Intel discontinues Unison for Windows 11, recommends transitioning to a different cross-device solution
In a significant shift for tech enthusiasts, Intel has recently announced the discontinuation of its Unison service. Designed to allow users to transfer files and share data between different devices, including Windows, iOS, and Android, Unison was part of Intel's Evo program and aimed to compete with Apple's AirDrop and AirPlay.
The decision to discontinue Unison may be attributed to several factors. Intel, facing financial challenges and refocusing on its core business, may have found it necessary to cut costs, with Unison being part of this process. Additionally, the rise of Microsoft's Phone Link app, offering similar features and integration directly with Windows, has made Unison less competitive in the market.
With Unison now a thing of the past, Windows users are left seeking alternatives for multi-device integration and file sharing. Here are some options to consider:
1. **Microsoft Phone Link** - **Features**: Microsoft Phone Link allows users to share files, view notifications, and control their smartphone from their PC. It is integrated into Windows and supports Android devices. - **Advantages**: As a default choice built into Windows, Phone Link is easy to use and frequently updated with new features.
2. **AnyDesk** - **Features**: AnyDesk focuses on remote desktop functionality, allowing users to access and control devices remotely. - **Advantages**: Secure and reliable for accessing devices remotely, AnyDesk can be used for broader device integration.
3. **Snapdrop** - **Features**: Snapdrop is a simple file-sharing service that allows users to transfer files between devices using a web-based interface. - **Advantages**: Easy to use without requiring an app installation, Snapdrop supports multiple platforms.
4. **AirDroid** - **Features**: AirDroid offers file transfer, remote access, and notification management between Android devices and PCs. - **Advantages**: AirDroid boasts a comprehensive set of features for managing Android devices from a PC.
For those deeply integrated into the Windows ecosystem, Microsoft Phone Link is a prime choice. However, for users seeking a more versatile solution, alternatives such as AnyDesk, Snapdrop, and AirDroid offer various functionalities that can replace the features offered by Intel Unison.
In the words of our senior editor Jez Corder, Phone Link is "the best feature Windows has received in the past decade." As we bid farewell to Intel Unison, these alternatives offer a promising future for seamless multi-device integration on Windows.
- With the demise of Intel's Unison service, Windows users might consider updating their software to Microsoft's Phone Link app, which offers data-and-cloud-computing features similar to Unison and is seamlessly integrated with Windows.
- Microsoft Phone Link isn't the only option for Windows users seeking alternatives to Unison. For instance, they could explore software like AnyDesk, renowned for its remote desktop functionality and compatibility with a variety of devices.
- In the market for a simple yet effective alternative to Unison, users might find success with Snapdrop, a file-sharing service that can be utilized across multiple platforms without the need for app installation.
- For those primarily using Xbox and Android devices, AirDroid could be an enticing alternative, offering features like file transfer, remote access, and notification management between devices—perfect for a technologically diverse setup.
