Dell is pulling the plug on its Mobile Connect app that allows users to connect their Android or iOS smartphone to their Dell or Alienware Windows PC. Pairing a phone and a computer together is a valuable feature that enables users to access features on their phone right from their computer's screen. For example, the Dell Mobile Connect app and Alienware Mobile Connect app allow users to remotely use their smartphone right from the screen of their PC.
All they have to do is install the companion mobile app on their smartphone and the Mobile Connect app on their Bluetooth-enabled Dell or Alienware PC, and then pair both devices. When paired, users can make and receive phone calls, send and receive SMS and view notifications on their PCs. They can also mirror their phone's screen and access its apps from their PC.
As helpful as it sounds, Dell has revealed that it is discontinuing the software, and it will no longer be available for download. According to Windows Central, Dell has announced that the app will no longer be available for download by the end of July 31, 2022, and will be discontinued on Nov. 30, 2022. However, those in Canada, Japan and the United States will no longer be able to download the app by Nov. 30, 2022, while Dell will terminate the service by Jan. 31, 2023. The source has also noted that the app doesn't come pre-installed with the new XPS 13.
There Are Alternatives
Dell didn't say why it is terminating the app, considering it is a pretty useful one. Nevertheless, there are alternative apps that provide a similar function. One of them is Microsoft's Phone Link (formerly known as Your Phone) which allows users to connect their Android smartphones to their Windows PCs. Some Android smartphones, such as some of Samsung's Galaxy smartphones, even come with the feature natively built-in. Unfortunately, unlike Dell Mobile Connect, Phone Link only supports Android devices.
Another alternative that's much better than Microsoft's solution but which is yet to be available is Intel's Screenovate screen sharing technology. Announced at Consumer Electronics Show 2022, the software technology allows users to connect Android phones and tablets, iPhones, Chromebooks, smartwatches and Smart TVs to an Intel Evo PC. A demo by Intel showed users could link their smartphones to their supported Windows PC and receive and make calls, send and receive SMS, view notifications, and even mirror their screens. Intel even takes it further with Android tablets.
The demo video showed that a connected Android tablet could serve as a secondary touch display for a Windows PC. Interestingly, a similar feature is available on the recently announced Nokia T10 budget tablet. Intel also demonstrated that wearables paired to the connected smartphone could also be accessed on the Windows PC. Intel's Screenovate is undoubtedly better than Microsoft's solution but won't be available until later this year on Intel Evo PCs. It is essential to mention that Screenovate powered Dell's Mobile Connect service, but Intel acquired the Israeli startup in 2021. This might be the reason why Dell is ending its service.
Source: Windows Central, Intel