, notifications, and images from Android phones, with limited support for iOS devices.

Microsoft is rolling out a significant update to its Phone Link software, bringing a much-anticipated feature that allows users to select and copy text directly from images synced from their Android phones. This enhancement is currently available in Release Preview Insider builds, hinting at an imminent release to all users in the near future.

Microsoft phone link update

Microsoft’s upcoming update to Phone Link will introduce a feature allowing users to extract text from images synced from their Android phones. Currently available in Release Preview Insider builds, this new capability will soon be rolled out to all users. Phone Link, also known as Link to Windows on Android devices, facilitates syncing calls, messages, notifications, and images, with limited support for iOS devices. This update aims to enhance user convenience by integrating text extraction directly within the app.

Comprehensive phone link features

Phone Link, which is known as Link to Windows on the phone side, serves as a comprehensive bridge between Android phones and Windows computers. Beyond just text extraction, it facilitates seamless synchronization of various data types such as calls, messages, notifications, and images. Although its functionality is more limited with iOS devices, primarily focusing on syncing notifications, messages, and calls over Bluetooth, it still offers a valuable cross-device integration solution for Windows users.

Also read: What is the market share of iPhone vs Android in Europe?

Streamlined text extraction

With the latest update, Phone Link users can now extract text from images directly within the application, eliminating the need for additional steps or external tools. This integration of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology within the app streamlines the process, making it more convenient for users to utilize text from images in their workflow.

Performance insights

Initial testing reveals that the OCR functionality within Phone Link produces decent results, albeit with slightly more errors compared to similar features found on competing platforms like Samsung or Apple. For shorter snippets of text, the in-app extraction may suffice; however, for longer passages, users may find better accuracy by employing cross-device copy and paste functionality, extracting the text on their phone before transferring it to their PC.

Version details

The text extraction feature is currently available in Phone Link version 1.24051.91.0. It has been tested in Insider Preview Build 22635.3646, which is part of the Beta Channel, indicating a steady progression towards a wider release. This incremental update underscores Microsoft’s commitment to refining its cross-device integration solutions and enhancing the user experience across its ecosystem.