Future Windows versions might offer multi-cross-device experiences compatible with other operating systems

Multi-cross device experiences are the new norm in the tech world, with Samsung, and more recently, Qualcomm, paving new ways to seamlessly integrate all devices for a meaningful and modern interaction across all devices.

Samsung has the Galaxy Connected Experience, which integrates Samsung mobile phones, with Samsung laptops, smartwatches, tablets, and many other devices.

Apps such as Quick Share, which eases the process of sharing files between Samsung devices only recently became compatible with non-Samsung Windows 11 laptops.

On the other hand, thanks to our trusted sources, we found out that Qualcomm will debut a similar MDE experience by launching Snapdragon Seamless, which will integrate all of the Qualcomm-based OEM devices on the market, no matter their OS.

To put into perspective, smartphones, laptops, VR/AR headsets (including the new Meta Quest 3, which is a Qualcomm-hardware-based device), headphones, smartwatches, smart glasses, and even cars could be connected to offer or allow a plethora of new abilities.

We’re talking about Nearby presence, Display extensions, Screen sharing, Fast pair, Camera continuity, Find my device, and many other similar capabilities. All between these devices.

As the MDE concept takes hold, we’ve got good reasons to believe Microsoft is considering approaching and implementing it on the next Windows versions. According to a new patent filed recently by the Redmond-based tech giant, a new technology called Cross-device application discovery and control might be added to the Windows operating systems in the future.

What would a Windows MDE look like?

The patent describes an MDE technology that can be implemented on Windows (but also any other operating system) with the goal of discovering and controlling applications across multiple devices with different operating systems.

Cross device application discovery and control can also be enabled across devices with different operating systems. For example, a first device may be configured to run on a WINDOWS operating system, and it may perform cross device application discovery and control communication with a second device configured to run on a LINUX, ANDROID operating system, an iOS operating system, or another operating system.

The technology would work the same way the current multi-device experiences do: it would detect and activate applications on remote devices.

For example, someone could watch a movie on an Android device, and as soon as they come across a location that has a Windows laptop, the technology would automatically send an activation message to the Windows laptop, asking it for permission to play the movie on it.

Currently, multi-device experiences, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Connected Experience, lack a certain multi-operating system integration. Qualcomm is set to change this by making its Snapdragon Seamless a multi-device, multi-operating system experience.

Microsoft might want to try it too, and if this patent offers any clue, is that the Redmond-based tech giant will do it eventually. The patent gives us an idea of just how many operating systems can be integrated, including Microsoft Windows, Windows Phone, QNX, IBM z/OS, Linux, Android, iOS, OS X, and NetBSD, but any other operating system could be part of the experience.

The Windows MDE technology would also allow connection to computer-readable media, I/O, and network interfaces, which would enable remote control.

If we’re thinking about the multitude of Microsoft products, and devices, such as experience will most probably be explored in future Windows. As the Redmond-based tech giant places all the bets on AI, it wouldn’t be surprising if the multi-cross multi-device Microsoft launches also have AI capabilities.

Even though we don’t know for sure, the patent is a clear sign that Microsoft is taking steps to develop such technology. Could it arrive on Windows 12? Who knows, but we might just get it.

You can read the entire document for the patent here.